The principles and distinctions that form the basis of the coaching at An Exceptional Life are used in all areas of life. Even so, it is quite common for clients to request coaching in a specific area of life.

Below are some of those areas and how coaching might look.

Business

The most common area that people want coaching in is their work. One of the things I notice is that people are willing to spend far more money to make their business life better than they are willing to have an amazing relationship or a personal life filled with peace. It’s understandable from the point of view of a financial investment, but I insist that clients get more than a financial return.

I offer a package for companies that want to provide coaching to their employees.

I am on-call for the employees (up to two hours a week) and do an hour of coaching with the owners and/or management team. That can look like a separate meeting or feedback on meetings that I sit in and observe. This allows me to support the environment that management is committed to having at both an organizational (top-down) and individual level.

This package is $2,500 per quarter and is generally done in person.

I also do individual coaching for entrepreneurs and executives as a one-on-one package.

While the coaching will look at all areas of life, the measures and homework will center on the business results that the client wants to produce.

Relationship

In 2008 two close friends of mine announced they were getting married. I had known them both separately for many years, they had met at a party I threw, and I had coached them both seperately and inside of their relationship. I was honored when they asked me to perform the ceremony, but informed them that I was pretty sure there were rules about who could and couldn’t perform weddings. Their response was, “You’re smart, you’ll figure out a way.”

After a few weeks of legal research I became a minister in the Universal Life Church which satisfied both the state of Texas’s and the couple’s requirements. I did a three-month coaching agreement with them leading up to the wedding where we looked at the areas that could cause conflict, found the ways of being that they were both committing to as a married couple, and looked at what were the important messages they wanted to convey to their guests at the wedding. I wrote the ceremony and followed up with them afterwards (to honor my word in their union).

A year later I had another person ask if I would do the same thing for her wedding. It was an honor to work with her and her fiancee to create a unique ceremony and support them in creating their relationship. I have since been told by a number of couples that they wish they would have had similar support and attention leading up to their weddings and I have recently started offering this as a service. It’s a three-month coaching agreement where we look at how to ensure the strength of the marriage starting before the ceremony. I can also write a custom script and perform the wedding upon request, but this is optional.

The personal relationship package is $2,500 for the couple for three months.

Personal

The coaching I do applies to all areas of life. Most of my clients want to experience peace, happiness, or some other experience that seems just beyond their grasp.

None of my clients have terrible lives. The general experience is that there is “Something missing.” Some of them want a boat, or to take a great vacation that leaves them energized instead of feeling that they need another vacation to get over the first one.

The foundation of my coaching program covers the distinctions that touch all aspects of our days and in the first conversation the client will pick the specific results they want to accomplish in three months. Some of the results have been: running a triathlon, buying a boat, taking a vacation with a new partner, creating a relationship with a daughter, and lowering their blood pressure to 80/120.

The three-month coaching program is $2,500 and consists of a one-hour phone call each week, and unlimited contact between calls. That means you can call, text, or email when you want a refresher, want to clarify something, or just want to get in a different frame of mind before Thanksgiving dinner with the family.

Testimonials

The best way to hone one's skills as a Personal Development Coach is to continually experience the power of the coaching process by a fellow Personal Development Coach. Matt Stephans is one of those masterful Coaches of Coaches. Using a direct approach that is non-judgmental and supportive, Matt is able to quickly move his client forward in both perspectives and actions. My experience as Matt’s coachee created an awareness of reality vs. the stories that we tell ourselves as well as how those stories do or do not serve us. This transformational change in perspective has had an enormous impact on my relationships both personal and professional.

Candace Bixler

2018-09-03T21:01:36-05:00

Candace Bixler

The best way to hone one's skills as a Personal Development Coach is to continually experience the power of the coaching process by a fellow Personal Development Coach. Matt Stephans is one of those masterful Coaches of Coaches. Using a direct approach that is non-judgmental and supportive, Matt is able to quickly move his client forward in both perspectives and actions. My experience as Matt’s coachee created an awareness of reality vs. the stories that we tell ourselves as well as how those stories do or do not serve us. This transformational change in perspective has had an enormous impact on my relationships both personal and professional.
My husband and I asked Matt to preside over our wedding because Matt is a true soul that cares about the bond of relationship.  Matt then went over and beyond by not only presiding over our ceremony but help create what my husband and I wanted in our relationship.  Prior to the wedding, we had working sessions that were both emotional and impactful.  The wedding ended up being a fantastic success and we thank Matt for all the help throughout the process.

