Building an Awesome Ordinary Life: Eric Goll's 8-Step Life Planning Process

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful conversation, Valerie welcomes disability life-planning coach Eric Goll to discuss how families can proactively create meaningful futures for their loved ones with developmental disabilities.Eric Goll is a certified coach from Royal Roads University and founder of Empowering Ability. Eric shares his deeply personal journey of growing up alongside his sister Sarah and the pivotal moment when his mother reached burnout and called for help. That experience led him to dedicate his life to helping families plan beyond crisis and create "awesome ordinary lives" for their loved ones.Drawing on his experience supporting more than 1,000 families, Eric walks us through his proven 8-Step Life Planning Process, designed to help families move from overwhelm to action.In This Episode We Discuss:✅ Why waiting for a crisis often leads to limited options✅ The importance of starting future planning before burnout occurs✅ How parents can shift from being caregivers to becoming coaches✅ Why capability matters more than traditional definitions of independence✅ The powerful mindset shift from "can't" to "can if"✅ Building meaningful relationships and support circles✅ Creating opportunities for contribution, purpose, volunteering, and employment✅ Why housing should be considered after other life-planning foundations are in place✅ Exploring ordinary housing options before special or segregated settings✅ The five layers of sustainable support:Self-support (capability)Technology supportsFamily supportsNatural supportsPaid supports✅ Breaking a long-term vision into achievable three-month action stepsEric's 8-Step Life Planning FrameworkEngage – Commit to creating a vision for the future.Connect – Understand who your loved one truly is.Capability – Build skills and independence one step at a time.Relationships – Create meaningful connections and support circles.Contribution – Foster purpose through volunteering, work, and community involvement.Home – Explore the best living environment for your loved one.Support & Finances – Build sustainable supports and financial security.Implement – Turn the vision into action through practical goals and next steps.Memorable Quote"The best time to plant an oak tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is today." — Eric GollKey TakeawayYou don't have to have the entire plan figured out. The most important step is simply to begin. Small, consistent actions taken today can create a dramatically different future for your loved one tomorrow.To learn more about Eric’s 8-step process – check here:Life Planning 101 Guide: https://www.empoweringability.org/life-planning-101-guide-ml/About the PodcastForever Home for Our Kids with Disabilities is dedicated to helping families create secure, meaningful futures for their loved ones through planning, advocacy, housing solutions, and community connection.Live with intention. Embrace the journey. 💜 Connect with Erichttps://www.empoweringability.orghttps://www.facebook.com/empoweringabilityConnect with [email protected] Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys KyshchukEditor: Scott ArbeauLink for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeauhttps://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX (Canada)https://a.co/d/03hFdZI4 (United States) Learn more about your host at:https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/