This is a question I get asked frequently. I suppose the same people might ask why someone would use a personal trainer? To be honest, it’s like everything, down to personal choice.
If you want to get fit and healthy but struggle to commit to the gym or an exercise class, if you lack motivation and just need that support, that encouragement, maybe some accountability, you’d probably consider a personal trainer.
If you feel like your life is running away with you, you lack the right type of support from family and friends and need an objective non-judgmental approach. If you want someone to make you accountable for the goals, you have set yourself then I’d suggest you consider a Life Coach!
There doesn’t have to be something wrong to use a life coach.
There doesn’t have to be something wrong with you to have coaching, it’s about finding the right toolkit to enable you to manage your life to the best of your ability. It’s about looking at your life as it is right now and what you might want or need to change?
If you find the right coach, they will help and support you to make positive change in your life and it might only be teeny weenie changes that have a HUGE impact on day-to-day living, but they will walk alongside you, encourage you and cheer you on!
What’s the cost?
Cost is always something that comes up but a bit like personal training, it depends on the type of coaching, the type of coach – each client is unique and requires different levels of support and this is often reflected in the price. With coaching, you are usually offered a free consultation to see if it would work for you and then the coach will give you an idea of how many sessions are needed so you can budget accordingly – money well spent if it gets you back on track.
I suggest you have a good think about what you are able to afford to commit to coaching regularly (again the number of sessions booked and their regularity, changes from coach to coach) as prices vary so much that it’s easy to get swept up in the enthusiasm of the moment and sign up to something that is actually out of your price range and that will just create added pressure for you.
Coaching can be really rewarding.
I love being a coach, I love watching my clients learn to thrive. Sometimes its watching clients get a grasp on their overwhelm or anxiety. Coaching is so satisfying in the sense that overall, people do know what they need to do to make the change, even if it’s not apparent to them straight away – it’s working through an idea and witnessing that lightbulb moment when something clicks, and life seems clearer again.
Life Changing.
I’ve been honored to witness some amazing life changes with my clients. I’ve cheered watching redundant clients get back into work, I’ve witnessed Mum’s and Dad’s getting home earlier as they’ve organized their days better and experience the joy of being more present in their family life. The people who are juggling many tasks finding some “me time” and learning that their hopes and dreams are also important.
Coaching is great for decluttering the head, for helping you to see the wood for the trees.
So back to the original question, I think a client of mine sums it up best:
“I guess I always thought that seeing a life coach was a bit unnecessary and that people just needed a bit more ‘get up and go’. As I don’t lack motivation, I couldn’t see what a life coach could do for me. Your coach is the friend who understands your talents and personality but is not afraid of asking you challenging questions. They see things objectively, like no friend or family can. They keep you on track with your goals and help you achieve them without you ever feeling nagged at or criticised. They keep you motivated when you feel like you want to give up. One of the best decisions I’ve made.”
