Life Coaching

- Counseling            - Business Consulting

Life Coaching aims to discover and define personal and professionals goals, and develop strategies leading to their achievement.

It is a staggering thought, but only about 5% of the general population actually has clearly defined goals for their personal and professional life. A clearly defined goal is one that is realistic, yet ambiguous, concrete, measurable, has a beginning, middle and end point, and most importantly, is written down in a form that embodies the above description. Part of the rationale is this: How can I reach a destination if I have not yet identified said location. Secondly, how can I design a roadmap and choose a course if I haven’t decided where I want to go?

--And this is where a life coach can be tremendously helpful.

Who and Why: In life coaching, the objective is to identify a specific goal, and we work together as a team—client and coach—to design a strategy to pursue and reach that goal.

Getting Started: When a new person comes for life coaching, they are often referred by a friend or colleague, and are looking for

What to Expect: Life Coaching sessions begin with several powerful questions that will help you focus on what is most important to you. We will help you target your goals and remove the clutter that is pulling your attentions, and draining your energy. You may be given reading or exercises between sessions, and you are expected to complete that work, and come on time and “present.” During your session, you and your areas of growth will be the sole focus of our time together.

How long: A typical length for life coaching is about 12 sessions over the course of 3 months. Some situations can be resolved quickly, and other times a client will continue on for longer periods.

What is a Life Coach?

A life coach seeks to motivate a client to overcome blocks and develop insight in order to achieve a more successful life. Coaching focuses and the now and the future (where counseling often delves into the client’s past). Goal setting and a plan to achieve them are the main focus of sessions.

A coach:

  • Assists in defining goals
  • Provides structure
  • Provides a map and directions
  • Provides support
  • Gives encouragement
  • Monitors and validates progress

Life Coaching incorporates the following:

Goal Setting | Enemy Identification | Perseverance | Action Plans | Achieve Balance | Expect Success

Goal Setting

Define realistic quantifiable goals that can get you to where you want to be, assisted by a coach to whom you can be accountable.

Goal setting is a process of establishing time specific and measurable objectives. In order to achieve your goals you much be clear about what you want, and what it will take to get there within a certain time-period. Effective goals are tangible, specific and realistic, and you must be a systematic plan for achieving the intended goal.

What is a Goal?

A goal is a defined target that gives you perspective, inspiration and focus.

Goals are tools that help you:

1) Make a positive change in your life
2) Improve or develop expertise, talent or ability
3) Form a new or change an existing habit
4) Realize a dream
5) Improve your performance at work or home

Enemy Identification

Unmask the culprits which have been blocking your growth Self-knowledge is the cornerstone of success. When it comes right down to it, each of us has infinite possibilities. The greatest enemy I have in my pursuit of success lies deep within me. It might be fear, or it might be cockiness. I might be workaholism or it might be sloth. But whatever it is, it will not be routed by force, but rather it will be lured lovingly, like a kitten that has been treed by a ferocious dog—it will only come down by the patient voice of gentle kindness.

Perseverance

Perseverance is about being able to handle adversity calmly and being able to continue moving forward. Learn how to believe in yourself, and to never give up, especially when you most want to quit. Perseverance is about having patience, endurance and commitment. No victory was ever won by coasting. It is relatively easy to begin a task. It is pretty difficult to continue. But depending on the enterprise, it can be considered to border on the miraculous to see through the competition a really daunting mission. There are certain qualities that need to be embraced and held dear by anyone who wishes to persevere in a worthwhile and ambitious endeavor

Action Plans

Create a simple, clear plan with goals, sub-goals and a schedule to measure your progress. An action plan operationally defines an objective by putting it in terms of specific actions. An action plan states the specific steps, deadlines and resources needed to get a goal accomplished.

When writing an action plan to achieve a specific goal, here are the steps you should consider:

1)      Clarify your goal – Can you picture your goal, and what constraints do you have to get there?
2)      Analyze and prioritize – Think about what needs to happen to get you to your goals.
3)      Write it down – write down all of the actions that you will need to do to accomplish your goal and remove any that are extra steps.
4)      Organize your list – Decide on the order of the action items, and simplify where possible.
5)      Review your progress – Monitor your progress on each step and make any adjustments that need to happen.

Achieve Balance

Learn correct balance between personal and professional life. You can cure workaholism, and find an equilibrium that is healthy and fulfilling for you and the ones around you.

Work-life is different for everyone. What works for you may not work for your co-worker or spouse. Additionally your own balance will ebb and flow over time and as your situation changes. Balance is an ever-evolving process, and every day you need to find the balance between your happiness and achieving your goals.

Achieve a healthier work-life balance by:

1. Putting yourself first – Take 10 or fifteen minutes each day to recharge, meditate or reflect on the positive.

2. Use your support system – We are all connected to a support system of family and friends. Don’t be afraid to ask a friend for a hand, or a shoulder to cry on. Your support system can give you the positive direction and encouragement when you hit the rough spots.

3. Get moving – Taking the time to add exercise, even if it is a quick walk outside every day will help you focus and give you more energy.

4. Eat well – Proper nutrition is vital for being balanced. Watch your sugar and fat intake and strive to add more vegetables and fruits.

5. Focus – Remember your goals daily. Stick to your plan, and use your time at work for the activities which will maximize your efficiency.

Expect Success

Learn to believe you deserve to be successful and happy. Then you will be able to graciously accept and enjoy your success.

If everyone lived their life expecting success, can you imagine what we could accomplish? We would make more sales calls, and meet with more people. What if we expected a better income, better relationships, a better job—what if we expected success?

Focus your attention on strategies for your success!