Do you have goals that have stayed on your to-do list for months, or perhaps even years? Do you find yourself stuck in the same old patterns despite the fact that they’re clearly not serving you? Do you often wish for a better quality of life but can’t seem to gain traction?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, chances are that you could seriously benefit from working with a life coach.
What Does a Life Coach Do, Really?
At a basic level, a life coach is an individual who is professionally trained in the art and science of:
Shining a light on the things and thoughts that are holding you back from living a fuller, happier life
Giving you tools to manage setbacks and capitalize on opportunities
Holding you accountable and motivating you toward positive action
Helping you set goals and formulate step-by-step plans to achieve results faster
Do I Need a Life Coach?
Fear, failure, and tragedy are fundamental elements of the human experience. We all encounter obstacles, both external and internal. But when we’re so close to and enmeshed in the details of our own challenges and disappointments, it can be difficult to see them for what they really are—essential pieces of a complex, beautiful puzzle called life.
We often fail to realize how we’re getting in our own way and—more importantly—how we have the power to pave our own way toward greater happiness. At some point, everybody can use a listening ear and a hearty helping of expert advice. But how do you determine if that point is now?
5 Indications That It’s Time to Hire a Life Coach
Here are 5 surefire signs that it’s time to get to work on the self-work with a life coach by your side:
1. You have dreams and aspirations but achieving them feels out of reach.
The future you want looks quite different from your present—you know that much. The problem is your progress has been minimal, and you lack the tools to turn your daydreams into realities. Despite your best efforts, you mostly end up spinning your wheels.
Or perhaps your issue is inaction—numerous options and considerations have overwhelmed you to the point of paralysis. Then you feel frustrated and ashamed by the fact that you can’t seem to motivate yourself to take action. The cycle continues.
Partnering with a qualified life coach gives you access to knowledge and experience that can help you to create a clear vision and remove barriers that are hindering your success. You’ll learn practical, proven techniques for making consistent advances toward your goals.
2. You’re constantly on the losing end of a battle against anxiety and stress.
Are you plagued by feelings of worry, restlessness, or defeat? It doesn’t have to be this way. Struggles are part of life, but there are no bonus points awarded for gratuitous suffering. When you’re in the midst of emotional turmoil, it’s tough to get your bearings let alone get on the right track. There is no shame in seeking help. Quite the opposite, in fact— it takes strength.
With unbiased guidance and unwavering support from the right coach, you’ll finally uncover and deal with the root causes of your emotional distress. While there’s no way to completely eliminate negative thoughts or emotions, you’ll learn how to release them more quickly. Proper training and practice can recalibrate your brain’s default mode from self-doubt, fear, and perfectionism to confidence, joy, and optimism.
3. No matter how hard you try, you cannot seem to effectively manage your finances, health, or relationships.
Regardless of how hopeless your current circumstances may appear, you have the ability to improve them. Your present situation can limit you only to the extent that you allow it to. Sure, there are some things that are beyond your control, but you are always in command of your attitude, actions, and reactions. Do not underestimate how powerful you are.
By working with a great life coach, you’ll pinpoint your self-destructive habits and break out of old patterns. Once you understand the skills and strategies required to overcome setbacks and keep pushing forward toward growth, you’ll be able to affect real and long-lasting change in virtually every aspect of your life.
4. You’re overdue for increased self-confidence, self-acceptance, self-care, and self-compassion.
No one gets through life without battle scars, but some of us have endured experiences that hurt us so deeply that we have trouble letting them go. Is your past preventing you from moving on? Are you punishing yourself for prior mistakes or missed opportunities? Dwelling on the past is not only draining, it’s counterproductive.
Your life coach will show you how to process the events that are holding you hostage as well as the limiting beliefs that you’re most likely holding about yourself.
5. Clarity and decisiveness are high on your wish list.
What is your purpose? What do you really want? How exactly are you going to get it? “What ifs” and “shoulds” can easily cloud your judgment and confuse your priorities. Without a clearly charted course, the likelihood that you’ll arrive at your preferred destination is slim to none.
A capable coach will ask the right questions and challenge you to dig deep into the whys behind your desires. Expect to develop specific action plans (and resilience for when plans inevitably go awry). You’ll receive insights for nurturing unshakeable certainty in your path so you can wake up every morning fueled by passion and excitement.
In the words of Albert Einstein, “The significant problems we face cannot be solved by the same level of thinking that created them.” If you’re not happy with where things in your life stand at this moment, it’s time for a new approach.
Hiring a life coach could very well be the greatest gift you ever give yourself. What do you have to lose by giving it a try? Now consider all that you have to gain. A metamorphosis awaits you.
To your Game Changing Success,
Rodney