by ASHLEY MILLER

for the Sequim Gazette

If anybody ever accuses Nathan Funston of being an idealist, there’s no doubt about it: Guilty on all charges.

But if he’s going down, it’s not alone.

“I’ve always been a visionary and a dreamer,” he admitted. “I’ve set out to experience all I could in my life and it excites me to see other people with ordinary lives achieve the extraordinary, too.”

It’s that positive attitude that makes Funston so successful at his most recent endeavor: business and life coaching.

Funston provides confidential and objective personal coaching to people facing difficult life challenges — such as a career transition, relationship stress, death; people wanting to be held accountable for their dreams and goals — like writing a book, perhaps; and those simply seeking a better overall quality of life.

Unlike with counseling, which often focuses on past issues, life coaching assists clients in conquering today with a forward attitude.

“Together we will get out the crayons and draw a picture of what you want your life to be like,” Funston said. “You bring the agenda and watch the magic happen. Short-term and long-term goals provide the plan of action toward any success. It really does work.”

Funston doesn’t tell clients what to do or make decisions for them; he simply guides them in the direction they want to go.

“The client is involved in making all the decisions; I’m just there to facilitate and act as their cheerleader and best friend,” he said. “I help people dream again during what I call the ‘meantimes,’ or the time between where they are and where they want to be.”

Typically, Funston “meets” with clients once a week on the telephone for a 45-60 minute session. He checks in with them a few times throughout the week via Internet, texting or telephone.

 “For some people, it’s easier to be honest and open when it’s not face-to-face.”

Step by step

As a coach, Funston takes every step forward — and bump in the road — personally. It’s not uncommon for the relationship to last six months to a year and a “good fit” is critical to success, which is why he offers a free introductory session prior to establishing a new client.

“I want to talk about where we are today and how fast we can get to where we want to be,” he said, using the term “we” as if the client’s battles are his, too. “It’s exciting for both of us when they finally achieve what they are looking for.”

Funston has worked in the real estate industry since 1992. He’s a certified real estate appraiser, licensed agent and consultant and a published course author nationally for agents and brokers. Beyond real estate, he’s very involved in the music industry and was a semifinalist on Star Search Seattle.

An avid athlete his entire life, Funston combines many of the skills learned in sports and fitness into business.

“Not only are there many similarities, but the better you feel the more success you will have,” he said.

In the near future, Funston hopes to offer a select after-school boys academy providing mentoring and coaching to young men ages 9-15. The special session would focus on sports, academics and life issues for “kids who want to advance and parents who want their kids to advance.”

Funston is certified with the Coach Training Alliance.