If you’ve never trained to run a marathon, you’re probably going to need a coach to learn how; likewise for learning how to swim, dancing ballet, trying gymnastics, or even dealing with finances. Why, then, don’t you have a coach for the biggest challenge of them all–life? Life coaches might sound like a gimmick but are rooted in a solid understanding of possessing a certain amount of experience or education. From getting you “unstuck” to inspiring your next move–like buying a house, starting your dream job, or simply getting a different perspective on your life–life coaching works. Here are 5 reasons why you should suspend your doubts and jump aboard this growing trend:
1. They hold you accountable
Sick of starting and stopping a new routine every other day? A life coach can hold you accountable to the steps and goals that you set for yourself. Have you always wanted to write a novel but lacked the dedication to start a chapter? Have you been trying to eat healthier but are consistently sidetracked every time co-workers bring donuts to the office meeting? Have you dreamed of having a better relationship with your mother but have problems following through with returning calls, sending letters, or simply opening up a little more? A professional life coach can help you learn to hold yourself accountable to the dreams you want to turn into reality. Trust me–after paying for your life coach’s services, you’re not going to want to see your money go down the drain. Eventually your dedication to your dreams will be based on far more than money, but everyone starts somewhere, so why not here?
2. They give you direction
Life coaches help everyone–from billionaire CEOs to schoolteachers to graduate students to parents who are seeing their youngest child off to college and are unsure of where to go next. Are you feeling unmotivated, maybe even unexcited, about your life? Do you lack passion from one week to the next, or wish you knew what you “should” be doing with your life? A qualified life coach will help pull these answers from you, often with lengthy conversations or questionnaires.
3. They save you time and money
Life coaches, like most good coaches, aren’t cheap, but the upside is that you’ll likely save both time and money with a life coach–which, in that case, makes it a pretty good investment. Rather than waste money on weekend seminars, gimmicky books, online courses, and material directed to the masses, a life coach focuses on goals personal to you. Additionally, once you find a life coach that works for you, there’s no need to continue seeking out something or someone that can jumpstart your life in the direction you want to go. Your life coach already awaits.
4. They provide motivation
Lacking purpose in life often contributes to a feeling of nothingness. Can you imagine accomplishing your biggest life goals if you wake up dreading the day? Without motivation, it can be difficult, if not downright impossible, to push yourself out of your comfort zone, take necessary risks, and achieve what you want with your life. Life coaches can help lay out step-by-step action plans that will give you motivation along the way, rather than wait until you’re where you want to be in life before feeling happy, grateful, and passionate about what you’re doing.
5. They help you develop better relationships
Having a life coach might seem like a selfish activity, but in actuality, it can be a selfless act to take control of your life. Ever heard of the saying, the more you love yourself, the more love you can give? Focusing your life in a direction that you’re happy with will make you a happier person, and the happier you are, the more love and acceptance you’ll have for the people closest to you.
Before you do a Google search for life coaches, do your research. Asking people you admire is often a great way to find a referral, but searching local directories can ensure you’ll be meeting your life coach in person, which is often the best, most efficient way to connecting with your coach.
