Throughout our lives, we all face challenges, pivotal decisions, and crucial life questions. Often, we turn to our closest friends and family, seeking their guidance and advice. Sometimes this might even feel like a life coaching session. However, is this informal guidance the same as what a professional life coach offers?

Life Coaching Explained

Life coaching is more than just casual advice. It’s a professional support system aiming to assist those who are at life’s crossroads, be it personally or professionally. While our loved ones provide unparalleled emotional support, they might not always have the objectivity, or the tools needed to push us toward significant change or decision-making.

A life coach, on the other hand, operates from an objective third-party perspective. They incorporate principles from various fields, including psychology, counselling, sociology, and even business leadership. The main goal? To help you break negative patterns, be more decisive, and chase after what you genuinely desire. Whether it’s about relationships, career, family, motivation, or creativity, a life coach is equipped to guide you.

Choosing Your Coaching Path

One may wonder, with so many coaching methods out there, which one is the right fit? The truth is, the best fit varies from person to person. There’s no one-size-fits-all in coaching. Whether you’re a coach or someone seeking guidance, the key is to find an approach that resonates most with you. Remember, it’s okay to pivot if something doesn’t feel right. A proficient coach will always direct you towards what’s best for your growth. Personally as I have mentioned previously in this blog I am using positive and coaching psychology as an anchor for my coaching practice.

Is It the Right Time for Coaching? Consider These

Before embarking on your coaching journey, reflect on these questions:

  1. Why do I feel the need for a coach right now?
  2. Would I prefer my coach to be a specialist in a particular area or a generalist?
  3. How open am I to being challenged on deep-seated beliefs?
  4. What kind of feedback do I expect from my coach?
  5. Am I ready to put in the effort required for change?

Your answers will not only give you clarity but also guide your initial conversations with potential coaches.

Is Coaching Right for You?

You may want to use this short questionnaire (by Dr. Gabriella Lancia- accessed on www.positivepsychology.com ) to gauge if coaching is the appropriate approach for your current situation.

Question Yes No
Do you want to make a positive change in your life?
Are you open to changing your perspectives?
Are you looking for a new approach to help reach your goals?
Do you prefer being guided rather than being told what to do?
Are you ready to challenge some of your preconceptions?
Have you experienced significant changes recently (e.g., career shifts, relationship changes)?
Did this change spur a re-examination of your coping mechanisms or strategies?
Are you feeling uncertain about your future direction?
Do you need help with goal setting and planning?
Are you comfortable with ambiguity?
Can you commit to working outside of coaching sessions?

Should you find yourself answering “yes” to many of the above questions, it could be an indication that you’re ready for a coaching journey.

Conclusions on life coaching for you

In essence, life coaching can be a transformative experience, but the key is to recognize when you need it and find the right fit. If you’re at a point in life where you’re contemplating change and seeking direction, perhaps this is the moment to consider life coaching.

If you’re considering embarking on this journey or even just curious about what coaching can offer, feel free to get in touch with me. Let’s explore the possibilities together! 😊

Sincerely yours,

Dr. Sophie

+++++++++++

Inspired by / references

Elaine Mead’s insightful comparison on positive psychology coaching versus life coaching: https://positivepsychology.com/positive-psychology-life-coaching/