Steve Chandler
Steve Chandler is a transformational coach, author, and speaker who has dedicated his life to helping individuals and organizations achieve their full potential. Through his 40 books, numerous seminars, and coaching, Chandler has offered practical wisdom that empowers people to lead with authenticity, take ownership of their lives, and thrive in their personal and professional endeavors. This essay explores his core teachings, offering insights, examples, and actionable takeaways.
Originally from Michigan, Chandler began his career in corporate training and sales before transitioning into coaching. His journey into coaching was shaped by his own challenges, including overcoming addiction and financial struggles, which sparked a deep interest in understanding human behavior and success principles.
Chandler’s approach to coaching is rooted in practicality, humor, and profound insight. At last count, he has authored 40 books, including Reinventing Yourself and The Prosperous Coach (co-written with Rich Litvin), which have become foundational texts in the coaching industry. His unique ability to blend storytelling with actionable advice makes his teachings relatable and impactful.
Often described as charismatic, compassionate, and witty, Chandler has a personality that combines a no-nonsense attitude with genuine warmth. He has a talent for breaking down complex ideas into simple, actionable steps, empowering clients to take ownership of their lives. His philosophy centers on the power of personal responsibility, service, and the mindset shift from “victim” to “owner,” making him one of the most respected figures in the coaching world. By the way, Chandler has been coached by Steve Hardison who I have also written about.
1. Self-Reinvention Through Responsibility
At the heart of Chandler’s philosophy is the belief that individuals have the power to reinvent themselves by taking full responsibility for their lives. In Reinventing Yourself, he distinguishes between the “owner” and “victim” mindsets. An owner takes responsibility for their circumstances and actively shapes their future, while a victim blames external factors and remains stagnant.
Key Example:
A professional feeling unfulfilled in their job can embrace the owner mindset by identifying new career opportunities, acquiring additional skills, or starting a side business. This shift from passivity to agency is a hallmark of Chandler’s approach.
Actionable Takeaway:
Write down one area in your life where you feel stuck. Identify three actions you can take immediately to regain control and move toward a better outcome.
2. Service-Based Client Acquisition
In The Prosperous Coach, co-written with Rich Litvin, Chandler redefines traditional sales methods by emphasizing service over selling. He advocates for coaches to focus on creating powerful, transformative experiences for potential clients rather than relying on hard sales pitches.
Key Example:
A coach struggling to grow their practice might offer complimentary sessions to demonstrate the impact of their coaching. By prioritizing service, they build trust and create natural opportunities for client enrollment.
Actionable Takeaway:
Identify five individuals you can serve powerfully this week—whether through a free coaching session, advice, or support. Focus on giving without expecting anything in return.
3. Mastery of Time Through Immediate Action
Chandler’s Time Warrior challenges conventional time-management strategies that rely on to-do lists and scheduling. Instead, he advocates for a warrior-like approach: tackling important tasks head-on and embracing the present moment.
Key Example:
An entrepreneur overwhelmed by their workload might prioritize one high-impact task each morning, completing it before addressing emails or less critical activities.
Actionable Takeaway:
Each day, identify one significant task that aligns with your goals. Commit to starting and completing it before engaging in anything else.
4. Creativity Through Living in the Present
In CREATOR, Chandler explores how living fully in the present moment unleashes creativity. He teaches that creativity is not a rare gift but a natural human state that can be accessed by letting go of past regrets and future anxieties.
Key Example:
A writer experiencing a creative block might practice mindfulness techniques to quiet their inner critic and focus solely on the act of writing, free from judgment or pressure.
Actionable Takeaway:
Set aside 10 minutes daily for mindfulness or meditation. Use this time to reconnect with the present moment and approach creative challenges with a fresh perspective.
5. Turning Complaints into Requests
Chandler teaches the importance of transforming complaints into actionable requests. Complaining keeps individuals in a passive state, while requests encourage problem-solving and direct communication.
Key Example:
Instead of complaining about a noisy neighbor, someone could ask the neighbor to reduce noise during certain hours, creating a path toward resolution.
Actionable Takeaway:
Identify one complaint you’ve voiced recently. Reframe it as a request and communicate it to the relevant person.
6. Building a Practice of Prosperity
Through his Coaching Prosperity School and books like 37 Ways to BOOST Your Coaching Practice, Chandler provides a roadmap for building a thriving coaching business. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, meaningful conversations, and a focus on impact rather than income.
Key Example:
A coach might dedicate time to engaging with their network through authentic, non-sales-oriented conversations. This approach fosters trust and leads to organic referrals and opportunities.
Actionable Takeaway:
Set a goal to have five authentic, meaningful conversations each week with potential clients or collaborators.
7. Emotional Mastery Through Awareness
Chandler highlights the importance of self-awareness and emotional intelligence in leadership and personal growth. By understanding and managing emotions, individuals can respond to challenges with clarity and resilience.
Key Example:
A leader facing conflict in the workplace might pause to reflect on their emotional triggers, allowing them to respond calmly and constructively rather than reacting impulsively.
Actionable Takeaway:
Practice journaling to track your emotional responses throughout the day. Reflect on patterns and identify opportunities to respond differently in future situations.
8. The Power of Choice in Shaping Reality
In Crazy Good: A Book of CHOICES, Chandler argues that the quality of our lives is determined by the choices we make. By consciously aligning decisions with core values, individuals can create a reality that reflects their highest aspirations.
Key Example:
A person facing financial difficulties might choose to adopt a mindset of abundance, focusing on opportunities for growth and learning rather than dwelling on limitations.
Actionable Takeaway:
Write down a recent decision that felt significant. Reflect on how it aligned (or didn’t align) with your values. Use this insight to guide future choices.
9. Fostering Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Chandler emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability. He teaches that setbacks are opportunities for growth and encourages individuals to embrace failure as a natural part of the learning process.
Key Example:
An entrepreneur who experiences a failed product launch might analyze what went wrong, implement changes, and approach the next venture with renewed focus and determination.
Actionable Takeaway:
The next time you face a setback, list three lessons you can learn from the experience and how you can apply them moving forward.
10. Leadership Through Service
Chandler believes that true leadership is rooted in service to others. By prioritizing the well-being and growth of those they lead, individuals can create trust and inspire loyalty.
Key Example:
A manager who takes time to mentor team members, understanding their personal and professional goals, creates a supportive environment that fosters high performance and morale.
Actionable Takeaway:
Identify one person you can serve this week—whether by offering guidance, support, or encouragement. Reflect on the impact this act of service has on your relationship.
Conclusion
Steve Chandler’s teachings provide a powerful framework for personal and professional transformation. By embracing responsibility, focusing on service, mastering time and emotions, and making conscious choices, individuals can create lives and careers filled with purpose, creativity, and fulfillment. His work reminds us that success is not about external circumstances but about how we show up, serve, and lead each day. Whether you are a coach, leader, or someone seeking personal growth, Chandler’s principles offer timeless wisdom for achieving your highest potential.
Bob Fagan has just published “The Little Book of Questions That Matter — A Lifetime Companion For Transforming Your Life.” It is available on Amazon. Through 2025, all proceeds will be donated to charity.
