As we move through life, most of us have a vision of our future selves and the goals we hope to achieve. But things don’t always pan out. There may be unexpected obstacles along the way, changes we never saw coming, or people who impact our lives for better or worse.
Often, we need to recalibrate on the fly to go forward. But making lasting adjustments requires careful consideration, mental and emotional fortitude, and deliberate action. And here’s where we get stuck. We may feel overwhelmed or disappointed, lack direction or resilience, doubt ourselves, or burn out along the way.
The good news is that coaching can help. But is it right for you? And if so, where do you start?
What exactly is coaching?
In a nutshell, coaching is solution-focused human development. It’s not counselling or therapy, which seeks to address past or present trauma. And it isn’t mentoring, in which the mentor shares their own skills and experience to help another grow. Instead, coaching builds on the present to shape the future. It’s tailored to you and focuses on your skills, learning and goals.
To learn more, explore coaching vs. counselling.
How do I know if I need a coach?
Wondering whether or not you need coaching? Here are 10 telltale signs that it might be time for you to get a coach:
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You have a big goal but no clear plan
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You often doubt yourself
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You’re going through a major life transition
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You’re a high achiever
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You have self-destructing habits
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You want better work-life balance
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You’re ready to level up your career
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You often procrastinate
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You want to improve your relationships
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You want more meaning in your life
While there’s no ‘right’ time to start coaching, you’ll know it’s a wise move when you find yourself saying, “I don’t know what to do”, “I don’t know where to go from here” or “I deserve better”.
How do I find the right coach?
According to the International Coaching Federation, there are over 70,000 certified coaches worldwide. Within this group, there are many different types of coaches – from life and business coaches to wellbeing and weight loss coaches – and finding one who’s the right fit for you can be downright daunting.
First, you’ll need to work out exactly what you need help with and what you hope to achieve. Then you’ll need to start looking for a coach who specialises in this area. You’ll also need to check that they’re qualified to support you, with hands-on experience and glowing testimonials. Next, you’ll have to make sure they’re accessible and available when you are, and that their coaching style suits your preferences.
Sounds tricky? It doesn’t have to be. At Hello Coach, we’ve done the hard yards for you and simplified the whole process into three easy steps – match, book, go! Our platform has been developed to match you with a select team of world-class coaches whose expertise fit your unique coaching needs, and who understand who you are and what you want to achieve from the get-go.
To learn more, click here.
How does a coaching session work?
Coaching sessions are generally conducted one-on-one or sometimes in small groups. Each session typically lasts between 30 minutes and one hour, and is structured to focus on working towards a specific goal.
At the start of the session, your coach will help you identify that goal, as well as any obstacles that stand in your way; they’ll support you to recognise any gaps in your self-belief and/or any areas of skill development, and they’ll guide you in setting up tasks or actions to complete before your next session.
In order to achieve all of the above, your coach will use purposeful and powerful questioning, various coaching tools, and proven techniques. Together, you’ll discuss how you’ll stay accountable. Your coach will keep notes and you’ll receive feedback on your progress.
How do I make the most of my sessions?
As with anything worthwhile in life, what you put into coaching is what you’ll get out. Here’s how to ensure every session delivers results:
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Come prepared: Think of, or write, a list of the areas you want to work on before your session. Try to focus on the most important issues you’re facing and reflect on why you feel you’re experiencing them. If you’re unsure, tell your coach at the start so they can help you clarify this.
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Be on time: Sessions generally run for 30 minutes. If you’re late, your coach might not be able to deliver the full session, which means you won’t get the best result.
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Keep an open mind: You’re here because, ultimately, you’re looking for new ways of thinking and doing. Your coach may ask questions that challenge you – being open to new ideas will accelerate your learning and open up possibilities for growth.
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Be an active participant: Your coach won’t tell you what to do. Their role is to guide you towards the results you wish to achieve. Being present is not enough; you need to be willing to participate in the session.
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Stay accountable: Coaching is a collaborative partnership, which means you’re responsible for your own actions. Be committed to the process, and be prepared to do your homework
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Enjoy the ride: Coaching brings the opportunity to reconnect with your true self, find your purpose and develop the skills you need to manage anything that comes your way. It equips you to thrive at work and in life – and to achieve beyond your expectations.
Hallmarks of a great coaching experience
An effective coaching session is one in which you feel at ease and supported. Your coach is able to establish rapport quickly. They listen carefully and steer the conversation using thought-provoking questions. They’re able to direct your focus and adjust the pace if energy starts to wane.
After your session, you should walk away with greater clarity: you’ll have a clearer sense of purpose; you’ll know what your strengths are and what you need to work on. You’ll feel motivated and empowered to take action.
Why choose us?
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No more sifting through thousands of potential coaches to find the one that’s right for you! Get matched with a specialist coach in minutes who understands your unique coaching needs and who brings expertise in the area/s you wish to be coached on.
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No more dilly-dallying! With highly curated and focused sessions, quickly gain insight into who you truly are, where you’re at, and where you want to be.
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Forget one-size-fits-all! Utilising proven tools and techniques, find tailored solutions to navigate your challenges and overcome any blocks in your way.
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Ditch wondering how to get there! Get clear direction and set up a plan of action, with easy-to-follow steps towards the future you dream of.
Ready to find the right coach for you?
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