Why do I need a life coach? Insight
In the last growth story, we discussed how receiving validation from a life coach allows the client to dig deeper into the underlying reasons why she would like change. In addition to validation, a life coach provides insight that a client might not achieve on her own. In asking probing questions, a life coach enables her client to gain a deeper understanding of her feelings which can be an obstacle to moving forward. Further, in providing insight, a life coach can assist her client with problem-solving.
How often have you wanted to do something or think you might but are held back for a reason you don’t recognize? I was working with a client who wanted to get an advanced degree. This had been an idea, perhaps a dream, for years. She had started the process a few times but then would back off and would not take the steps necessary to begin. She engaged me to assist in determining what she needed to do to reach this goal. However, that is not really what she needed. Rather, she needed a coach to ask the right questions to understand what was holding her back. As we talked, she realized that the obstacle was trepidation in going back to school at a later stage in her life. A life coach asks probing questions and waits for an answer and then asks more questions. It can get uncomfortable, but the coach has been trained to be patient and work in these uncomfortable situations. In addition, the coaching relationship is one of confidentiality, acceptance, and validation making it easier for the client to think and speak the words holding her back.
Sometimes a client needs assistance with problem-solving. Most of us in a work environment have a colleague we can turn to for assistance in problem-solving. This is usually a trusted individual who understands your situation and can get help you think through situations. But in some cases, the problem-solving you need help with might be sensitive and not appropriate to discuss with a work colleague. In this case, a life coach is a sounding board allowing you to vent and then problem-solve. A life coach brings insight through lived professional experience allowing her to ask the right questions such as “Have you thought about. . ?” Her insight also enables her to assist with getting clarity around relationships and communication.
As an alternative, you might be working on a personal matter where you are not comfortable talking with a family member or friend. Since the coach generally does not have an intimate personal relationship with the client, she can offer suggestions of a sensitive nature that can be discussed confidentially. In addition, life coaches have often worked through their own sensitive situations and with this experience can provide insight to the client in determining actions to move forward.
A life coach brings knowledge and skills that assist her clients in understanding feelings that were an obstacle in moving forward. She also has lived experiences that provide insight into problem-solving in all kinds of situations.