What is Coaching?

So you keep hearing about coaching in the online space and now you’re wondering what coaching is. In this post I’m going to explain what it is exactly and help you recognize why it’s the best investment you can make for yourself. I’ll also give you examples of different types of coaching and give you the scoop on how you can begin working with one ASAP!

Coaching is a process where in the relationship between the coach and the client, the coach guides and supports the client to reach a certain goal or overcome a problem. The client is the main focus and has all the answers within. The coach assists in discovery and insights brought about by the client themselves. They listen and help expand the client’s thoughts.

Some people may wonder if it’s the same thing as consulting, teaching or therapy. The answer is no to all three. Consulting is when particular advice is given. Coaches don’t tell you what to do. Teaching is when new skills or knowledge is given. Coaches develop and help refine the skills and knowledge you already have within. Finally, therapy is centered around focusing on the past as well as diagnosing mental health disorders. Coaching focuses on the present and future…and coaches cannot diagnose or treat disorders.

Types of coaching

There are so many different types of coaching available out there. Personally, I love seeing specialty coaches because since they only focus on one particular topic, I imagine they master that area of expertise.

Some of the most common types are:

General life coaching-helps with personal goals and/or helps you progress in life
Relationship coaching-helps with communication and conflict resolution in relationships
Business coaching-helps you start or expand your business
Health coaching-helps implement healthy lifestyle changes
Money coaching-helps you with personal finance habits and goals
Career coaching-helps with resume writing, interviewing and navigating career planning

Those are just a few examples and honestly, you can always directly ask a coach how they can help you. A “good” one will be happy to answer you!

Why everyone needs a life coach

I believe everyone needs a life coach because that can be the x-factor that will take you to the next level of your life. Many of us have goals we dream of accomplishing “someday” and without a plan, those goals will be less likely to come to fruition. For those of you who currently don’t have any goals in mind, a life coach can assist you with gaining clarity in order to be able to create goals that were inside of you all along.

We are complex beings and life “happens.” Sometimes that means you can begin living your life on “autopilot” with time continuing to pass by. If you don’t take action, you can unintentionally let too much precious time pass you by. With the help of a life coach, you can have a safe place to gain perspective and even gain self-awareness in order to progress.

Some ways a life coach can help you are the following:

Help you gain clarity and purpose
Offer different perspectives
Help you gain confidence and self-understanding
Hold space for feelings or concerns you may have
Help you create a plan to achieve a goal
Hold you accountable for said plans
Help motivate you and be your personal cheerleader!
Celebrate “wins” with you 🙂

Being that we’re always evolving, we can always benefit from working with a life coach that will help us navigate life.

How to work with a coach

Now that the world has seemed to move to the online space, you can work with a coach located anywhere in the world! Most coaches meet with their clients via a video chatting platform or phone calls. Some might meet in person if the opportunity is available.

You could find your coach by searching online. Many coaches have an online presence whether that’s on social media platforms such as Instagram or Facebook. You can always search on Google and see where that leads you. Another option is asking around. Some coaches get clients by word of mouth.

Once you find a coach you vibe with, I suggest you consume their free content posted on their social media pages, blog, podcast, etc. This should give you a better idea of the way they think and what they offer. After that step, feel free to contact them directly to ask any questions you may have. Many coaches offer a free sales call (also called “clarity” or “discovery” call) to determine if you both are a good fit to work together. This is also a good time to ask questions.

What to keep in mind

When working with a coach, always remember that you are the one in charge. You have the right to choose what you want to focus on during your sessions. You should feel empowered after the sessions so if you don’t feel that way, ask yourself why. If it happens on multiple occasions, don’t be afraid of looking for a different coach that feels more in alignment with you.

A typical session can range from 30 mins to over an hour. Many coaches offer “packages” consisting of a particular time span and additional assistance. For example, a life coach can offer a 3 month package consisting of one session per week with email or text support. I’ve seen some business coaches offer 6 month packages that also include a digital course so it’ll depend on the type of coaching and other variables.

Trust the coach’s offer! If they have a longer package for instance, it may be because they have explored different options and they’ve seen the most client results with the current offer they have. The goal is to help you achieve results!

My personal experience with coaching

I hired my first life coach back in 2012 a few years after graduating college. I felt stuck in my life and didn’t know how to approach my next step in life. Yes, I had a bunch of friends and family I was blessed enough to confide in and talk to but I was still missing something.

My first coach happened to be in my sorority so that gave me a sense of trust and intrigued me to give it a try. Well, that was one of the best decisions of my life because she helped me uncover SO much. It was the first time I had a safe space to explore thoughts and ideas.

Thanks to her, I developed the courage to move to another state to start fresh and to try something new. I ultimately ended up moving back “home” after a couple months BUT that was the first time in my life I did something like that. It was never viewed that as a “failure” by any means.

I stepped into being the independent woman I’ve always been meant to be. I explored that new city on my own. That experience unveiled a sense of confidence and courage that I’ve exuded ever since.

Life experiences I’ve gained after coaching:

I have lived in Hawaii on two separate occasions
I’ve traveled to and lived in India for a month by myself
I moved to my current city by myself too
I started my own business that is in alignment with who I am

Currently, I am working with an amazing Spiritual coach who is helping me unpack so much. I am working on stepping into the creative and expressive soul I’m destined to be without self imposed “rules.” Life is meant to be a fun journey!

Final thoughts

I hope you now know what coaching is and have the interest and excitement to work with one. Coaching is the best investment you can make for yourself because the return on your investment will be unmatched. Your life can truly change for the better with the help of a coach.

There is always room for improvement in life and a life coach can help you all the way. Just make sure to keep an open mind and try not to expect to have immediate extreme results right away. Coaching can take time because there may be a lot of unpacking to do.

Finally, if you didn’t know by now, I am a life coach!

Let’s work together!

If you’re really ready to create the life you want
If you want to increase your happiness and feel more confident in who you are
If you want to trust yourself more and live on purpose

I can help you! Schedule your clarity call to work with me HERE. 🤍

What is coaching?