Life coaching has become more and more popular in recent times, but if you’ve never had experience with a life coach before, chances are you have a lot of questions. What is life coaching exactly? How do you know when it’s time to look for a life coach? And how do you find the best life coach?
Today I want to clear up any confusion about what this exciting and transformative practice is (and how it could just be the key to unlocking your full potential).
Understanding the Essence of Life Coaching
So, what is life coaching? If you search for the definition of a “life coach”, you’d pretty quickly find yourself overwhelmed with so many different definitions of what a life coach actually is.
For me, there’s a great definition that says a lot more. It’s by Sir John Whitmore, a leading figure in executive coaching, who defines a coach as someone who “unlocks a person’s potential to maximise their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them”.
And this is so important.
In simple terms, think of it as a partnership between you and a professional who’s trained to help you achieve both your personal and professional goals. Unlike therapy, which often delves into your past to address mental health issues, life coaching is very much focused on the present and the future. It’s about setting and achieving goals, finding clarity and maximising your potential.
The Role of a Life Coach
Imagine having someone in your corner who’s very much dedicated to your success. A life coach listens, asks the right questions and helps you see the bigger picture (something which can often be hard to do as a busy entrepreneur who spends more time working in their business than working on it).
They’ll remind you that focusing on your personal life is just as important as focusing on your business – the two aren’t mutually exclusive. How you feel in your personal life will inevitably reflect in your business, which is why you need to prioritise yourself as your greatest asset.
At the end of the day, they’re not there to tell you what to do, but will guide you towards finding your own answers. As Tony Robbins says, “Life coaching is a powerful alliance designed to forward and enhance the lifelong process of human learning, effectiveness and fulfilment.”
Why People Turn to Life Coaching
Life coaching has boomed in popularity over recent years. According to the International Coaching Federation (ICF), there was a massive 54% increase in active coach practitioners from 2019-2022.
People might seek life coaching for various reasons. Some want to improve their career paths, while others might be seeking better work-life balance. Some might be looking to enhance their relationships and others might want to boost their confidence or make a big change.
And the benefits are pretty astounding.
In a survey by the International Coach Federation, 80% of respondents reported improved self-confidence and 70% said work performance had increased. When you know you’ve got support from a life coach, you’ll find your confidence growing week by week. With someone to keep you accountable and who knows your vision, you’ll know that the steps you take going forward will bring you closer to achieving that success.
It’s why many of the top leaders in FTSE 100 and Fortune 100 companies have their own coaches.
Let’s take an example: Jane, a coaching client, felt overworked and unfulfilled in her corporate admin job. She was successful on paper, but deep down she knew there was something she was missing. After a few sessions with a good life coach, she started to explore her real passions and discovered that her heart was in creative writing.
With the support of a coach, she successfully transitioned into a writing career that made her truly happy. Today, Jane runs a successful blog and has published her first novel.
It’s not that her coach gave her the answers, but helped her discover them herself. And that is so empowering.
What Happens in a Life Coaching Session?
Curious about what to expect from a session? It typically starts with an initial chat where you and your coach discover your goals and what you hope to achieve. From here, you might agree on weekly or bi-weekly sessions, depending on what works for you.
The most important thing is never to lose sight of what success looks like to you. This is where a business coach can make all the difference in keeping you anchored into your vision and keeping you in balance so your priorities are all where they should be.
A weekly or fortnightly meeting with a good life coach is your opportunity to stay grounded and on course. It’s your chance to stay in a proactive state, rather than being reactive. It’s always amazing how the process of writing down a clear list of your visions and goals with someone can help.
Reviewing your roles, responsibilities and tasks with a life coach will help you directly connect these with your goals. Meeting regularly can help you review progress and make you accountable to someone who knows what your goals are, then ensure you’re on track throughout.
Who Can Benefit from Life Coaching?
Life coaching isn’t just for high-flying executives or those facing a mid-life crisis. It really is for anyone who wants to improve their life, whether you’re a stay-at-home parent looking to return to the workforce, an entrepreneur trying to scale your business, or someone simply seeking a little more fulfilment.
If you know there’s something more that you want from life, the right life coach can provide the tools and support you need to make the life you want a reality. They’ll act as a mirror to help you see yourself and your options in ways you haven’t seen before.
At first, of course, this will feel uncomfortable. But you’ll also realise where your skills lie and what you’re capable of. Finding the right life coach can be a game-changer. Look for someone who’s certified by a reputable organization like the ICF, which ensures they’ve undergone rigorous training. It’s also important to find a coach whose style resonates with you. Some coaches are more directive, while others take a more collaborative approach. A good fit is crucial for a successful coaching relationship. For tips on what to look for when selecting the right life coach for you, see this previous article.
And once you’ve found the right person to work with?
Then buckle up – you’re about to finally have the confidence and edge you need to be the best version of yourself.
Ready to Transform Your Life?
Life coaching offers a unique opportunity to explore your potential, set meaningful goals, and create a fulfilling life.
Whether you’re looking to make a career change, improve your relationships, or simply find more joy in your day-to-day life, a life coach can be your guide and partner on this journey. It’s what I do, and I love seeing people dream big and achieve the life they’ve always wanted.
As a life coach who prioritises wellbeing as much as business guidance and support, I can help you uncover the clarity and direction that you’ve been looking for. Together, we’ll drive your growth and create a beautiful balance between your personal and professional life that will bring your ambitions to life with greater ease, profitability and impact.
Maybe a quick call is all you need to get you unstuck. And I’d love to hear from you, to talk through your challenges, goals and what drives you.
Get in touch and let’s talk about what we could achieve together.