Life Coaching

A lot of articles use technical and nice sounding terms to describe Life Coaching. The actual work a Life Coach does however the same as that of a Sports Coach is in principal. While the athlete has ability, potential and determination a coach is needed to keep the athletes training on course. The Coach helps to set goals and determine training programs. He also support and motivate all the way to the end goal. 

While a Life Coach does not have to worry about sports injuries the method of working stays the same.  The area the Life coach works in differs vastly. Life Coaches coach in all areas of life, health, business, dating, studies and many other fields. The process stays the same though. The Coach helps to identify goals and determine the best way for his client to get to the goals. He encourages, motivates and supports until the goals are reached.

The Life Coach does not have to have in depth knowledge of the area he coaches in. Take for example a Business Coach. If his client is a restaurateur, the Life (Business) Coach does not need in depth knowledge of running a restaurant. He does need to have a grasp of how basic business works though.

All of this sounds very simple on the surface. The client of the Life Coach may have any of a multitude of motives. It may be to simply make a few changes to his (her) life. It may be to increase performance at work. It may be something life changing like finding a new life partner. What ever the reason, the Life Coach has three main tasks. First he has to find out where the client finds himself in life. Then he has to determine where the client wants to be. Then the work starts, working out the rout the client should follow and supporting and motivating the client on the way there.

All of this sounds simple and commonsense until you start speaking to the client. While the Life Coach does not diagnose mental problems or dig around in the past to find reasons for whatever, the Coach has gain a clear picture of the client’s current standing. This some times takes a bit of digging through the client’s illusions as to his real ability and standing in life. These illusions may be of grandeur or the client may think too lowly of himself. A good coach will take care to get things straight here. This is the start of the journey.

Though the next step sounds easy, beware. Most people are not clear on their goals. Some have goals they do not really want to reach. Some have goals they will never reach because of outside problems. The Life Coach has to act as filter for all of this while helping to set realistic goals. The coach has to assist in setting up a clear destination without deciding or choosing for the client.

After this comes a study of resources and ability and setting the course.  It becomes a relationship built on action. The Coach and client discuss, and then the client takes action. The Coach cannot guarantee that the client will take action or that the action will always have the desired result. Nor does the Coach think or decide for the client.  The coach leads and supports while keeping things real.

Now that you know what a Life coach does, can you identify any areas in your life where you can do with a bit of assistance. I am your Life Coach Johann. If you want me to help out, mail me at johann,niemand@gmail.com and we can discuss terms.