The Benefits of Having a Life Coach
By Leslie Thompson
Wouldn’t it be nice if, every now and again, someone was there to guide you, mentor you, push you, coach you? If someone was there to review your actions and come up with a game plan to help you overcome obstacles and challenges? Kind of like coaching--for your life. In today’s troubled times, the concept of life coaching isn’t as farfetched as it may have once been. Many people are looking for alternative ways to handle life’s tricky situations, and seeing a life coach is one great option.
Life Coaching: The Basics
So, what is life coaching? According to professional life coach, Savannah Shyne, MPH, “Life coaching is a powerful partnership between coach and client to help the client determine and achieve personal and professional goals.” Life coaching provides a structured and supportive environment where goals are developed and worked through. Fears and obstacles are challenged and overtaken, leading an individual to greater happiness and a better sense of self.
How Does it Work?
Life coaching sessions generally take place once a week and are usually done over the phone. A coach will first work with an individual and help him or her identify goals they are trying to achieve. These goals may include finding a new job, building or improving a personal relationship, recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, or bettering one’s health and well being. After the agenda is set, the life coach will assist the client in coming up with a game plan and step-by-step actions that need to be accomplished in order to achieve these goals. However, they do not tell the client what to do.
“Clients are responsible for their own achievements and success,” says Shyne. “They take the action, and I may assist, but I don’t provide the answers. Results come from their commitment, and being in action towards their goals with me as their guide.”
That is not to say that the client are free to do what they want. Life coaches hold their clients accountable to the strategies and milestones previously set. This helps an individual progress and move toward their goal.
Benefits of Life Coaching
Many people will benefit from life coaching as long as they have an attainable and coachable goal. It’s important to understand that life-coaching sessions are not therapy sessions and they should not be expected to be as such. Although some life coaches may have therapeutic backgrounds, coaches are there to help people improve their lives and focus on the future whereas therapists tend to focus on healing past wounds.
In addition to attaining personal and professional goals, life coaching improves an individual’s overall quality of life. It can help build confidence, increase motivation, and provide encouragement.
Finding a Coach
Just like hiring any other professional, selecting an appropriate life coach is an important decision and one that you shouldn’t jump into lightly. “I recommend finding a coach who challenges you and supports you by standing for your highest goals and aspirations,” says Shyne. And since most life coaches offer a free consultation, you can try out their coaching style to determine if you are a good fit before committing. For more information on life coaching, please visit www.coachfederation.org, or to contact Savannah Shyne directly, visit www.savannahshyne.com.
