Everyone needs a little help sometimes. Whether it’s with following through on your goals, figuring out your next steps, or just recognizing when you’ve done all that you can, a little outside perspective can certainly help. And for many people, that outside perspective can come in the form of a life coach.
In the past few years, we’ve seen a massive increase in the number of people starting life coaching businesses. There are now over 53,000 life coaches worldwide, with the industry expected to top $1.34 billion by 2022. However, just because it’s a growing trend doesn’t mean that hiring a life coach is necessarily the right choice for you.
But, if this is something that you are considering, below are some signs to be aware of.
You Feel Lost
You might find yourself confused about what you should do or who you are. Maybe you know what you want to do but don’t know how to get there, or you’re doubting your actions.
A life coach will help you sort feelings and thoughts that are blocking you from your future. They’ll also help you figure out what you want to achieve and what’s the best way to reach them.
You Procrastinate
Sometimes, you know what you want to reach and how you’re going to reach it, but you keep putting off tasks until you don’t need to do them anymore or you’re forced to complete them hastily.
A coach can help you start seeing procrastination as an act rather than something that’s a part of you. This might be the hardest part, but once you have the mindset, they can guide you to gradually changing your attitude.
You’re Easily Stressed
Resilience and independence are undoubtedly good traits to have, but if you keep pushing through everything despite feeling like you’re about to break or you don’t know where you’re heading, you’ll need a life coach. If left unchecked, stress can lead to anxiety. A life coach can help you clear your path and teach you techniques to relax and deal with the stress.
In contrast, here are a few reasons why getting a life coach won’t sort out your problems:
You Want Someone to Fix Your Life
A life coach will listen to your situation, affirm even the little things you manage to do despite struggling, and guide you to a clearer path to your future. But they won’t fix your life for you.
The same way a sports coach won’t play for your team for you, your life coach won’t solve problems for you. They’ll give you resources and advice, but most of the work will be coming from you.
You Want a Friend
Ask a friend for advice, and they’ll do so based on their experiences. But ask a life coach for advice, and they’ll do so based on your experiences.
A friend will let you complain to relieve yourself, but a coach will unravel your complaints to make you realize some things such as what you need to improve in your current situation. Befriending a life coach limits their vision, making them less impartial and less likely to see what you need to work on.
Final Thoughts
Life coaches help you get unstuck, and also help you realize you have a higher potential life. It is important to note that life coaches are not therapists. While coaches guide you to your best possible path in life, therapists help you heal and deal with any mental health concerns that are limiting your potential.
