Confused About Coaching?
You’re not alone.
If I had to explain coaching in one short sentence, I’d say: coaching is a partnership between the coach and the client. Luckily there’s more room on here, so I’ll share more. Coaches partner with their clients to help them achieve their goals - internally and externally, personally and professionally. Coaches are skilled at listening to you and asking great questions. They provide support and accountability so that you don’t have to “go at it” alone. Life coaches are similar to, and also different from, many other people you know. They’re sort of like therapists, sort of like personal trainers, and sort of like friends and mentors — except, there are important distinctions. Here’s a little table to show some of the similarities and differences. Overall, all of these folks want to bring out the best in you. The difference is in the how.
| How are they similar to coaches? | How are they different from coaches? | |
|---|---|---|
| Therapists | Great listeners | Therapy tends to look at the past to help clients cope and thrive in the present. |
| Non-judgemental | Coaching, on the other hand, builds on the present to create a desired future. | |
| Awareness-oriented | - | |
| Personal Trainers | Motivational | Focus is on transformation, but of course, the gym isn't part of coaching :) . |
| Accountablity Partners | Although coaches act a guide, they let the client lead. | |
| Goal-oriented | --- | |
| Friends & Mentors | Supportive | In coaching, clients are the experts on their own lives. |
| Caring | Coaches don't tell you what to do, the way a friend or mentor might. | |
| Want the best for you | ||
How do I know if I need a coach?
Something I learned from world renowned coach Rich Litvin, and from my own experience: Nobody needs a coach. Coaching is for people who want a coach. So that you have someone objective to talk to about your feelings, ideas, fears, and dreams. So that you have someone in your corner, challenging you on a regular basis. So that you have support and accountability to actually do the things you say you want to do. And, more importantly, to be the person you want to be.
Coaching can be for you if you want to:
Experience personal or professional growth
Explore ways to improve your communications and/or relationships
Find solutions for dealing with challenges in your life (difficult people/difficult situations)
Manage stress to increase your energy and wellbeing
Become more confident in the choices you’re making
Experience changes and transitions more easily
Get out of a rut and do amazing things with your time
The list goes on! That’s just a sample to give you an idea of what coaching can do for you. And know, there are tons of amazing coaches out there and it’s critical to work with someone you connect with. Curious to find out if we’re a good fit?