Life Coaching - An Introduction To The Revolution In Personal Improvement
Somewhere along the way, our collective consciousness shifted and we realized that, to paraphrase Robert Browning, all of us are somebody else’s “something better.” That is to say, we can always be better than we currently are, and that it is up to each of us individually to grow into who they want to be.
This post will explore life coaching through a variety of lenses: what it entails; why people would want it; how you can get started with a coach of your own (or someone in your life who may qualify); what makes a good coach; how coaches help their clients grow and change; the types of coaching available for personal growth—plus many other subjects.
Some of the many topics we will cover in this post include:
Types of coaching available and the differences between them
Why some people become coaches and why some people choose to be coached (and relevant tips for doing both)
How life coaching is an investment in yourself, not an expense. It will help you get what you want more than anything else available.
How coaches work with their clients (and why it’s a collaborative effort). This includes some tips on what you can do if you have trouble working together with your coach.
If you are having trouble finding a coach, how to find one that matches your needs and preferences.
Life coaching is a personal journey, one in which the coach helps the client to direct and focus that journey. Life coaching is a process, a way of thinking and being that you can use to create the life you want while keeping that vision continuously in front of you.
The Life Coaching Revolution
Human beings have always sought to improve themselves but until recently this was accomplished primarily through religion, cultural traditions or adherence to laws passed by some governing body—each of which had its own dogma and set of requirements for change as well as punishment for falling short.
Then came various self-help movements which introduced principles intended to make us happier, healthier people with more fulfilling relationships and a greater ability to experience joy each day.
Today, the role of self-help movement has become more personal and more individualized. It’s no longer about individuality but rather an emphasis on what makes you uniquely YOU—your values and beliefs, your hopes and fears, as well as your strengths, weaknesses, gifts and talents.
This emphasis on who we are leads us to a new understanding of self-improvement that shifts from one of self-improvement through laws or adherence to dogma to self-improvement through the process of creating our own lives. By this I mean those unique qualities we came into the world with—our life experiences that make us who we are—that form the basis for our identity.
Those experiences have the potential to make us who we are and lead us to being happy, healthy and successful. They just need to be recognized and the potential for growth realized.
At The Life Coaching Institute, our mission is to help you discover your own unique strength, identify your values and develop a plan for creating a life you love.
The types of life coaching available: There are numerous forms of coaching available including:
Self-help Coaching This type of coaching focuses on issues that prevent people from reaching their goals—whether it be a lack of confidence or a lack of time. For example, a person who wants to start an online business may need help organizing and prioritizing tasks. A self-help coach could provide that help.
This type of coaching focuses on issues that prevent people from reaching their goals—whether it be a lack of confidence or a lack of time. For example, a person who wants to start an online business may need help organizing and prioritizing tasks. A self-help coach could provide that help. Sports Coaching Sports coaching is another form of life coaching which focuses on the mental side of things—how we think about sports and how we approach competition. Sports coaches also work with athletes to learn what they did right after a win or after losing so they can improve in future competitions.
Sports coaching is another form of life coaching which focuses on the mental side of things—how we think about sports and how we approach competition. Sports coaches also work with athletes to learn what they did right after a win or after losing so they can improve in future competitions. Leadership Coaching Leadership coaching is an area where a person can benefit from life coaching as well as sports or self-help coaching. A good leader does more than just lead work teams, he or she leads an entire organization. For example, CEOs often have the help of a leadership coach who assists them in developing their personal leadership style, their communication skills and perhaps even helps them develop their sense of humor.
Leadership coaching is an area where a person can benefit from life coaching as well as sports or self-help coaching. A good leader does more than just lead work teams, he or she leads an entire organization. For example, CEOs often have the help of a leadership coach who assists them in developing their personal leadership style, their communication skills and perhaps even helps them develop their sense of humor. Life Transition Coaching Life transition coaches provide support to people during times such as divorce or the death of a loved one. They coach people on how to adjust to these changes while helping them cope with feelings they may encounter in these times (such as depression).
Life transition coaches provide support to people during times such as divorce or the death of a loved one. They coach people on how to adjust to these changes while helping them cope with feelings they may encounter in these times (such as depression). Career Coaching Career coaching is another form of life coaching that focuses on helping people make decisions about their career, including what job they should pursue and how to get the right training for that job, as well as providing support during times when they are unemployed.
Life Coaching Formats: Finding the Right Coaching Fit
When it comes to life, there are options beyond just formal life coaching. You’re not limited to just one type of coaching. In fact, you may need different types of coaching in different areas. For example, a business person may require a sports coach during the off season, but when it comes to performance in competition, they might want a leadership coach to help them get them through a rough day at work or during a big game.
There are also different formats within all these types of coaching, as well. For example, you can get life coaching in a group format, one-on-one or online. There are pros and cons to each of these options. Here’s a breakdown of the different formats:
Group Coaching Feeling like you’re stuck on an old road? Want to make some changes but not sure where to begin? Group coaching is the perfect place to start. In this setting, you meet with a coach once or twice weekly and share your experiences with the group members, who will offer their feedback and guidance.