I was recently directed to the following woman’s attention while conducting an inquiry related to my business endeavors. I set some goals for myself to have completed by the end of this year, and not only will I be able to complete those things, but with the blessing of this connection, I will also be a Certified Christian Life Coach! Of all of the numerous accomplishments I’ve earned throughout my lifetime, this particular addition, for so many diverse reasons, means the most to me. Thank You Coach Tribble for making it possible!!!
Here is the story of J Dianne Tribble…
Background
Mrs. Tribble, thank you for your willingness to share a bit about yourself and your experiences with the Sh’Shares NETWORK audience! Will you start by telling us a bit about yourself?
My name is J Dianne Tribble. The J is for Jennifer. I absolutely love my first name; however, it really bothers me for people to call me Jen or Jenny. Several years ago, I had had enough! That day I made the quality decision to have people address me as “J or J Dianne” I am a very happily married woman. My husband and I have been together for nearly 33 years. Next month, we will celebrate our 32nd year of marriage. We are the proud parents of three adult children. I am the founder and CEO of At the Table Life Coaching & Motivational Speaking Services. My services include individual and group Life Coaching sessions, a Life Coach Certification program of instruction, inspiring motivational public speaking, business start-up consultations, proof-reading, and workshop development and facilitation. I am from the state of Tennessee. Growing up, my family consisted of ten siblings. My mother and father worked hard to provide a good life for us. Throughout my childhood, I loved to write and I loved public speaking. As I look back over my life, I was a born leader.
On Being an Author…
Did you always aspire to be an author? How did it come to be?
I started journaling years ago when I was in junior high. Writing was my means of expression and escape. Writing helped me to understand myself and to understand life. While growing up, I never thought about becoming an author, yet today I can say it was something I was destined to become. When I started writing as a pre-teen, it never stopped. I have kept journals for years. Excellent writing skills were birthed from the years I spent journaling and I still faithfully journal today. In 2010, during my first public speaking engagement as a small business owner, I was approached by Ethelbert Nwanegbo, the editor of Entrepreneurs Anchor Magazine. He asked me to write for his magazine. I agreed. When the first publication came out, I stopped by the office to pick up hard copies of the magazine. He called me in his office. There, he showed me three key things. One of the things he told me was that I needed to write a book. He said, “You have something to say that people need to hear.” Because people would receive from me when I speak, he said I needed to have my book available so they would be able to take home a resource. It sounded good; however, making it happen would be a challenge. I had so much material, but no idea what to put in a book. It took quiet times, prayer and meditation, research, and wise counsel to make it happen. I set a S.M.A.R.T. goal and witnessed the fruit of my efforts as The Star Inside of You: Motivational Nuggets & Inspirational Stories of Encouragement came to fruition.
Tell us about your book.
The Star Inside of You: Motivational Nuggets & Inspirational Stories of Encouragement has been written to bring you hope, assurance, enlightenment, and the energy to move forward in tapping into your passion and living your dream. It has been written to build your confidence and to encourage you to do what it takes to win. Through the use of inspiring nuggets and practical life stories, readers are provided essential tools to assist them in their personal quests to get off the “treadmill of life” and start living life to the fullest. This book is dedicated to those who are aspiring to go from good to better to your best. There is a star inside of you. It’s your time to allow your star to illuminate like never before. A world of opportunities is waiting for your passion and purpose to be unveiled and executed. Delay no longer. Get busy today.
What inspired you to write it?
I knew it was something I was good at and I had something to say. I also took my editor of Entrepreneurs Anchor Magazine seriously when he told me I needed to have resources available for my audience to take home, to reinforce my message.
On Living Your DREAMS…
While writing, were there ever any instances where you thought to give up?
I never considered giving up; however, there were times along the way when I got “stuck.” I went through seasons when pulling the material for the book together was very easy. I also hit those seasons when I would spend hours in front of the computer and have little-to-nothing to show for my time. I admit, there were times when I got a bit frustrated. Walking away from the project to spend quiet time or “me time’ always seemed to help. Once I had committed to writing the book, there was no turning back. Like a bulldog on a stick, I was going to complete the book project. Period.
Why didn’t you give up?
Giving up was not an option for me. Writing the book became a burning passion in my heart. I couldn’t shake it and I didn’t want to shake it. I just wanted to know, “What do I write about?” There were followers of At the Table that believed in me. They encouraged me and held me accountable for my goal. I knew I had a message to share which would bless and benefit others. An excitement to complete the project was birthed inside of me. Bottom-line, there were people waiting for my obedience.
