by Catherine Graham

Created on: March 16, 2009

When I first became a Certified Life Coach, I was continually asked the question, what is a life coach, and what can you do for me? I would always answer, " A life coach strategizes, and works with a client to help them decide on their goals, and seek out possibilities." Laments terms? We help you find the solutions, rather than dwell on the problems at hand.

So how do you know a life coach is right for you? Like buying new clothes, you need to make sure you have a right fit! Usually, the coach will set up an initial evaluation, where you can tell them about your dreams, and goals that you would like to be coached on. During this time, the coach should be able to tell you how they will be able to help you. This is also the ideal time for you to decide whether or not the coach is someone whom you can trust, and someone who you believe you have a connection with.

The reason that I say trust, is because, when working with a coach, you will be detailing your life. While it won't be all the dirty, dark secrets, you will have to be honest with your coach, and tell them why things are working, aren't working, and what obstacles are in your way.

There are many types of life coaches out there, depending on what you want. There are spiritual coaches, personal coaches, relationship coaches, business coaches, etc. Before you call your life coach, have a list prepared of all of the goals that you want to reach within a three month span.

In my own practice, I want to hear each clients' goals for their careers, relationships, health, finances, emotional well being and spiritual goals. While preparing your list you may find that one goal can be placed into many of these categories (for example a new job may go in under career, health *less stress, relationships *more time with family members, etc.) Whatever your goals may be, no matter how big or small, be sure to include these on your list.

Life coaches can range in price from $100.00/session- thousands of dollars. This may seem pricey, but is there a price tag on your dreams? What do you get for the price you're paying? One on one, individual attention, goal setting, goal achieving, and a chance to share your dreams with someone, and watch them come true. A coach can help you find your own answers and find your way around any obstacles that you may be faced with.

I find that it is a great oppurtunity for you to grow as an individual, and a great way to see all that you've ever wanted come into your life. I also believe, from my own experience, that when you have to be accountable to someone, you find yourself more motivated to reach for your goals and actually achieving them. For many people, the reason it is so hard for us to reach our own personal goals, is because we lose our motivation, and forget why we started doing 'it' in the first place. With a life coach, you will have that motivation through each session, and they will be keeping track of all of your accomplishments (and reciting them back to you when things get tough.)

One question that my teacher taught us to ask,

"If you could be anything, be anyone, or be anywhere right now...would you still be doing what you are right now?"

If your answer was no, than a life coach would be a great asset for your life!

Until next time,

Live love and love life,

xo

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