11 Reasons to Visit a Life Coach

Today I was lucky enough to spend time with some inspiring womxn on retreat. Towards the end of the retreat, one of the ladies asked me what are the main reasons someone visits a life coach. On the way home, I was reflecting on this question and subsequently decided to explore this question further in this week’s journal entry.

In this post I am going to explore –

• What is Life Coaching?
• What Life Coaching is NOT!
• Is There Any Research on Coaching?
• 11 Reasons to Visit a Life Coach

Let’s get started…

What is Coaching?

The International Coach Federation (ICF) refers to coaching as 

“partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.” Coaching recognises the client as the expert in their own world (personal and professional) and knows every person is creative, resourceful, and whole.

Basically the coaching process is about identifying where you are now, where you would like to be and then closing that gap. The coach does this through –

• discovering, clarifying, and aligning with where the client wants to be,
• encouraging self-discovery and trust within themselves,
• eliciting client-generated solutions and strategies,
• keeping the client accountable and ensuring they are taking responsibility for themselves
• providing support to the client.

What Coaching is NOT!

Coaching is not –

• a quick-fix, one size fits all approach for your current challenges (as we are all unique),
• therapy or counseling (please seek a licensed medical professional if this is what you need),
• about giving you advice (you are the expert in your own life),
• financial advising or estate planning (again please seek a licensed practitioner if this is what you require).

You can see more about what coaching is and is not in the following video –

Is There Any Research on Coaching?

There are numerous studies and evidence being gathered on coaching throughout the world. However, like anything your own individual experience is important and can be the best guide. Following are some studies that have been conducted recently that I am aware of.

The 2012 International Coach Federation (ICF) Global Coaching Study, that was conducted by Pricewaterhouse Coopers received more than 12000 responses from across 117 countries. This study proves that coaching is a real global profession and estimates that there are 47,500 practising coaches. Across the globe coaching is generating US$2billion in annual revenue/income.

In 2010, the ICF commissioned Pricewaterhouse Coopers International Survey Unit (ISU) to independently conduct the Global Consumer Awareness Study. The study surveyed 15,000 people, aged 25 and up, from 20 countries located throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America. Here are some of the finding from the Global Awareness Consumer Study:

Why are people involved in a coaching relationship?

• 42.6% said to “optimize individual and/or team performance”,
• 38.8% indicated “expand professional career opportunities”,
• 36.1% “improve business management strategies”.
• Other more personal motivations like “increase self-esteem/self-confidence” and “manage work/life balance” rated fourth and fifth to round out the top five motivation areas.

How satisfied are those who have been coached?

11 Reasons to Visit a Life Coach

There are many reasons to visit a life coach. Some reasons include, you –

1. Are ready to make a career transition – have you dreamed of changing jobs, expanding your career opportunities or turning your passion in to a full-time position?
2. Want to focus on your work/life harmony and get organised – do you put other people’s needs before your own, are continuously running out of time to fit in your priorities or overcommit yourself?
3. Are ready to become more accountable to yourself – are you over making excuses and ready to overcome procrastination so you can reach your full potential?
4. Would like to develop greater self-knowledge – ready to get to get to know yourself better? Take inspired action, do what you love and BE who you truly are?
5. Want to gain clarity in your personal or professional life – are you confused about your dreams or purpose in life? Or maybe you like to clarify your values and vision?
6. Are ready to increase self-confidence – do you doubt yourself or trust other people more than yourself? Or sick of fear holding you back?
7. Are you continuously sabotaging yourself – do you have unfinished projects, spend more money than your earn or undervaluing yourself?
8. Would like some help to achieve your goals – are you feeling stuck in certain areas of your life or need some support making an important decision?
9. Are ready to simplify and declutter your personal and professional life – do you feel as though your paperwork and e-mails are out of control? Or are you running out of time and missing out on the essential things in your life?
10. Would like to develop self-acceptance, self-care and self-compassion – do you beat yourself up when you make a mistake? Feeling stressed, would like to learn to meditate and be mindful? Are you continually pushing yourself and burning the candles at both end? Or is trying to be perfect stopping you from trying something new?
11. Want to grow and stretch beyond your comfort zone – feeling like your life is on auto-pilot or ready to undertake a change and want some support?

So there you have it, 11 reasons why you would visit a life coach. Have I forgotten any? If so, please feel free to share your insights below.

If you are ready to reclaim your courage and take the next step towards freedom and opening your heart, why not join our Toolkit?