Provide an example of sacrifice that you have made for the sake of your career/goals.
The greatest sacrifice which immediately comes to mind was the decision to not seek a new position in Corporate America when my last job ended. This has afforded me the opportunity to work my business ministry. It was a sacrifice because the comfort of a paycheck every two weeks was eliminated. Being self-employed produces fluctuations in income. I have very good financial weeks sometimes, and then there are those weeks when I fall short of my projected financial goal. The temptation is always waiting in the wings shouting, “You better go back to work so you’ll have a real job with real pay.” This is a sacrifice, but it’s well worth it.
Has it all been worth it? Are you fulfilled?
Yes, my journey has been worth it. When I reflect upon the lives which have been impacted, enhanced and changed, I know I am right where I am suppose to be and doing what I am suppose to be doing at this time in my life. My clients appreciate me. As my trainees go through the process of becoming Certified Christian Life Coaches, I know that I am fulfilling my role in equipping the saints for the work of ministry through the vehicle of Christian Life Coaching. Yes, my life is fulfilled. My schedule gets very busy and it’s a real juggling act at times. It produces a bit of pressure, but it’s nothing compared to the stress of working for others.
Overall, what is your focus? What guides you on your path J Dianne?
My primary focus is seeing people win at life. If I can help someone in the areas of self-improvement and image building to gain a positive perspective of herself or himself, it serves as reassurance that I am walking in my purpose. Once the self-confidence is built in my clients and event attendees, there is no limit to what they can accomplish. I have a vibrant relationship with GOD. HE leads and guides me in my endeavors. I could not possibly do the things I am presently doing without HIS divine intervention. HE takes my natural abilities and couples them with HIS super for supernatural results.
In Closing…
J Dianne, knowing where you are now and all you have experienced up until this point, what TWO words of advice would you share with your younger self?
- As soon as I know beyond a doubt what I am purposed to do in life, I must do what it takes to make it happen. Start early. I’ll have more time to perfect my craft and impact more lives.
- Connect with people in my area of interest with more experience and marked success. Once identified, look to learn and glean from them. Take advantage of mentoring as early as possible.
Furthermore, if you could share a word of advice or tip with others, what would you share?
Start dreaming or keep dreaming. It’s not too late to live your dream. Seek the assistance of a good Life Coach to help you in this area. Just having someone to believe in you, is all many people need in order to move forward in their lives. Your dreams are normally connected to your purpose. Until you address this area, you’re subject to have a constant void in your life. You can try to fill it with other things. You might even be able to suppress it for a season. It’s still there. Give it the attention it deserves and watch your life transform and soar.
What do you have in store for your future?
I am working on a train-the-trainer program for my Christian Life Coach certification program. Once this project is complete, I look to start the certification training for interested Life Coaches. One of my goals for 2014 is to have a group anthology written and published. It is entitled, “So You Want to Be a Life Coach.” I’m excited about this project. This book will be written by up to 10 of my Life Coaches and me. We will share our Life Coach backgrounds, coaching experiences, testimonies, and keys to success. Also in my future, I see my certification program moving up to the next level. I see the certification program transitioning to class room training. In the public speaking arena, I see myself traveling as a well sought-after, inspiring motivational speaker.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I am very active in the community. I am an ambassador for PACE Center for Girls, a high-risk girls’ school. At PACE, I teach a weekly Journaling Life Skills class. I also make myself available for various volunteer opportunities with the school onsite and in the community. I also volunteer for Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Awareness Society. I provide image-building workshops for the ladies. I am the co-founder and co-leader of a business women’s professional group called We Are Women in Business. We provide support, education, networking, and community involvement for female business owners and aspiring business owners. I am a member of E3 Business Group. Our focus is to educate, empower, and encourage business owners as we work our businesses and serve our communities. I am a faithful member of Faith Christian Center pastored by Bishop George & Pastor April Davis.
Thank you kindly Mrs. Tribble for taking the time to provide insight into your passion and your path as you fulfill the desires of your heart. Your business ministry has proved to be a huge asset to masses of readers, audiences, your friends, your family and Life Coaches alike!! Please continue to exhort and coach all of us who also aspire to do great things.
“There is a star inside of you. It’s your time to allow your star to illuminate like never before. A world of opportunities is waiting for your passion and purpose to be unveiled and executed. Delay no longer. Get busy today.”
– J Dianne Tribble