What is life coaching?

According to the UK College of Life Coaching, it is: "establishing with the client what is their reality today. Then clearly defining what are the client's aims or intentions for the future. The Coach works with the client to produce a plan of action that the client can follow with confidence."

In other words, you hire a coach to help you sort out your priorities in life, set some goals, and achieve them. Much of the work is about building up your self-belief, and bringing out your talents, some of which may be underused or hidden.

You may want one-to-one coaching specifically for your career, relationships, fitness, work-life balance, or many other things. You may also be offered coaching in a team or corporate environment.

How is it done?

You can hire a coach for short-term projects, but most of them recommend a commitment of at least three months if you're hoping to make sustainable changes. There will usually be initial face-to-face meetings, followed up with weekly telephone conversations, or sometimes this is done by email. If that sounds easy, don't be fooled. Sessions can be tough, with plenty of intensive soul-searching, while attempts to break old and unhelpful habits are never going to be easy. Plus, you do all the hard work.

There's homework, too. Weekly tasks range from re-writing your CV to appeal to the right kind of employer, to approaching strangers in the street and chatting to them in a bid to get over that shyness. Expect to be challenged on a daily basis; you will need to be very committed to make it work. Your coach will encourage and support you, but they can't make those big changes for you.

How do I choose a coach?

Most registered coaches will meet you for a 30-minute session, free of charge. Use this time to decide whether or not you think they're the coach for you. Do you like them? Are they inspiring to you? What kind of program are they offering? Shop around to find someone you really 'click' with.  

Updated: 19/10/2007