Why try life coaching?
Life is an obstacle course – not the easy kind. We constantly need to juggle careers, personal development, finances, an array of relationships, kids, pets and plants if you have them, and people (drivers, slow shoppers, non-stop talkers, those who try to convince you that the sky is green, etc., etc.). Add to that, you need to take care of your mental, physical and emotional health while not giving in to “negative” emotions and give 110% to everything you do, all the while listening to the voice in your head. It’s exhausting.
What is a life coach and what does it mean to work with one?
Seeing a life coach won’t make your problems go away. Sorry, that’s life. But, a life coach can help you navigate through life’s obstacles a bit easier and find your way. That being said, it’s not a life coach’s task to give you answers; rather, a coach can help you unlock the answers that suit you. We’re all different beings who face different challenges, so, unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. A life coach provides you with a platform to explore and express yourself in a safe, confidential and judgement-free environment. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines life coaching as:“[P]artnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. Coaching is a client-driven process. The coach’s responsibility is to:
- Discover, clarify and align with what the client wants to achieve
- Encourage client self-discovery
- Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies
- Hold the client responsible and accountable
The coaching process helps clients improve their outlook on work and life while improving their leadership skills and unlocking their potential.”
What are some of the benefits of working with a life coach?
Being here and reading this article means you are probably looking for answers – from where you’re heading to why you are struggling to get through to certain people, or you might be feeling stuck or lacklustre about life. Statistics compiled in 2021 by Tom Casano, founder of Life Coach Spotter, show the following.
Of people who used a life coach:
- 80% improved their self-confidence
- 73% enjoyed improved relationships
- 72% improved their communication skills
- 67% improved their work/life balance
The excellent news is that you can find the solutions you need by delving into who you are and exploring your truths. You are not broken or lost, and your life is not an unsolvable mess.
Possible drawbacks of working with a life coach?
As with everything in life, there are things you need to keep in mind when seeing a coach.
- You have to do the work.
The answers you seek are within you. Moreover, you know better than anyone else what you ultimately want to achieve with your life. The coach is only there to bring clarity to facilitate the process; the onus is on you.
- It’s not immediate.
I’m sorry to say this, but unfortunately, it will take time to bridge the gap between where you currently are and where you want to be.
- You might want to make drastic changes to your life.
Finding the answers you crave might lead you to change your current life. Although theoretically, it might sound like what you are after, implementing and actually taking the leap can be challenging.
- You might feel tired after a hard session.
Emotional and mental health work is hard, and although you might feel better due to gaining insights, putting so much energy into uncovering your truths can leave you feeling tired.
- You might see life and yourself differently.
We all have a narrative about our lives and our place in the greater scheme of things. However, uncovering your truths can lead to changes in this narrative. Although becoming a more balanced individual who acts from a more mature place is the ultimate goal, it can be challenging to acknowledge certain insights.
If you are ready to start living a brighter, lighter and whole life that includes feeling all your feels, book your free contact session today.