Choosing a Life Coach

Hiring a Life Coach: When and Why You Need One

Everyone has heard or read the phrase 'life coach' at least once recently, considering that humans seem to have an innate thirst for knowledge, to constantly improve. While some people are fine using self-help books to hone either their characters or their bodies, others need something extra.

The idea of life coaching isn't a new concept – it's an extension to sports coaching and business coaching, in a way. But rather than delving into philosophies (as in a few self-help books) or giving advice, life coaching today is more about providing the framework, or encouragement to introspect.

Many life coaches believe that everyone has the answers inside them, and they just need some guidance in finding these answers. That means, a life coach is supposed to help you help yourself, so that you can improve and make steady progress towards certain goals. So when, exactly, do you call on the services of such a person? Here are a few signs you need a coach.

1. You feel torn between choices. You have a big decision to make. Whether it's moving versus not moving, a change in career, or letting go of a relationship, you feel like you need a guarantee of the results. While there's no such thing, a life coach can help you uncover what lies beneath all your thoughts of "what if", and why this decision is a big deal for you.

While it doesn't mean someone will be making the decision for you, life coaching Malaysia can help you figure out which voice in your head you should listen to. Is it the risk-taker, or the inner critic who plays it safe that you should heed? Not everyone's answer is the same, but whatever you ultimately choose, with the help of a life coach, is the best one for you.

2. You feel afraid. Everyone is afraid of something, to varying degrees. We all fear looking stupid in front of our peers, we're afraid of failure. We're even scared of success to some extent, afraid that we'll become too accustomed to the comfort that success brings.

A life coach will let you air out your fears, whatever they are, and guide you to attaining the tools you need to not just deal with your fears, but to take action as well. You may still be afraid, but you'll be better equipped to stand up to them despite feeling that fear.

3. You feel comfortable. Wait – why do you need a coach if you're already comfortable with your life? This routine is apt to wear down over time until it becomes a rut, which will be harder for you to break out of. There's nothing wrong with being comfortable, of course; for a coach, the more important question is if you're enjoying your life or not.

Coaching will help you find that desire for excitement once again, for you to keep pushing yourself so you don't start feeling stuck in a rut and start getting bored with the everyday.

What if you're comfortable and happy with your life? When you're happy with where you are, you're actually more open to growth. After all, if things don't work out, you're back to where you started – and it's a situation or level that you already like.

4. You feel lost. Maybe you've been hopping from job to job for a while now, or you feel you're going about everything on auto-pilot and everything is happening really slowly. You'll need a life coach to help you discover what you need within you to reach a breakthrough, whether it's a job that you love, or you find your drive to succeed.

Many training companies in Singapore, the United States, and elsewhere agree that helping someone find their 'thing' is really helping them find their personal values. Once the values are clear, the path becomes clear, too.

Gary M. Fink, MA QMHP
http://www.my-portland-therapist.com
(503) 961-4279