An article by Luis Garcia effectively proves the claim its title makes: “Why Everyone Needs a Life Coach”. The little known truth is that many well known successful people, like Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates, publicly vouch for the effectiveness and value that coaching had in their own lives. This is because life is a journey and people who strive to be successful are not passive passengers; they “grab progress by the horns” and work to steer their life in the best possible direction, consistent with the purpose, values and goals. Coaches are simply another set of eyes and a second informed opinion that can help make that journey smoother. According to certified life coach and licensed professional counselor, Elizabeth Arboleda,
“Everyone needs a life coach because there is power in someone else, a professional, reflecting back at you what you say and see to open up your mind, to identify your blind spots, to encourage discovery, and support you in creating action.”
Specifically, coaches can help enrich your life through goal identification and prioritization, cultivating and transitioning to a new personal or professional identity, and support and partnership. By identifying goals individualized to achieve personal visions of the future, coaches create clarity. This clarity is even more important during times of transition and a coach can be grounding as new changes force a new personal narrative like a midlife career pivot. Moreover, coaches provide comfort and support in life by challenging each client to be their best by setting clear goals that expand their comfort zone. As Garcia writes however, it is important when it comes to coaching to remember this:
“From feeling stuck in life to embarking on creative projects and career transitions, a life coach is one half of a two-person team committed to your evolution.”
So while everyone can benefit from coaching, it is important to recognize that coaches can only do so much. They will put in the work, but each client has to do the same as well. Meet them halfway and soon enough, goals become reality.
