What is Life Coaching and What Do Life Coaches Do

Wondering ‘What is life coaching?’ and ‘What do life coaches do?’ Learn the answers to these questions below to decide if starting a life coaching is a logical next step for you.

What is Life Coaching?

Life coaching is a profession that involves helping individuals set and achieve personal or professional goals by providing support, guidance, and encouragement.

Life coaches work with clients to identify their strengths, values, and aspirations, and then assist them in developing strategies to overcome obstacles and make positive changes in their lives.

Unlike therapy, which often focuses on past issues and emotional healing, life coaching is more future-oriented and action-driven.

While anyone can become a life coach, the most successful and impactful coaches often combine a passion for helping others with a commitment to ongoing learning, ethical practice, and personal development. The coaching profession values diversity, and individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences can bring unique perspectives to the field.

Now that you know the answer to the question ‘What is life coaching?’, let’s see what a life coach does exactly and whether you’d like to become one.

What Do Life Coaches Do?

Here are some common tasks and roles that life coaches typically perform:

Life coaches assist clients in defining and clarifying their goals, whether they are related to career, relationships, personal development, or other areas of life.
Once goals are established, life coaches help clients create a step-by-step action plan to achieve those goals. This may involve breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable tasks.

Life coaches hold clients accountable for the commitments they make and the actions they plan to take. Regular check-ins and discussions help clients stay on track and make adjustments as needed.
They help clients overcome obstacles and challenges that may arise during the pursuit of their goals. They provide guidance on how to navigate setbacks and find solutions.
Depending on the client’s goals, life coaches may help clients develop specific skills or improve existing ones. This could include communication skills, time management, leadership skills, etc.

They assist clients in gaining a better understanding of themselves, their values, and their priorities. This self-awareness can be crucial for making informed decisions and setting meaningful goals.
They often provide a supportive and non-judgmental space for clients to express their thoughts and emotions. They may offer encouragement and motivation to help clients stay focused and positive.
They work with clients to identify and challenge limiting beliefs and negative thought patterns. They help clients cultivate a positive and growth-oriented mindset.

Many life coaches address issues related to work-life balance and help clients create a more harmonious and fulfilling life that aligns with their values.

It’s important to note that life coaching is not therapy. While therapy often focuses on addressing and resolving past issues, life coaching is more future-oriented and goal-driven. Life coaches typically do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions but instead focus on helping clients move forward in their lives.

What aspiring life coaches need to know

Many aspiring life coaches choose to undergo training programs and earn certifications from reputable coaching organizations. These programs provide the necessary skills, tools, and ethical guidelines for effective coaching.

Life coaching is a broad field, and coaches often find success by specializing in specific niches such as career coaching, relationship coaching, health and wellness coaching, or executive coaching. Specialization can help you stand out and attract clients with specific needs.

Successful life coaches excel in communication. This includes active listening, asking powerful questions, and providing constructive feedback. Clear and effective communication is essential for building trust and rapport with clients.

Life coaches should be empathetic and compassionate. Understanding and connecting with clients on an emotional level is crucial for building a strong coaching relationship and fostering positive change.

Upholding ethical standards is critical in the coaching profession. Coaches should respect client confidentiality, maintain professional boundaries, and adhere to ethical guidelines set forth by coaching organizations.

Aspiring life coaches should learn about the business side of coaching, including marketing, branding, and client acquisition. Building a coaching practice often involves creating a strong online presence, networking, and effective marketing strategies.

Life coaching is results-oriented. Coaches should work with clients to achieve tangible and measurable outcomes. Regularly assess progress and make adjustments to the coaching approach as needed.

Presenting yourself as a professional is crucial for gaining trust and credibility. This includes having a professional website, using clear communication in written and verbal interactions, and maintaining a high level of integrity.

Not every coaching business journey will be smooth, and clients may face challenges along the way. Coaches need to be resilient, adaptable, and able to navigate setbacks while maintaining a positive and supportive attitude.

By focusing on these key aspects, aspiring life coaches can build a solid foundation for a successful and fulfilling coaching career. Continued growth, self-reflection, and dedication to the well-being of clients are essential for long-term success in the field.