Understanding The 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.

When there is a gap between desired achievement and the realities of day-to-day living, a coach can help. The support provided is not limited to reaching a business or financial goal, but also includes personal solutions helpful in conquering anxieties, building better relationships with others, or making a significant transition to an entirely different career. Coaches help clients define those goals.

Coaching has been called a type of consulting that is not confined to the business world. The primary difference is that coaches stay connected with clients for several weeks, and proactively encourage constructive and ongoing responses. They help focus on personally realistic attainments in categories such as requesting a higher salary, developing better interpersonal relationships, making career advances, and much more.

The biggest single advantage is the ability to view a particular problem or situation from the perspective of an outsider not influenced by existing emotional issues or personal histories. Coaches analyze a situation or goal objectively, and then provide possible actions that will help achieve the desired result. They rarely tell people precisely what to say or do, but instead present workable options.

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.

Coaches avoid a cookie-cutter approach to solving thorny problems, and realize that each client is unique. There are no lectures regarding actions that must be taken, but more useful advice on how to break free of self-imposed limits. For those who truly want to make changes in the direction of their lives, coaches provide the type of support and guidance that makes real change a reality.

Many individuals find this type of help is a good way to crystallize their own priorities, and to discover and evaluate new ways of attaining goals. Modern culture lionizes independent action and thought, but always going it alone can result in wasted effort and even isolation. The benefits of this type of mentor not only include a wider perspective, but solid, realistic achievements that were formerly frustrating.




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