Whenever people ask me what I do as a Life Coach, my first response is to reply, ‘I help people unleash their potential’. More often than not I am met with intrigue, very inquiring looks or the response that, ‘Wow that’s a big job…tell me more’. Then ensues interrogative conversation about how I go about doing that. And, rightly so we would all like to be the best that we can be. People often think that a Life Coach is a posh/new name for a counsellor and comparisons to counsellors or advisors are made. Indeed this is far from the reality of coaching, as we deal with helping clients to set clear and realistic and achievable goals. Coaching does not delve into the client’s past, but works with a formula for dealing with what is going on in the present in order to have a desired future outcome.

Many of us often want change in areas of our lives where we are not completely satisfied, but are unsure where to start. As a Coach I am often expected to come up with fantastic ideas and suggestions about how clients should go about transforming themselves into the dynamic individuals they would like to be. That’s when I point out to people that they know their own situation better than anyone, therefore they are far more equipped than I am in realising what is needed to make those dynamic changes. In truth, I act as a sounding board for clients to bounce ideas from. My role is to motivate, encourage and help clients to reach their goal through a gradual process. Together we work as a partnership through the small steps to that ultimate goal, regardless of what that goal may be. Coaching allows clients to think deeply and reflect on their lives in ways that they may not have done before. Coaching is all about questioning oneself. Have you ever taken time out of your busy life to question what you are achieving by doing the same things you have always done and achieving less than you are worth? It is about being totally honest with yourself and placing a higher value on your life purpose or even finding out what you do best. Coaching can help in almost any area of your life once you consider what it is you want.

When I was invited to write an article for Diet Debate I was very excited as I felt that this was an opportunity to shout to its readers that ‘success lies within you’. Think about it! Who knows you more than yourself and on the same note who can say what is best for you but you? Sometimes when we are searching for an answer we have to realise that we do not have to look very far. We all know ourselves better than anyone else. I often speak to people who are at a crossroad in their lives for one reason or another. People may desire a home of their own, a higher paid job or they may want to lose a few pounds. As their coach, together we establish an ultimate goal and work through a set of smaller targeted goals to reach the final objective. Experience tells us all that taking things in bite size chunks helps us to get through any obstacle to reach that fundamental goal. There are four basic steps to coaching. The key thing here is to have a hard think about what you would like to achieve in your life. What would make you feel happier? The next step is to think about where you are currently in light of your chosen goal. Then you may want to think about what obstacles or challenges lay in your path of reaching your objective. Finally, what steps are you prepared to take to in order to get there.

We have all heard that saying, ‘a problem shared is a problem halved’. Often, when we speak about things we can put them into perspective and air ideas we never had before. Someone other than you who believes in your abilities is fundamentally important. This person will listen to you without judgement or prejudice and motivate you when that extra push is needed. There you have it…This is what a Life Coach does. Coaches help you to become more self aware by using prompts and asking questions to allow you to think deeply about where you are in any given situation and realise where you want to go and the options that are open to you in order to get you there.

You probably will have heard the saying about ‘The best laid plans….’ How many times have you started something and not been motivated enough to follow it through? This happens to all of us, as it’s often a challenge to keep the momentum going by always encouraging a client and reminding them of their goal. Coaching helps us to exercise responsibility and realise that our success ultimately depends on our determination and keeping ourselves on track in order to achieve our goals.

No woman or man is an island. Therefore, more often than not we all need a helping hand. After all, one hand alone cannot clap. Increasing awareness helps us to think about the resources that we can utilise to obtain the extra help that we need. If for example you want to lose weight, but are daunted by the concept of going it alone, you may consider as some of the many options available such as enlisting the help of a gym instructor or a dietician. At the end of the day, no one stands alone. We all need a step up in life, regardless of the situation in hand.

Coaching helps us to move forward and not dwell on the events of the past, which may often frustrate and at worst stagnate our progress. If you concentrate on what you did not do well in the past, how will you progress in the future? It’s not about past mistakes and what we did not do well or about having regrets and beating ourselves up about them, but rather loving ourselves unconditionally, getting back ‘on the wagon’ and striving for a better outcome.

When we fell down as children in the playground we all got up and ran along again despite the cuts and bruises. Ask yourselves what the difference is now that we are adults? All in all life is about finding a way forward and doing what suits us. It is always possible to have what we desire once we work towards it. Live life by making positive choices and always value yourself.

By Lisa Roberts

This article should be regarded as a reference source only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Seek the advice of your doctor before beginning any protocol. The author disclaims any liability arising from the use of information on these pages.