The Basics of Life Coaching

Written by Aly Pain

Are you feeling stuck in the sameness of everyday and wanting more? Are you at a transition in your life and needing to get clear on what you want from the next phase of your life? Are you feeling like the "gerbil on the wheel" and running so fast there is simply no time to find out what you really want? If any of these situations describe some or all of your life, Life Coaching is for you.

Life change can be very exciting and exhilarating for some people and for others it can be terrifying and anxiety provoking. Regardless of which experience you have, change is still possible, and so are amazing results. A Life Coach will support you to create these changes in many ways.

• Believes that you are naturally creative, resourceful and whole
• Believes you hold the answers to your life (not the Coach)
• Asks powerful questions to get you to examine your priorities, actions and feelings to support deeper learning while in the process of creation
• Takes into consideration how your life feels for you right now in all areas
• Works with you to create the change needed to get more of what you want in your personal and business life
• Supports you to make the changes at your pace, yet keeping you challenged and accountable
• Holds the belief that if you focus on and improve one area of your life, the other areas will reap the benefits

What if you could spend a few times a month talking to someone just about you? Imagine feeling heard and supported in self-discovery while creating the life you really want. That is the role of a Life Coach. When was the last time you spent 30 to 60 minutes talking about yourself and what you wanted in your life?

This world we live in has many expectations and roles we are supposed to play and apparently how much time we should spend on each. What are some of the roles you play?

• Parent
• Spouse
• Professional
  
• General contractor
• Housekeeper
• Fitness consultant
• Landscaper
• Seamstress
• Health Care Provider
• Student

All of those and you have barely gotten out the front door!! Are YOU anywhere on your list of roles you play? No wonder we feel disconnected to our passion in life and wonder where the fulfillment part comes in! Look at some of the areas in your life and rate them with a high level of self-honesty, from on a scale of 0 (lowest, I experience this only in body) to 10 (highest, I feel so fulfilled in this area I shout from the rooftop!).

• Family
• Friends
• Significant other
• Fun and recreation
• Money
• Health
• Physical Environment
• Career

This is a great start. Now choose an area to focus on first. Close your eyes for a moment and really let yourself imagine what this area of your life would look and feel like if you rated it a ten. Now comes the best part: the journey. Tell me about your "10" and we will work together to create it!