What's a Life Coach?

Thinking back to my big leap of "faith," it really was a big one! I was back in school - college, that is. I was an adult trying to figure out the next big thing (i.e., I was trying to make a career move). I had my major figured out, but what would I do with the degree? My classmates all knew what their next steps were, but my path wasn't so clear...

That is, until I met a life coach. The timing of this was perfect. I was winding down with my last class and, as I investigated what coaching involved, I discovered I had been one for most of my life! And there was a name, classes, skills to build upon, and credentialing to put "teeth" to what I had been instinctively doing all these years! 

So I launched into a new adventure. That was nine years ago now. Since then, I've learned and experienced a lot! And, even after all this time, I'm still passionate about life coaching. Here's why. The clients I take set the agenda. They are the ones who determine what they want to address while being coached. It's not about me telling a client what to do. My job is to collaborate...to provide structure and encouragement so the client can move forward. I LOVE encouraging people!

Here are a few more things I love about coaching. It's about looking to the future. it's goal-oriented. It's flexible so that I can meet in person or by phone or video conference with clients. If my client wants to bring her faith into it, so much the better! I love to see goals where our faith and God's purpose and plans for our lives intersect and are aligned.

And as I work with clients through the process, I coach myself out of a job! That's because my clients have an end to when she needs me. She's no longer "stuck." She's found clarity and perspective. She met her goals, knows her purpose, and she can look to her future with anticipation. I love to look ahead. The possibilities are endless!

I truly believe we all could use a life coach every now and then. What about you?