Marshall resident Shametra L. Thomas loves success. A self-proclaimed "serial entrepreneur," she's moved through life starting up one business after another, trying to find her niche. Seven years ago, she found her calling. In the game of life, she is a coach.
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Shametra Thomas spends her days working with people to find their personal paths and goals in life.
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"I believe you'll find yourself always doing what you love throughout your life," she said. "I've always counseled and been the 'go-to' person for my friends and loved ones, and I love that. So, I turned it into a business where I can help many others find their personal paths or goals. Life coaching is the bridge from where you are to where you want to be."
A life coach
Shametra said that she was born to be a personal trainer for the psyche through her business, Reinventing Coaching & Consulting.
"When you get to a point in life that you know you need to make a big change or you need help transitioning into a new phase, a life coach acts as a catalyst for that change," she said. "I assist in helping you achieve your personal, business or family goals."
A life coach is a modern blend of a cheerleader, strategist and trusted adviser. Does it sound a little like a therapist? Shametra said make no mistake – there are some real differences between the two professions.
"I think one difference between a licensed therapist and what I do is that a therapist works on your past to figure out why you are who you are," she said. "A life coach works on your present – where you are in life now. Sure, your past shapes you, but it doesn't determine who you'll be in the future; your past is a small part of the big picture of life."
However, Shametra said, to be a professional life coach it's important to take formal classes concerning your role as a coach, and you should be a member of the International Coaching Federation.
Think of it like this: An athlete needs a coach in order for him or her to reach a personal best. The coach pushes that athlete to his or her personal best by listening, encouraging and prodding. That's the idea behind life coaching.
"We meet in one-on-one sessions. In the first session we create a plan by asking questions like 'where are you in life?' and 'where do you want to go?' In three to six months you'll be where you want to be," Shametra said. "These sessions are supported by regular e-mail and focused exercises or 'homework.' These exercises are designed to get you one step closer to your goals."
An inspiration
Shametra, a mother of five, is not only dedicated to her career as a life coach, but also juggles several other projects. After all, as she's said, she's a serial entrepreneur.
Another real passion of hers involves helping others in another capacity. She is the founder of a mentoring group she named The Inspire Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering the lives of individuals who want to live a purposeful and inspired life.
What inspired Shametra to launch this program was a tragic event in her past.
"When I was in junior high, I was going through some things that left me feeling depressed. My school counselor met with my mother to talk about my situation, and the counselor told my mom that basically I wouldn't amount to anything," Shametra said. "That prompted me to work harder, accomplish more things in life and be who I am today. The Inspire Project allows me to mentor and encourage young people so that they can do anything."
Shametra has already worked with and inspired many young people in the three years that this program has been in effect. Between this and her life coaching career, she's looking to positively impact the lives of as many people as possible.
"My dad's a great man. He once told me that if God shows you a problem, he'll give you the solution," she said. "Some people cry and get depressed about circumstances, and to them I say shake it off! The solution is in you somewhere ... you may just need help finding it."
