Coaching: What is it? Is it for me?
Updated: Feb 28
Coaching provides the support and accountability that many people seek in life. If achieving goals is a struggle, coaching may be the answer.
Simply said, coaching is about setting and achieving goals, and the client is the driving force.
Clarity
A coach helps you to gain clarity on what you truly want. A coach serves as a sounding board so you can process and fully understand your passions and dreams. This clarity is key in the goal-setting process and is necessary before an effective plan is put into place.
Make a Game Plan
The coaching process focuses on you in the present moment and how to make progress forward. Since progress is at the heart of every coaching session, action is crucial. Large goals are broken into smaller more manageable steps to ensure success. This also includes anticipating and planning for obstacles that can and will arise as the plan is put into place.
In contrast, therapy explores past experiences and feelings to understand their influence on you and your choices.
Accountability
A coach serves as an accountability partner who is there to support you and your success. This may include check-ins to help remind you of the weekly goal. This can also include a weekly check-in on your progress and support you in renewing your motivation to persist and persevere.
You are Whole
A basic principle in coaching is that you know what you need to be successful. A coach provides the time, space, and opportunity to reflect so that you can be successful and systematic. A coach will sometimes challenge your views, without judgment. At other times, hearing your thoughts reflected back can bring insights you may not have had on your own.
In contrast, a coach's role is not to provide you with the answers.
Committing to coaching requires several resources: your time, money, energy, and focus. However, it is an investment in your success and overall satisfaction with life.
A Few Things To Consider:
In-person or virtual coaching - Do you have a preference between these two options? Virtual coaching and phones calls can be just as effective as in-person coaching.
Coaching Style & Approach - Each coach is different in their approach and style. Understanding what style works best for you is helpful information as you meet prospective coaches.
Coaching Focus - There are many different kind of coaches. Knowing the type of change you want to see in your life will help you to decide what kind of coach is the best type to meet your needs.
Time Commitment - Understanding how long the sessions will be, how often they will occur, and for how long are all important pieces of information for you to have before making your decision.
Your Expectations - How quickly are you hoping to see change? If you are hoping to experience change quickly, more frequent coaching sessions are recommended.
Your Commitment Level to Change - Understanding where your openness to making change is very important. If you are not willing to change, nothing will be different. A coach will never force you to do something that you do not feel is right for you.
Coach's Experience - Depending on your needs, you may want to understand a potential coach's experience with clients with similar needs. Also, a coach's areas of expertise may be helpful in providing different levels of reflection and insights.
One-on-One vs Group Coaching - Do you have a preference between the two? Group coaching tends to be cheaper, so if cost is a concern this might be a great option. One-on-One can provide a higher degree of individualization and can provide faster gains.
An Important Note:
There is, currently, no requirement for coaches to be certified. However, some certificates can be acquired. The certification means the individual attended a rigorous program and met specific program requirements, typically including a mentoring program and several hours of coaching. The most esteemed credential is provided by the International Coaching Federation and the Certified Coaching Alliance, among others.
Curious about coaching?
Use the Coachability Index to learn more about your readiness for coaching.
Looking for a coach?
Use the Considering Coaching Guide to help you.
Schedule a Complimentary Coaching Session
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