And why would I want one?
The term “Life Coach” has shown up with increasing frequency in the last decade. Leading Life Coaches are on television and radio shows, as well as writing regular magazine columns. This means more people understand the concept of a Life Coach. But if the term is vague in your mind, you’re not alone.
One of the common points of confusion about Life Coaching is how it differs from counseling, or therapy. Therapists address issues from the past that may be getting in the way of operating effectively in the present. They assist in processing old emotions, reframing behaviors, putting matters to rest so you can move forward with more ease. Sometimes they facilitate decisions in the process. They may do a lot of listening and ask a lot of questions while you decide what course of action to take. They never advise; or rarely.
Life Coaches will ask you to articulate your goal; what you want help achieving. That might be health, a new relationship, starting a business, implementing a new habit – the sky’s the limit. This goal is in the present, not the past. They help you scale the goal to something they can help you accomplish, and to establish a time-line. They are interested in you having an experience of success. When you stumble in pursuit of the goal, they’ll ask questions and listen while you sort through what is getting in your way. They’ll call you on your resistance, and challenge you to handle it differently. If recurrent old issues start surfacing and need processing, they should refer you to a therapist.
I’ve found coaching to be an amazing and extremely helpful tool (as I’ve been, and am, on the receiving end). There are two things that really help: your coach has probably been where you are now, at least in some shape or form, or they wouldn’t feel they could assist you. They empathize with what you’re dealing with. They recognize pitfalls, and can you avoid or minimize them. They also recognize delay-tactics, and will call you on them. Secondly, the act of being held accountable, weekly, for taking action, does wonders to counter the normal human instinct to put off that which is outside of our comfort zone.
I call myself a Life Purpose and Creativity Coach, because the arenas I am most interested in helping you with, are those requiring you to use your creativity to express and fulfill your Life Purpose.
Coach’s Challenge: Try out the power of accountability. Choose one thing you want to be sure to do this week, and tell a friend about it. Establish a time you will check back in with them (or they with you) to follow up with whether you have done it.