Kim - Bride

2018-09-03T21:02:32-05:00

Kim - Bride

My husband and I asked Matt to preside over our wedding because Matt is a true soul that cares about the bond of relationship.  Matt then went over and beyond by not only presiding over our ceremony but help create what my husband and I wanted in our relationship.  Prior to the wedding, we had working sessions that were both emotional and impactful.  The wedding ended up being a fantastic success and we thank Matt for all the help throughout the process.
Matt's been a part of my coaches support group for over 2 1/2 years, and in that time I've benefited from his direct, no-nonsense, clear-guidance approach. Matt can get you right up in the face of the thing you need to be dealing with but can't or don't want to see - directly and gently - so you are free to address it in the best way possible. Best of all, the stories and explanations he uses to get you grounded in a 'coached-life' are some of the best I've heard. You will thoroughly enjoy working with and knowing Matt. I have.

Judith Manriquez  - Coach, ICF

2018-09-03T21:04:51-05:00

Judith Manriquez  - Coach, ICF

Matt's been a part of my coaches support group for over 2 1/2 years, and in that time I've benefited from his direct, no-nonsense, clear-guidance approach. Matt can get you right up in the face of the thing you need to be dealing with but can't or don't want to see - directly and gently - so you are free to address it in the best way possible. Best of all, the stories and explanations he uses to get you grounded in a 'coached-life' are some of the best I've heard. You will thoroughly enjoy working with and knowing Matt. I have.
I had the privilege of having Matt Stephans coach me for about 6 months or so while I was at Little Tesoros and it made a huge difference in my life.  In Matt I had support for issues in both my personal and professional life.  Often I would uncover how my own behaviors contributed to situations at work and home, revealing a whole new way to view a "problem".  The actions that were needed to have a different outcome became very clear, and the drama of it was removed and replaced with positive solutions and results.  Matt is great at reminding me to be in action around things that do not work in my life, instead of living in a constant stream of complaints regarding how wrong things around me are.  One of the keys to Matt’s coaching is that he has you create structures to support what changes you want to make in your life.  This is a very simple thing that can have a powerful impact in having the life you want.

The other major take away I have from the time I spent with Matt is the recognition of my impact on the world around me. It’s quite easy to think you are an island but none of us are, and our actions impact those around us whether we notice or not. When I began to practice noticing this, I was shocked in good ways and bad. I realize how important it is to be responsible for the things I do and when I have not, to acknowledge it. For this, my relationships at work and at home are better, and the people in my life feel I do truly care about them, and that makes me feel incredible.

It was a gift to be able to work with Matt. I feel very grateful to both him and my employer for offering such support and being committed to having people be better for having had them in their life, that is truly exceptional.

Jennifer Gasaway - Front Desk

2018-09-03T21:06:18-05:00

Jennifer Gasaway - Front Desk

I had the privilege of having Matt Stephans coach me for about 6 months or so while I was at Little Tesoros and it made a huge difference in my life.  In Matt I had support for issues in both my personal and professional life.  Often I would uncover how my own behaviors contributed to situations at work and home, revealing a whole new way to view a "problem".  The actions that were needed to have a different outcome became very clear, and the drama of it was removed and replaced with positive solutions and results.  Matt is great at reminding me to be in action around things that do not work in my life, instead of living in a constant stream of complaints regarding how wrong things around me are.  One of the keys to Matt’s coaching is that he has you create structures to support what changes you want to make in your life.  This is a very simple thing that can have a powerful impact in having the life you want. The other major take away I have from the time I spent with Matt is the recognition of my impact on the world around me. It’s quite easy to think you are an island but none of us are, and our actions impact those around us whether we notice or not. When I began to practice noticing this, I was shocked in good ways and bad. I realize how important it is to be responsible for the things I do and when I have not, to acknowledge it. For this, my relationships at work and at home are better, and the people in my life feel I do truly care about them, and that makes me feel incredible. It was a gift to be able to...
In 2009 I made a $7,000 up-front subscription to a six month personal development coaching program. After two months I believed I had wasted my money because I was showing little improvement under the Coach who had been assigned to me.

But then things changed. My assigned Coach withdrew and a new Coach appointed – a guy named Matt Stephans. Matt was no overnight success with me (mainly because I was coming from a looooooong way back) but he showed fantastic patience and genuine understanding for the task at hand.

Matt has a thorough knowledge of the coaching process and proved to be intuitive, reliable, incisive, trustworthy, inspiring and a brilliant communicator. He loves what he does and he brought out the best in me. I am the better for having known Matt and the day will come when I will again seek his wise counsel. It is my pleasure to recommend Matt Stephans to anyone seeking a great coach.

