Is a life coach worth it?
Short answer. Yes …If you’re ready for it.
Here’s the secret: we aren’t magical. Well, not in the way some folks market themselves. Coaches can’t fix your life, wave a wand, and make problems disappear. The ingredients of change are your willingness to see things differently, build new neural pathways, and challenge the perceptions that have held you back. You already have that capacity built in. Brains are flexible and wired to learn. Forever.
Ok, so why hire a coach, then?
The special sauce that coaches bring is their unique perspective, experience and ability to open doors to new possibilities. Your coach should have the skills to listen deeply and ask questions that draw out your brilliance.
It’s also smart to have a mountaineering buddy when you push to explore a place you’ve never been. Preferably one who understands the terrain. Because when you go deep into that valley to examine old belief systems, you’ll be glad you have someone standing on the mountain peak to see how it all connects. And finally, because we have a lot of defence mechanisms set up to keep us from asking ourselves the questions that would really shake things up.
All coaches aren’t created equal:
Check for credentials. ICF is the gold standard and the only credential with any ethical standards and checks/balances. It doesn’t mean that a non-ICF coach can’t help you, but it’s important to be discerning and look out for these common scams. Anyone who’s making big promises or trying to rush you into a decision probably doesn’t have your best interest at heart. But a big part of choosing a coach is finding someone who’s the right energetic fit and listens in a way that makes you feel heard. So take your time when shopping around.
So how do I know if I’m ready?
Well, a feeling somewhere in yourself that says “unhuh, it’s time” is a good signal, in my opinion. But some other things to look for are:
You keep hitting the same wall.
You find yourself turning away from things you were excited about yesterday, armed with a reason that feels all too familiar. You see this, and it feels like time to do something about it.
You feel like you’re living someone else’s life
It’s that “how did I get to work, I don’t remember driving there” feeling. You just woke up and you are somewhere. Now you want to get behind the wheel, map in hand, and hit the road.
You’re in transition
Career changes, relationship beginnings and ends, leaving school, and going back to school. You’re making some shifts, and it would be useful to have a co-pilot and be able to say your thoughts out loud so you know what they are.
You’re on a unique path
Maybe you’re starting a business, deciding to homeschool your kids or yourself. Maybe you’re getting out of the corporate world, or trying to sell your artwork. In any case, you must wean yourself from external validation and plug into your inner compass.
You want to be coached
You know yourself best! If you feel the urge within you, it’s probably there for a reason. The questions I would ask you are:
Are you looking to grow into your own strength?
Does the word “partnership” resonate for you?
Are you hoping for answers from the outside, or do you want to discover the answers that are emerging within you?
If this sounds like you
and you’re ready for the next step…