Maryanne Honeycutt Elliott is an Executive and Life Coach, helping people realize their potential not only in business, but in their personal lives, as well.  As part of our “New Year, New You” mantra this month, why not change your perspective on your life?

What do you do for a living?

I work with teams, leaders and individuals who want to get to their “next level” by seeing new possibilities to make shifts, choose differently and get results. When you have a focused, tailored development plan with accountability, it creates the opportunity for a real performance breakthrough.

Most of my clients are from the business community, but frequently our conversations cross over to a related issue in their personal life. Often times it is helpful to have an objective, confidential person to help you develop goals and grow in your personal life, as well.  A good coach helps you look at where you are now and where you would like to be in a variety of areas in your life.

What do you recommend for women who feel stuck?

Acknowledge you are in a time of transition. Create opportunities that allow you to really listen to the voice inside you. Be present to what’s on your mind and the thoughts and feelings below the surface. Ease up on that inner critic. You might also consider reframing the frustration or panic of being stuck with the acknowledgement that being stuck is a sign that you want more in a certain area of your life.

How do you balance your job and your personal life?

Get crystal clear on what fulfills me and go from there. I also find it helpful to be intentional to create stopping points for work, whether that’s daily or scheduling time off. Otherwise, I’m not as present to the moment, and both suffer.

What is the biggest life lesson you have ever learned?

Realizing that life has a lot of chapters. There is hope and possibility present in all things.

Who is your mentor?

Certainly my dad, Dr. Roy Honeycutt was a mentor. Now, Sue Tamme of Baptist East is a consummate leader to me, and Jim England, a Hosparus chaplain, shows me abundant examples of compassion and wisdom.

What is best advice you have received in business?

Always know your numbers. Always.

If you were not in your current job, what would you secretly love to do?

So many things interest me! Though I’m known to burn a grilled cheese, I’d love to be a celebrity chef, an artist or perhaps write a novel.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’d enjoy having a horse. They can show you so much about yourself.

What is your favorite place to go eat?

Harvest, Ramsi’s, La Coop… anything local.