Ross Barnett - Sydney, Australia

2018-09-03T21:07:03-05:00

Ross Barnett - Sydney, Australia

In 2009 I made a $7,000 up-front subscription to a six month personal development coaching program. After two months I believed I had wasted my money because I was showing little improvement under the Coach who had been assigned to me. But then things changed. My assigned Coach withdrew and a new Coach appointed – a guy named Matt Stephans. Matt was no overnight success with me (mainly because I was coming from a looooooong way back) but he showed fantastic patience and genuine understanding for the task at hand. Matt has a thorough knowledge of the coaching process and proved to be intuitive, reliable, incisive, trustworthy, inspiring and a brilliant communicator. He loves what he does and he brought out the best in me. I am the better for having known Matt and the day will come when I will again seek his wise counsel. It is my pleasure to recommend Matt Stephans to anyone seeking a great coach.
I enjoyed my sessions with you, and I always looked forward to our phone conversations. You helped me look at situations in a different light or angle and that helped me clear up some past blockages that were holding me back, and I thank you for having the insight and pointing those out to me.

Stephen Colburn

2018-09-03T21:07:24-05:00

Stephen Colburn

I enjoyed my sessions with you, and I always looked forward to our phone conversations. You helped me look at situations in a different light or angle and that helped me clear up some past blockages that were holding me back, and I thank you for having the insight and pointing those out to me.
Matt has a very good coaching approach. Where other coaches I have had have just been good on knowledge and very wise, Matt started to work with the stuff that really mattered to my future growth, and didn't give up before he was sure I had taken a decision on what to do. Matt really does follow up his commitment as a coach and I feel he truly cares about me reaching my dreams.

Kjetil Bråttvik - Stockholm, Sweden

2018-09-03T21:07:48-05:00

Kjetil Bråttvik - Stockholm, Sweden

Matt has a very good coaching approach. Where other coaches I have had have just been good on knowledge and very wise, Matt started to work with the stuff that really mattered to my future growth, and didn't give up before he was sure I had taken a decision on what to do. Matt really does follow up his commitment as a coach and I feel he truly cares about me reaching my dreams.
Matt has been a go-to-guy for me since day one. In every instance where I have witnessed Matt it was 100% on the elements of fun and attainment of objectives. Matt is superlative in this field!

Didier Jean-Francois - Owner, Studio Swing 88

2018-09-03T21:08:26-05:00

Didier Jean-Francois - Owner, Studio Swing 88

Matt has been a go-to-guy for me since day one. In every instance where I have witnessed Matt it was 100% on the elements of fun and attainment of objectives. Matt is superlative in this field!
Matt Stephans is a committed individual to each and every person in the world living the fullest and best life possible.  I'm fortunate enough to have worked with Matt through coaching sessions regarding personal matters in my life.  Matt continued to challenge me as I would approach an area in a way that could be described as dismissive or an excuse.  The work was hard but the reward was great.  Matt was able to help define objectives in my life and see that I could not only get past the trouble spots each of us encounter, but I could thrive while doing so.

K. Tryce - Team Lead

2018-09-03T21:09:09-05:00

K. Tryce - Team Lead

Matt Stephans is a committed individual to each and every person in the world living the fullest and best life possible.  I'm fortunate enough to have worked with Matt through coaching sessions regarding personal matters in my life.  Matt continued to challenge me as I would approach an area in a way that could be described as dismissive or an excuse.  The work was hard but the reward was great.  Matt was able to help define objectives in my life and see that I could not only get past the trouble spots each of us encounter, but I could thrive while doing so.
Matt's approach to life is uncommon and freeing. He deals with the facts, rather than getting caught up in the drama of the situation, but at the same time he's compassionate and sympathetic to your concerns. He "gets" what you're going through, and then he gets you out of it.

David Fried - Owner, DKF Writing Services

2018-09-03T21:09:33-05:00

David Fried - Owner, DKF Writing Services

Matt's approach to life is uncommon and freeing. He deals with the facts, rather than getting caught up in the drama of the situation, but at the same time he's compassionate and sympathetic to your concerns. He "gets" what you're going through, and then he gets you out of it.
Matt is an amazing coach.  Due to his straight forward, no non-sense attitude, he has the incredible ability to cut through the BS and get to the heart of the matter. In our conversations he provided the necessary guidance, gave me the confidence that I required and listened to me bigger than I related to myself.

I. Kazim - NYC

2018-09-03T21:09:59-05:00

I. Kazim - NYC

Matt is an amazing coach.  Due to his straight forward, no non-sense attitude, he has the incredible ability to cut through the BS and get to the heart of the matter. In our conversations he provided the necessary guidance, gave me the confidence that I required and listened to me bigger than I related to myself.