How can a Life Coach help you improve your life?
For a lot of people, it seems like we “have it all,” but for many of us, we struggle with the idea that “it’s never enough.” Most of us know how to invest in self-care remedies like taking a long run or reading a good book, but some of us pause at the thought of prioritizing self-help. This is precisely where a life coach could help.
It is safe to say that many people are not entirely aware of what a life coach is or what a life coach does.
Basically, I see a life coach as someone who provides space for people to unravel and completely open their heart and mind to the things in their life that cause worry or stress. Life coaching is all about living in the present; here and now. It is about meeting you where you are now, and exploring new approaches, verses having certain expectations and trying to solve all of your problems.
Sometimes, people might think that a life coach will help to fix all of their problems. However, it is important to note that a life coach’s primary job is to provide accountability, in terms of helping you achieve your goals and moving you toward the place you want to be in life. An effective life coach will walk with you while you live your life – helping guide you along the way. They will help you explore new approaches and will introduce fresh ideas to help you navigate your life. Most of the time, we already know what the answers are, we simply need some help in accessing them.
This is where the value of a life coach comes in. By providing a space for people to unravel and open their minds to their current situation or critical decisions that they are facing and then exploring options and new ways of approaching life. A life coach acts as a guide to help navigate the rough waters of living in today’s world.
Oftentimes, it is easy to get in the way of our own self-progress by sabotaging ourselves and constantly thinking “I never have time for myself,” or “I’m stuck where I am and this is just the way my life is going to be forever.” A life coach can help to counter these thoughts and feelings.
Another common issue I see is self-doubt. Most of us have something in our lives that we are passionate about and we want to dedicate ourselves for it, but sometimes there is something pulling us back. Usually, it is because we sabotage ourselves by coming up with a million reasons of why we can’t do it, why we can’t accomplish it, or why we can’t attain it. In addition, I constantly see people struggling with getting projects off the ground, whether it is a project at work or a project at home. The key here is practicing accountability by writing down specific goals and tasks and including deadlines.
Lastly, and one I cannot leave off because it is overwhelmingly one of the most common things I see, is allowing negative thoughts to enter our mind. Naturally, we are our own worst critic and we can be extremely hard on ourselves. The best way to combat these negative thoughts is through self-care and self-love. The idea is to stop the intrusion of negative thoughts by loving and accepting yourself as you are NOW. Honor your needs, priorities, time, and energy. Laugh and smile, and be grateful and appreciative of the many amazing and wonderful things you have to offer in life!
On occasion, I am asked the difference between a life coach and a therapist (psychotherapist, psychologist, etc.). A therapist is a licensed professional in the mental health field. Currently, the life coaching industry does not have a recognized body to control it, therefore no licenses currently exist. While there are reputable institutes and training programs, one cannot go to college and receive a degree in it. I often use the following analogy to explain the difference between a therapist and a life coach: A therapist is more like a doctor, they will diagnose you and treat your issues. A life coach is more like a personal trainer who will help to condition you and push you towards another level of strength that will help to get you closer to reaching your personal life goals. Some people have a therapist and a life coach. However, it is important to note that life coaching is not a replacement for therapy, so I encourage people who are under the care of a therapist to continue to do so.
It is not the job of a life coach to “fix” you. This is your life, and a life coach or anyone else is not an expert on your life. We are all on a journey of self-discovery. A life coach should provide you the space to unravel and to open your mind. Together, you and your life coach can explore new approaches and ideas to help you meet your goals. People who have life coaches are motivated and are willing to make the small, gradual, and positive changes to be where they want to be in life. Life coaching is a forward-moving process that involves change and positive energy to drive you to be the very best version of yourself. As a life coach, I believe our life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change.
Jim Buzhardt – Life Coach
4219 Hillsboro Pike
Suite 211
Nashville, TN 37215
jim@jimlifecoach.com
jimlifecoach.com
