BUCHANAN — Michael Harris knows what it’s like to grow up with parents that are less than supportive.
Because of that, Harris struggled with confidence and finding his calling in life.
But a series of events in life brought him into life-coaching classes. And now as a certified life coach, the Buchanan resident is helping others discover their passions and instilling them with confidence and guidance to pursue them.
“I see myself as an encourager more than anything else,” Harris said. “They need to know the lies they were told as kids — that you can’t do this, you won’t amount to anything in this world — aren’t true. It’s my job to get them past that garbage.”
Thirteen years in the making, Harris is launching his life coaching business in Buchanan, Succeed in Life LLC.
For now, the business is located in the Rubicon Computers Building, 122 E. Front St., although Harris has plans to expand. He envisions 12 centers throughout the Michiana area for life-coaching sessions and seminars.
Succeed in Life focuses on growth in all aspects of life, including personal, financial, career, relationship, business and physical growth. Harris also has plans for a children’s growth division. He says all divisions of the company are rooted in Christian morals and principles.
“I’m not an expert in any of those areas,” Harris said. “But I’m about giving guidance and encouraging people.”
Harris, who formerly hosted a radio program in Phoenix about succeeding in business with honesty, says he wants to help en- trepreneurs and potential business owners.
“Statistically, 75 percent of all working Americans are just two paychecks from bankruptcy,” Harris said. “My passion is helping these people to succeed.”
Harris used to work as a training coordinator in the Naval Reserve, helping people determine their career goals and how to get there.
“The life coaching came as an extension of that,” said Harris, explaining that his programming can be fit for anyone.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re unemployed, underemployed or making $100,000 a year and know that you should be doing something else,” Harris said.
Harris plans to offer group coaching seminars and one-on-one sessions. He also has a children’s program, centered on a product called Piano Wizard, which helps children grow musically and in self-esteem.
There will be a week- long grand opening for the company 1 to 5:30 p.m. today through Thursday and 1 to 4:30 p.m. Friday.