My annual Client Appreciation event is one of the most rewarding things I do professionally mainly because I get to enjoy my clients all being together. I know the level of commitment these individuals make daily to continual improvement through their high level of being alive, interest in what is good and the constant push to learn.

Watching them interact, I couldn't help but ask myself "What separates these folks from the rest?" The first answers were clear. They had a high degree of being alive.When they laughed, they boldly and genuinely laughed out loud from the pit of their stomachs. The conversations were gregarious yet sincere.

My clients were clearly interested in what each other was saying. Other traits that stood out: passionate about learning and living, passionate about working and playing and being fully alive.

There is a special type of individual who seeks out a coach. This person has self-confidence, loves improvement, is open to fresh ideas and looks for new ways to study ideas. The most brilliant among us have the most to learn. Think of it: how can an individual manifest brilliance anyways?

Brilliant people become that way through a sheer passion to examine their lives and expand their thinking. The more they know, the more doors open to them for more learning allowing them to become even more brilliant. How exhilarating!

Laterally, people who utilize coaches are in upper management jobs. They realize that in their words and actions they influence others. They care enough to take the helm when it would be much easier (thought not an option) to sit back and wait. They actively seek out a new way to improve things whether they are big or little ideas. They know the strength of their opinion and that they trust themselves affects other people. They truly care.

There are others out there who are satisfied with status quo, considering themselves already an expert with no room for exploration and learning. They create symmetry for the rest of us. I am beyond lucky to work with individuals who are willing to commit their time, brilliance, and hearts into making their world (and thus, our world) a better place.

This week look around you. In what areas of your life do you have a passion to learn? Do you influence folks around you when you expand what you know? Are they more motivated, enlightened, curious? Acknowledge yourself for making this difference in their lives as well as your own.

In all ways imaginable, celebrate your passion to learn this week. Enjoy your aliveness and your discoveries and have a great week!