The Real Benefits Of Having A Life Coach

By Beryl Dalton


The media today provides a nearly constant barrage of advice regarding most aspects of life. From self-appointed TV therapists to pious politicians, the basic message is nearly always to sacrifice more and work harder. Although no single person can provide good answers for all problems, the benefits of having a life coach provide a realistic platform for achieving personal goals in a workable, satisfying way.

Coaches are not surrogate psychotherapists, and their primary purpose is not to dredge up past issues. The majority are certified and have received training, but do not provide therapy in the commonly accepted sense. Their main intent is to give people support in those areas of life where it is truly possible to make positive achievements that match individual potential. Many clients are professionals, but anyone can participate.

Coaches are most helpful when there is a gap between goals and the realities of individual lives. Their support is not restricted to achieving specific financial or business targets, but can also include help with issues such as conquering a debilitating fear, building a more satisfying relationship with a partner, or making the transition to a different career. It helps define those needs.

These efforts have been described as a form of consulting outside of business. Unlike standard consultants, coaches remain in personal contact with clients for many weeks, encouraging both accountability and continuing response. They help crystallize realistic goals in the areas of career advancement, making more money, becoming more skilled socially, and other categories.

The primary advantage coaches bring to the table is the wider perspective that exists only when there are no existing emotional influences or difficult-to-overcome personal histories to battle. They can view and assess situations far more objectively, and then provide action options that make success more likely. They very rarely specifically tell people what to say or how to act, but instead present viable choices.

Even though a client may already have a well-defined goal, personal initiative may be lacking. Coaches not only help clarify outcomes, but also provide more meaningful personal motivation for taking continued action. They may encourage the development of useful new skills, and provide support when the inevitable roadblocks or delays cause client frustration. The approach is not punitive, but positive.

Because each situation is different, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to problem solving. Individuals do not receive lectures on what they should be doing, but instead enjoy targeted advice that helps break ingrained patterns of self-limitation. They provide solid help for people serious about making personal changes, but who have not enjoyed the support and guidance that make those changes possible.

This type of aid provides a realistic way for many individuals to re-align their own priorities, and to better evaluate pathways to achieving the goals that matter personally. While personal independence in thought and action is admired culturally, it can sometimes result in isolation and produce stymied results. Having a personal mentor not only provides a wider perspective, but has already made a difference in the lives of many clients.




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