Life Coach Expertise
Choosing a life coach is something that should not be done on a whim. In this technology age, it is easy for anyone to attach a title to their name and advertise as a life coach. In her article, 7 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Life Coach, Romila “Dr. Romie” Mushtaq, MD, points out that “people can claim to be a life coach but may have done so by watching videos or reading self-help books.” She recommends asking specific questions about where they obtained their training and exactly what makes them an expert or authority in their coaching niche.
A life coach’s personal experience is a big part of their expertise or authority in their niche. For example, I am a Life Calling Coach. I help people discover their calling and purpose. A big part of that process is overcoming obstacles, barriers, and hurdles on the path to purpose. The things you don’t plan for. They happen to everyone even life coaches and other professionals. I am equipped to help people overcome because I have successfully overcome many life obstacles on my journey to become a life coach, including financial setbacks, illness, disability, anxiety, etc. Some of these things may still exist but I have learned how to work around them and an experienced life coach should be able to help you do the same.
Interview Prospective Coaches
If you are considering hiring a life coach, I recommend that you interview the coach. Most life coaches offer a free discovery meeting. This is your opportunity to find out who they are in person. Yes, I do recommend that you read their biography or social media posts to understand what is offered, but these sources rarely portray the spirit, essence, and training of the coach.
During your research remember that life coaches are people just like you, with struggles, issues, and setbacks. Personally, I would never hire a life coach who appears to be perfect because they are not and they may not even be qualified to be a coach. One of the questions recommended in the article, is to ask the life coach, “Where did you do your training?” Some people claim to be a life coach but have never received any formal training in the field.
A Good Fit
The most important aspect of hiring a life coach is to ensure that the two of you are a good fit. Do you have a good rapport? Does the coach listen to you intently? Do they try to tell you what to do rather than guiding you to discover your answer? Do you have a sense of trust with them? These are important things to consider because it is a huge responsibility to put crucial parts of your life in someone’s hands. Your life coach should take that seriously and respect that. Lastly, while life coaching is a paid profession, money should not be the number one reason that they are a life coach. Life coaches should have a genuine desire to help others succeed. This can be seen in a discovery call.
The life coaching journey is not easy, it is a process of self-discovery that may be overwhelming as you learn more about yourself. So, having a professional, caring, and well-trained life coach, who can facilitate your journey with as little stress as possible, will help you to achieve your goals sufficiently. Your coach should make the experience rewarding and uplifting instead of scary and daunting. You owe it to yourself to hire the best life coach for your life situation. So don’t skimp when it comes to thoroughly investigate what they can truly offer. Ask questions and do your research but most of all listen to your intuition.