The ABCs of Life Coaching

What is Life Coaching?

Life Coaching should not be confused with traditional therapy or counseling. While therapy focuses on the past and delves into the “why” questions, coaching is future-oriented, and utilizes the “how,” “when,” and “where” questions. Coaches work with clients on setting priorities and goals, identifying their life vision, and guiding them through the steps necessary to create a plan of action that will enable them to achieve a higher level of success.

How Will Life Coaching Help Me? 

As humans, we all have a longing to find true happiness and contentment. Unfortunately, many of us find ourselves on the hamster wheel caught in a vicious cycle, and we continue to be stuck where we are.

Most people, who try on their own, venture out with the best of intentions, and sometimes, things do begin to change. BUT, very quickly they find themselves sabotaging their own progress.

• That’s why people lose and gain back the same 10-20 pounds, over and over again.
• Or why statistics show the majority of lottery winners quickly find themselves broke again, within a few years of winning their jackpot. 

So, Why Is That?  

The first thing you need to know is, it’s next to impossible to change without help, because the very paradigms, those patterns that have created your current situation, have an extremely strong “gravitational” pull, designed to keep you right where we are. Life Coaching succeeds by helping you work out what’s important to you, what it is you want, and how to go and get it. 

Actually, research has proven that people are 95% more likely to reach their goals with proper coaching.

What Specifically Does Life Coaching Provide?

1. Priorities and Goals

A coach will help you set priorities and goals, focusing on what you’d like to change most. When you have your list set, you and your coach will design an action plan for success. You will learn strategies and be provided with the necessary tools required to move beyond your current situation, and achieve your goals and dreams. 

2. Accountability

A huge factor in achieving success is having an accountability partner. A coach will hold you accountable and keep you focused. Having someone to report to greatly increases your likelihood of following through and staying on course as you move towards your new life.

3. Motivation

Being motivated is like a bolt of electricity when it comes to accomplishing what you really want. If there are things you have been struggling to accomplish or you often lose focus, it’s more than likely that you’re just not motivated. A coach will help you find out why this is, and work with you to stay motivated as you move forward on the path to achieving amazing results.

4. Moving Beyond Limiting Beliefs and Unproductive Strategies

Everyone has habits of thinking that just aren't working for them. Coaching helps you break free of these habits by showing you new perspectives, pointing out your blind spots, and bringing on big "ah-ha" moments. 

Also, you've probably been relying on unproductive strategies that you've been using to try to accomplish your goals. Everyone does.

 It’s like that old saying, “What’s the definition of insanity?” 

A: Doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting different results.

A coach helps you unlearn these strategies and develop new ones that will actually work for you.

Common Questions That Lead To Life Coaching:

• Am I achieving my full potential?
• What is special and unique about me?
• What is causing me so much discontent?
• Am I fulfilling my purpose, my calling, or my mission?
• Am I accomplishing anything meaningful?
• How will I be remembered?
• Is it too late to change?
• How can I create a better work/life balance?

What's the Difference between a Personal and Professional Coach?

A good coach is someone who is an expert at helping others create positive change in their lives. For some clients, the positive change they most want may be focused on personal goals, such as relationships, time management, work-life balance, stress reduction, health and well-being. Other clients may be more interested in professional or business goals such as leadership, getting a promotion, starting a business, finding a new career. An effective coach works with the client to help them live a richer more fulfilling life — regardless of their type of goal.