What Can You and Your Life Coach Work On?

Many people still do not know what a life coach does or even what life coaching is. To answer that question, let's ask another question. What can you and your life coach work on? The simple answer is, just about anything. A life coach is not usually an expert in a specific field. Life coaches are change experts. Some coaches do define their coaching to a specific niche and usually this is because they have a passion for that specific area. Maybe you have heard of business coaches, relationship coaches, family coaches, life transition coaches, leadership coaches, and the list goes on. These and others are simply specified niches that a coach may choose. However, a life coach is not an expert in any of these areas. A life coach is not an expert, because he/she does not need to be an expert in any area. A life coach is not an advice-giver; he/she is a listener. A life coach believes in people and believes that people know their own lives better than anyone else. A life coach knows that a "one size fits all" for all people does not exist. Every person is different and their are so many variables that come into play that can make individuals so different. You and your life coach can work on just about anything, because you are the expert of your life. You know your lifestyle, family, profession, marriage, behavior, attitudes, children, goals, habits, and dreams better than anyone else. A life coach can help you to improve your life quicker than you would if you go at it by yourself. A life coach also pushes you to go for the maximum, instead of the bare minimum. Again, a life coach is not an advice-giver, so what is a life coach's method of choice? It is the art of listening and asking. Your life coach believes in you and believes you already know the answer. He/she must simply draw it out of you using good listening skills and asking powerful questions. So, what can you and your life coach work on together? The simple answer, anything!

No Control Of

One thing we must remind ourselves of is that we cannot change all things and we most definitely cannot change people. Sometimes we dispense energy trying to change people, but the fact of the matter is we can only change ourselves. People around us can only change themselves. There is no use in getting aggravated and frustrated about how much you wish someone would change their behavior, attitude, or how they do things. You cannot make them change; they will change whatever and whenever they want to change. You might as well change how you act or react to people you would like to change, because if you don't, you will get upset about it every time. You and I have absolutely no control of other people. Concentrate on your own life instead of wasting energy trying to change things and people you have no control of.

Setting Goals

In order to properly set goals we must keep a few things in mind. Many times people do not achieve the goals they set simply because they are not clearly defined. Next time you set a goal, keep these five steps in mind. First, make sure the goal is specific to the point that you can describe it to people. Second, it needs to be measurable. You need to be able to know you have achieved it. Next, it must be attainable; a goal is not attainable if someone or something controls the outcome of it. We cannot change people and there are certain things in life we cannot change either. Next, it must be relevant; it must be something that compliments your beliefs and values. The goal must be relevant to your lifestyle. Lastly, the goal must be time specific. In order to properly set a goal, it must have a date attached to it. This is what you call a S.M.A.R.T. goal.

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time specific

A Life Coach

A life coach helps others find focus and direction for their lives and careers. A life coach can help you change a destructive habit into a healthy one, set goals and achieve them, develop new skills, to dream big, etc. A life coach is someone who will give you undivided attention and ask you powerful questions to help you get from where you are presently to where you desire to be. A life coach is your greatest cheerleader, encourager, and one who will hold you accountable to action steps you decide to take to reach your destination.

What is a Coach?

In the 1500s the word coach described a horse-drawn vehicle that would take people from one place to another. Many years later, in the 1880s, coach was given an athletic meaning, identifying the person who tutored university students in their rowing on the Cam River in Cambridge. This use of the word remained and coaches became known as people who help athletes move from one place to another. Over time the word also became associated with musicians, public speakers, and actors who rely on coaches to improve their skills, overcome obstacles, remain focused, and get to where they want to be. Coaching might have stayed in the realm of sports and entertainment, but it made its presence known in the corporate world too. The coaching principles that athletes and performers used soon became relevant to the business community. According to Fortune magazine, coaching has become the "hottest thing in management" today. However, coaching now goes beyond the business world and people are turning to nutritional coaches, fitness coaches, financial coaches, public speaking coaches, relationship coaches, family coaches, and what have become known as "life coaches". At its core coaching is the art and practice of guiding a person or group from where they are toward the greater competence and fulfillment they desire.