John Maxwell Turned My Life Right Side Up!

It was August 2012. After several years of studying for my master’s degree, coaching certifications, many hours of coaching couples and hosting marriage intensives, it was time for a break. Not a mini-vaca, but a sabbatical.

So my husband and I began a road trip from central Florida to Las Vegas, with multiple stops along the way. We had a terrific time, and as I sat with him drinking in a marvelous Sedona sunset, I remember sharing that while I was completely satisfied with being a coach, and incredibly happy as a wife and grandmother, I was ready for something new in my life – but little did I know that soon that “something” would include a team – ah yes! the John Maxwell team!

Shortly after unpacking, my dear friend Hayley called. Now Hayley rarely asks for anything, so when she invited me to join her on the John Maxwell team, I was intently curious. Why would she think I needed more training – she has been alongside me the last few years as I studied, traveled to seminars, attended conferences. Really?

Little did I know the day I made the call, and joined the Maxwell team, my life would literally be turned upside down – or is it right side up?

For six months I worked with mentor coaches twice a week, listened to hours of speaking, coaching, mentoring, and teaching tapes.

In February 2013 I attended the most fabulous conference ever as I listened to amazing speakers, forged new friendships, received incredible advice from others in the coaching field, and learned from the master himself – John Maxwell.

The wisdom I gleaned from his books pales in comparison to sitting in an audience of a thousand and thinking that he and I are having a conversation together. John’s personality invites others to be as open and authentic as he is, and together we create a team that is ready, willing, and able to come alongside each other and encourage each other to maximize our potential.

At the culmination of the four-day conference, I made an easy decision to sign on for a year of mentorship. Now every day I can listen to my speaking coach, marketing coach, my coaching coach (yes, that’s what I said), my Maxwell philosophy coach, and my leadership coach. My mind is expanded, heart open, physical being stretched and exhausted, and I have expanded my toolbox of ideas on how to integrate personal growth with marriage coaching.

Initially when my husband and I assisted couples with their marriage relationship, we believed that if the couple was given the right set of relationship tools (communication skills, conflict resolution, building intimacy) they would be fully equipped to have a successful marriage.

After ten years, however, we have concluded that some marriages “get it” and some marriages don’t. The marriages that “get it” are comprised of individuals who have personal satisfaction. They look in the mirror and say on a regular basis, “I like you.” They are passionate about what they contribute to society. But honestly, how many people do you know who experience personal satisfaction?

After offering John Maxwell’s 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth mastermind group to individuals, and observing them begin to maximize their potential, their marriage grew to a deeper level. Personal satisfaction leads to increased marital satisfaction.

I feel more prepared than ever to empower people in their relationships. Something certainly changed – our coaching calendar is full; we are booking in advance for our marriage intensives; and we are being invited back repeatedly to speak to audiences. I’m not sharing this to toot my horn. I’m sharing this to tell you about the power of the John Maxwell team. Yes, John Maxwell, and his incredible team, turned my life ………… yes, they turned it right side up.

About the Author

Cindy Jacob Southworth is a marriage and relationship coach, certified through the American Assn of Christian Counselors and a member of the International Christian Coaching Assn.