What to look for in a life coach
A life coach is someone who can help you achieve your goals, overcome obstacles that may be in your way, and help you get where you want to be. It's your journey - but we're there beside you, holding the map - if that makes sense.
I'm not sure if you saw the Guardian article that was released last month, talking about how some online business coaches had conned people out of money in a time during the pandemic when they were at their most vulnerable.
Here's the link in case you missed it.
I wanted to share the positive side of working with a coach and some honest advice that I think might help you when on a quest to find the right one for you. If this article does nothing else, it hopefully proves that some excellent life coaches are out there.
One of the frustrations I had when reading the article came from seeing coaches who make promises they cannot keep - and impacting the industry's integrity that I now belong to.
"Work with me, and you'll be earning six figures a month in six months."
"Work with me, and I'll help you solve all your problems."
Part of the problem is that the coaching industry is unregulated so that anyone can set up shop and call themselves a 'life coach' or a 'business coach.' The Guardian article says that "There was a 153% increase in UK-based life coaches on LinkedIn in 2020 compared with the year before, according to the social network, while the number of business coaches soared by 115%."
I did a poll on my stories a while ago about whether or not it was important for a coach to have formal qualifications. Around 65% said no, but it was the results that they got that were most important.
I don't think just because you have a qualification means you are good at something (the phrase all the gear and no idea springs to mind). I think I've got a fair amount of life experience, but I didn't feel that was enough for me to set up shop and start helping other people - so I trained to become a coach.
Okay, so here are some tips that I'd like to share that will hopefully help you search for a suitable coach:
Keep an eye out for what people promise you. As a coach, we can't guarantee results. I'm not here standing in a fairy godmother outfit, ready to wave a wand to give you the perfect life. I am here to make you realise you already have the magic inside you to make what you want to happen
We won't tell you what to do. As coaches, that's not really what we're here for - if you want that - then maybe go to see a mentor or a consultant
Please don't decide to work with someone based on their Instagram page! Do your homework. Check out their website, look at the testimonials, and ask if you can speak to people they have coached
Try to have a consultation with a prospective coach before you seal the deal - not every coach offers them all the time, but it's a great way to try and understand their coaching style and if you'd be a good fit
Be wary of people promising you the earth for you to part with your money. If it sounds too good to be true - it probably is.
Find out more about working with a life coach here.
