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Beyond The Good Life
Identifying that something is wrong in life is the easy part. The challenge is finding a way to make changes. Michael and Melinda Hahn founded Beyond the Good Life in Woodridge which strengthens relationships in the home and in the workplace through engaging activities. "This is not a role-playing exercise," notes Michael. "It is a real-play exercise."

The Hahns have found that some of the effective strategies in business like planning ahead and identifying priorities can be used to help improve life in families. Conversely, they have also identified family principles like depending upon each other for help and trying to perceive each other's differences which can improve relationships in the workplace. Instead of simply lecturing clients about these qualities, the couple has developed interesting activities that allow clients to experience the effectiveness of these skills.

For example, a father and son who are navigating a ropes course quickly learn the importance of trust and cooperation as they have to rely on each other to keep from falling. During the activity, each participant has to reach out to the other for help in order to complete the course. "This activity sets the stage for other situations when times are rough and they need to reach out to each other," explains Michael.

Another common problem in family relationships is a lack of focus. When communication becomes difficult, family members slip into habits like turning on the television to avoid confrontation. "We help families learn how to make time together more meaningful with intentional communication. Through our activities, we help families experience the skills needed to make those conversations less difficult."

While participating in the fun activities, clients are actually practicing improved cooperation, communication and perception. "We have fun together and then spend time debriefing," says Michael. Many of their corporate clients report that they feel more like a team instead of competitors in the workplace as a result of participating in sessions with Beyond the Good Life

Michael and Melinda have been through trying times of their own. Michael's father was an alcoholic and his parents went through three marriages. After the couple married, Melinda needed ten separate surgeries to address a birth defect. "We have both been through some tremendous trials and we're stronger because of it. We have seen what works and what doesn't work and share that knowledge with others." For more information about Beyond the Good Life, visit www.beyondthegoodlife.com.