SHOPPING FOR CHANGE – TIPS FOR FINDING A GREAT LIFE COACH

If we went shopping for a new pair of athletic shoes or trainers, nobody in their right mind would just grab the first pair they saw.  We’d scour the stores looking for that perfect pair that’ll get us going on our fitness or lifestyle journey – that sets us up for achieving our goals, whether it’s running a marathon, stepping out at the gym or just taking the dog for a daily walk.   Finding a shoe that fits is most definitely not a case of ‘one-size-fits-all’, and the same principle applies when embarking on a life coaching journey.   If you’ve decided to do something positive to change your life and set some goals, finding a life coach is like finding that perfect pair of shoes. 

Let’s take a look at a few things to put on your shopping list.

Step 1 : Ask around

The life coaching industry has gone through exponential growth in recent times, and there are now so many people in the industry today that it can be hard to know where to start the search.  By putting the word out to people you know, you’re more likely to come into contact with the right person.  Ask friends, work colleagues, even put a request out on your social networking site if you like.

It’s also worth doing an internet search to see if there are any life coaches working in your local area, then check out their websites. 

Step 2 – Research

Once you’ve got a short-list of possible candidates, do some research.  Just as you’d do the research if you were shoe shopping – do the same with a life coach.  Check out their websites, look for professional qualifications and involvement with industry bodies and associations, check their track record and read customer feedback.

Step 3 – Try them out first. 

Imagine buying shoes without trying them on?!.  Signing up for life coaching means you’re making a commitment to a lifestyle change, and that requires an open, trusting and transparent relationship, so it’s vital to choose the right person.  You should get a free trial session with your coach to see if they’re right for you. 

Step 4 – Be aware of the costs

Find out what the cost of your sessions will be and how many sessions the life coach thinks you’ll need.  You don’t want to find yourself unable to continue because of budget constraints.  It would be like having to take off your trainers halfway through the race.  Chances of achieving your goals would be really impacted, so make sure you consider the bigger picture.

Step 5 – Can you relate to them?

Give some thought as to the results you’re looking to achieve.  For most people, it’s about making positive changes to their life or to their lifestyle.  From losing weight, reducing stress, quitting smoking, de-stressing, finding a healthy work/life balance, sorting out relationships…. life coaching can impact positively on so many aspects that it’s vital to really feel a deep connection with them.   An experienced industry professional in the Perth life coaching arena, Jennifer Atkins, says the most important aspect of getting results is to have good communication between coach and client. 

She advises people not to hang around waiting for change..  She said people should realise how good they are, go for it and enjoy the journey.  So, if it’s time for a new pair of ‘shoes’ – it’s time to go shopping!

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