You're Thinking about Life Coaching...

There are a few important factors to consider when you’re thinking about starting to work with a life coach, aside from the obvious one: can my coach help me with the goal I want to pursue? Here are five questions to ask yourself before starting with a life coach.

1. Am I ready?

Life coaching is about change and growth. True change starts with the ability to acknowledge where you are, where you want to go, what will help you get there, and what will challenge you on your way. Life coaching can help you identify these four things, but you have to be able and willing to look at them. You also have to be determined to get where you want to go. No life coach will move you to your goal. You are the person who walks the path; your life coach helps you read the map and find the way.

      2.   Do I have the time?
Life coaching takes time and requires consistency. Only start life coaching when you have the time for it. If you don’t have at least two hours every other week for life coaching, talk with a life coach about how can make time in your schedule, see if your schedule will be “winding down” any time soon and wait until then, or look at taking a something off your plate. Changing and growth require consistent attention and effort, which also means you need to put in the time.

      3.   Am I willing to make a commitment?
Not only does life coaching require time, it also requires a commitment. Whether the commitment is for a few meetings or the commitment is several months for deep coaching, you need to be willing to stick with what you start.

      4.   Do I have a coach who respects me and with whom I think I can develop a healthy working relationship?
After an initial coaching session, you will hopefully have an idea of who your coach is, whether you felt your coach respected you, and if you will be able to communicate openly with your coach and work together. Do not feel pressured to continue with a coach after an initial session if you don’t think your coach can help you or if you don’t like the coach. The coaching relationship is the gatekeeper of the value in life coaching.

       5.   What structure works for me?
There are many different ways coaches offer services: over the phone, in-person, Skype, etc. Some coaches have very flexible schedules; others might not coach in the evening or certain times of day. Different coaches also have different payment structures. It is important to find a coach whose times, method of coaching (in-person, phone, etc), and fees work for you. If you have any special concerns, such as privacy, flexibility of scheduling, or concerns about payment, it is important to address these with your coach before starting coaching so you are both on the same page and have the same expectations.