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4 Things To Consider Before Hiring A Life Coach

The very nature of life coaching depends on the quality of the coach, so it's only natural to want to pick the right person.

As our society navigates countless and demanding personal and professional circumstances, life coaching has become increasingly widespread.

Many entrepreneurs and business leaders enlist the help of a life coach to help them get or stay on track. A life coach is someone you trust that is uniquely skilled and qualified to help you get your life on the right path with counseling and encouragement in your personal and professional life.

The very nature of life coaching depends on the quality of the coach, so it’s only natural to want to pick the right person to guide you on your journey. When you find the right life coach, they can help you improve various areas of your life (e.g., personal development, relationships, mental health, finances, career/business, etc.).

Every experience with a life coach is unique and personal to your circumstances. That’s why it’s essential to do your research and find someone you connect with. Here’s a look at four things to consider before hiring a life coach.

 

1. Take time for self-reflection

What areas of your life need improvement? Perhaps you need the motivation or insight to improve your health, business, or social and romantic life?

How to hire a life coach
© boykovi1991, YFS Magazine

Before you hire a life coach, get clarity on the problems you are facing. After all, if you don’t know what you want out of life, how will a life coach be able to help you? Create specific goals to help ensure time and energy is spent on the right topics and desired outcomes.

 

2. Get to know your ideal life coach

When you hire a life coach, you are trusting them with your life’s most private thoughts and dilemmas. Don’t be afraid to ask critical questions before you agree to your first appointment.

Life coaching is a growing industry. There are no legal standards required to become a life coach, but certification is available. Given the limited regulation, many clients waste their money on incompetent coaches.
Various coaching programs may even tout that “You can become a life coach in just ten minutes!”

This is why it’s important to find a life coach with solid credentials and evidence that they’ve invested time in developing their skills and client base. When looking into a coach’s background, consider if they are an active member of a recognized, independent credentialing program for coach practitioners (e.g., International Coach Federation (ICF) oversees a number of programs worldwide).

Also, does your life coach have a coach? If so, you may raise an eyebrow. But this is a good thing. The best teachers are continuously learning. If they have a coach, it means they are steadily working on personal growth.

Lastly, a few more things to consider include: Is your coach insured? What is their session structure and strategies for client meetings? Do they have positive reviews from other clients? These are all important questions to consider before making your final decision.

 

3. Ensure your open to change

“At its core, life coaching is the practice of helping people understand where they are in life, determine where they’d like to be in the future, and breaking down the realistic steps required for them to achieve it.” A life coach is not your best friend or your mother. Consequently, if you do not follow their expert advice, they won’t badger or nag you about it.

Are you open to changing your life for the better? Ultimately, real change is entirely in your hands. It is up to you to decide whether or not to take the steps that have been presented to you.

When you are committed to changing your mindset and behaviors, that is when you should hire a life coach.

 

4. Check for chemistry

If you want a life coach to make a difference in your life, you must be open, honest, and vulnerable. This is where trust and chemistry come into play.

Trust is important in any relationship. When you trust your coach and value their opinions, you will be more willing to open up about your problems.

Chemistry is another big factor to consider before choosing a life coach. There should be a good vibe between you and your coach. You should have a sense that they understand you and are always seeking your best interest, even if they uncover your blind spots and share a perspective you don’t want to hear.

There should be an easy flow in conversation. If interactions are awkward and uncomfortable, you won’t follow their guidance.

 

A life coach can help you produce positive changes in your life. Think about what you truly want out of your sessions before hiring a life coach. Consider how much money you want to spend as well. Coupled with these tips, you’re well on your way to find the best life coach for you.

 

Monica Gill is a freelance writer sharing life coaching tips on behalf of the National Coach Academy

 

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