What is a professional coach?  What is life coaching?  Why would anyone need a coach?  All great questions that I hear regularly.  Simply put, coaching helps people move forward in life.  A professional coach, also may be referred to as a life coach, is educated in the art and practice of coaching.

The International Coach Federation (ICF) is a professional organization that educates and advances the art and practice of coaching.  The ICF definition of professional coaching is “…partnering with clients in a thought provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential, which is particularly important in today’s uncertain and complex environment.  Coaches honor the client as the expert in his or her life and work and believe every client is creative, resourceful and whole.”

A coach, like myself works with you to discover and clarify your goals. She helps you determine where you are going.  The coaching partnership is a process of self-discovery for you, the client.  A good coach will help you find solutions and develop strategies.  And, you are held accountable and responsible for meeting your goals.

Why would you need a coach?

As a coach, I see successful clients discover their purpose and vision.  They find joy as they figure out what is most important and how to achieve balance in work and life.  It’s awesome when clients realize what they really want to be when they grow up, and then reach phenomenal goals.  I’ve seen clients grow in their faith and leadership, reach goals, and transform their lives as well as others.

The coaching process brings a positive outlook while helping you unlock your potential.  A coach may help you:

• Discover your purpose or vision
• Help you get unstuck
• Define a career path
• Develop a job search strategy
• Achieve work and life balance
• Build leadership skills
• Manage your time
• Get healthy
• Figure out what’s next
• Build self confidence
• Create and manage stronger teams
• Gain clarity on values
• Discover and develop passions
• Develop a mission statement for one’s life, business or ministry
• Learn to manage change
• And so much more!

A professional coach helps you move forward and brings transformation to your life.  Typically, a good coach will work herself out of a job as you grow and focus on your goals. However, sometimes a client will retain a professional coach and keep her on speed dial for exploring options, evaluating goals throughout the year or other reasons.

The coaching process and experience is a self-discovery and an exciting journey!

Source: www.coachfederation.org