What Does a Life Coach Do and Why Do I Need One?

There are all kinds of coaches, sports coaches, fitness coaches, health coaches, business coaches, life coaches… the list goes on. ? What does a "Life Coach" do and what can you do for me?

A Google search will bring up several definitions and most are something like this:

A coach is a professional mentor who helps an individual set direction by providing guidance, perspective, tools, feedback, and accountability to help you achieve your goals more strategically.

You don't need someone to tell you what to do. You need someone to challenge and equip you to think creatively, and then you will know what to do. We can come up with the strategy needed to get you where you want to go.

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There are 5 main areas that a Life Coach should include in their framework to bring the results you are looking for:

Clarity

Having clarity means having a clear understanding of who you are, what you want in life, and how to achieve your goals.

When you feel overwhelmed and stressed, mind clutter and negative self-talk prevent you from thinking clearly. Spending time on reworking your thoughts and perspective is the essential foundational step toward clarity.

Thinking clearly releases creative problem-solving ideas and helps you articulate what you want.

Maybe you can relate to some of my client's stories...

"I’m in my 50s; I’ve raised my kids, I don’t want to return to the corporate world (which is not the same as I remember it), and I don’t want to just play Bunco, golf, and volunteer in the church nursery.? Those are worthwhile things but they can’t be the highlight of my life.? I don’t want to feel useless." (MJ)

Focus

Focus gives you a clear visual definition to put your time and energy toward.

Progress is made when you are intentional about where you're headed and willing to put in the work to get there. By concentrating on your goals and priorities, its easier to spot distractions. This is the groundwork for the next two areas.

"I’m feeling stuck and I’m not sure what I need.? I could stand to lose a few pounds, and I guess I should start working out more.? Maybe I’ll start my own business or non-profit?? What’s everyone else doing?? My head is spinning with possibilities, and with just as many reasons why they are not possible.? Do I need a counselor?" (Jodi C)

Strategy

Your life coach has helped you gain clarity and focus by asking challenging questions and working through your mental obstacles.?Now, you will partner to design a strategy that aligns with your values and priorities.

Your game plan is determined by your long-term desires, what I call your "someday..." dream. It seems far off and unattainable which is why you have not taken action on it.

When building anything worthwhile, you need a blueprint or map. Your Life Coach will help you practically break down a vision into milestones and incremental action steps. This builds your momentum as you see progress and confidence that you are heading in the right direction.

"I have a great job with good pay but the thought of doing this for the next 10 years is driving me crazy. Maybe I'm being ungrateful, but I feel like there is something more. I can't put my finger on it." (Sarah J)

Implementation and Accountability

The next two areas go hand-in-hand. By now you have established a rapport and trusting relationship with your Life Coach and she knows you well. Effective Life Coaches are trained in personality profiles and motivation models that resonate best with each unique client.

This is not for manipulation, it's for speaking the language that a client understands and responds to best. The partnership is most successful and empowering when your Life Coach helps you implement your plan and keeps you accountable to your priorities.

Your Life Coach is there to encourage you to stay focused, and to help you get back on track when there are detours.

Choose a Life Coach

Your Life Coach should have a specialty and expertise in the area you need most. Although a Life Coach is a generalized category, find one who uniquely serves your needs. There are Life Coaches who help young moms juggle their new roles, or Life Coaches who help retirees find meaning in their next chapter, and everything in between!

One of the best ways to find your perfect fit is to get referrals from a friend or find social media profiles and posts that you resonate with. Just like choosing friends, you will "click" with some more than others.

If you are curious about working with someone, most Life Coaches have free calls available. These may be labeled as Discovery Calls, Coffee Chats, or Curiosity Calls. The purpose is to get to know you, hear your story, and see if you are the right fit for each other. Find out about the coach's services but don't feel pressured into making a decision.

Schedule as many calls as you need to until someone feels right to work with. The Life Coach should feel the same way and help you with suggested resources or a referral to someone they know would be a better fit for you.

Let me know how I can help