Consider the people in your life who have sat “on the sidelines” cheering you on.
Maybe it was a parent, a teacher or boss. They watched, listened, witnessed your struggles. They offered encouragement, sometimes suggestions or advice – and allowed you to solve things on your own.
Indeed, the best mentors or coaches inspire you to dig deep and find your own resources and inner wisdom to navigate the next best steps. I’ve been blessed to have at least three such people in my life who helped me to excel in ways I never dreamed possible: Uta Hagen, Portia Nelson and Tao Porchon-Lynch.
Becoming a Life and Wellness Coach
So it came as no surprise when I found myself being drawn toward the emerging field of life and wellness coaching a couple years ago.
For years, through Resilience for Life, I’d been hosting national webinars for companies on topics in my areas of expertise: wellness, stress reduction, diet, staying healthy longer – virtually any issue relating to lifestyle. These events are interactive, challenging and eye-opening. The combination of technology, education and the ability to reach so many people at once is thrilling!
While continuing my existing practice, I wanted to do more work by distance and saw endless possibilities for reaching out to others and expanding what I have to offer.
Enter coaching.
Of course, that meant even more education. Wanting to be able to work virtually with groups and individuals, and wanting to prepare at the highest skill level, I chose two distinct paths of training approved by the International Coach Federation.
Last spring, I completed both certifications. I am now a CTA Life Coach and New Life Story® Wellness Coach.
But What Does a Coach Do, Exactly?!
While a consultant, nutritionist or personal trainer may
tell you what to do, a lifestyle or wellness coach supports you in understanding how to make your desired changes – and stick with them.
Doing this well requires precise and diverse skills. Dr. David Hunnicut, President of the Wellness Council of America, outlines the most important qualities a coach can have:
- The Ability To Connect With Others
- Empathy
- The Ability To Establish Trust
- The Ability (And Desire) To Help People Move Needles
- A Penchant For Problem Solving
- The Ability To Create A Positive Emotional Experience
- Organizational Awareness
- A Serious Background In Health And Wellness
Perhaps the most powerful tool a coach enlists is asking powerful and insightful questions. In fact, that is the hallmark of successful coaching.
A coach may help a client explore potential solutions. What they do not do is present an agenda. Ever. The client must decide what their goals are. Together, client and coach explore ways for them to remain accountable in their objectives.
In my life and wellness coaching practice, I have three main areas of expertise:
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- I help people master the art of setting priorities so that they can define achievable goals and move confidently in the direction of their dreams.
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- I help people learn how to reduce stress every day so that they can enjoy a more resilient life, and cope with whatever challenges life presents.
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- I help people begin and sustain wellness programs so that they stay younger longer and enjoy higher energy levels.
In many ways, coaching is a beautiful complement to the practice I’ve grown these past 14 years. The timeless wisdom of Ayurveda, therapeutic yoga and the practice of mindfulness have taught me how unique we all are and how there are no simple answers that apply to everyone.
Working with a coach is not a linear process. It’s a bit of a zigzag, just like life. With the dozens of hours I’ve now logged coaching clients all over the world I’ve witnessed first hand the transformation that is possible – in a very short time. It’s been nothing short of extraordinary! I love it.
Finally, coaching is not therapy, counseling or consulting. The prime directive in coaching is to objectively help each client succeed.
I’m excited to add coaching to the existing mix of Resilience for Life offerings. It’s truly an honor to support each client’s journey and be a catalyst for those who choose to make changes.
If you want to explore whether life coaching might be right for you, consider a free 20-minute consultation.
If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing,
you’re right. – Henry Ford
Image by Robin Norgren, via Flickr