What is Life Coaching?

An recent article in Money Magazine said that "A coach may be the guardian angel you need to rev up your career." In fact, if you pick up any major newspaper or magazine, you are bound to come across a glowing article on coaching. It is one of the fastest growing careers, with an estimated 20,000 coaches in the United States. Because coaching is a relatively new profession, there are many people calling themselves "coaches"---unfortunately not all of whom are fully qualified. You should know that there is no required professional certification process, although it is coming in the near future.

When hiring a coach, it is essential that you know and trust your coach, as they are helping you craft your most important project---your life! The wonderful thing about coaching is that most coaches offer a complimentary sample session. This gives you the opportunity to see their style and find out if there is a match. To choose the best coach for you, ask them questions about their background, training, and any certifications. Most people simply choose someone based on the chemistry they feel after the session, so feel free to trust your instincts.

In the 21st century, coaching is no longer a luxury, but a necessity! All human beings have a natural instinct to grow and learn, and due to the increased interest in self-improvement, more people than ever want the extra support that a coach provides.

If you are in business for yourself, a coach is an integral part of your "success team." Your coach is invested in your success and provides insight, structure, and encouragement for increased effectiveness and fast improvements. He serves as your partner, champion and cheerleader for your success and fulfillment. She works with you to close the gap between where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Coaching is based on learning, reflecting, and taking action. It is an interdependent relationship, with the coach playing many roles such as that of listener, questioner, challenger, resource provider, and idea generator.

Top 7 Reasons to Hire a Coach

Are you tired of struggling? Are you working harder but not smarter? Then perhaps it is time for a change. Coaches are "change specialists." They bring a new and objective perspective to your challenges and stumbling blocks. They work with you to come up with creative solutions and exciting new directions.

A coach is professionally trained in human development and/or business processes, who forms powerful, insightful, and transformational relationships with his or her client. Through a process of discovery, life visioning, goal-setting, and strategizing, your coach partners with you to realize extraordinary results that could rarely be achieved alone.

1. You want to close the gap (more quickly and easily) between where you now and where you want to be in the future.

2. You have big dreams that scare you---and secretly would really like to live them out.

3. You want control over your own destiny.

4. You want assistance with staying on track---setting goals, managing your time/resources, and living in alignment with your values.

5. You've got great potential, but want help tapping into your intuition and personal power.

6. You want to be more successful---making more money or having more free time.

7. You want to explode your business and see amazing results fast!

Professional athletes and business executives stay at the top of their game with the help of a coach/mentor. For most of us, extra support can make all the difference in the world. Having a coach gives you the vehicle for accelerated accomplishment towards your goals. In this challenging world it is easy to get off track with what is most important to you. A coach keeps you focused, on purpose, and works with you to redefine goals and dreams. People dedicated to self-improvement work with different coaches throughout their lifetime and experience a higher level of living as a result. Depending on your need or challenge, you can find career coaches, relationship coaches, performance coaches, business coaches, executive coaches, prosperity coaches, communication coaches, etc.

***Just ask yourself: what life area would I like to change, improve or transform?

Coaching is an enlightening and empowering experience, and working with a professional coach can transform your life. There are a number of online resources to help you find just the right person. Visit www.locateacoach.com, www.coachvillereferral.com www.247coaching.com and www.coachfederation.org.

Michelle L. Casto, M.Ed. is a whole life coach, speaker, and author. She has written three self-help books and a dozen workbooks on life empowerment topics. Her coaching practice is Brightlight Coaching. She helps people come up with bright ideas for their life and empowers them to freely shine their bright light to the world.

Michelle can personally work with you to build and brand your business.

Contact her for a complimentary coaching session: coach@brightlightcoach.com

Visit virtually: http://www.getsmartseries.com or http://www.brightlightcoach.com

Sign up for her free monthly ezine, Get Smart! Live Smart by sending an email to: Getsmarter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

---

Business Career Executive Coaching Article -Motivator, Discipline and Desire

"There is a certain combination of desire and discipline in the way I work. Discipline by itself simply is not enough in the creative process." - Robert... Read More

What I Would Include In A Coaching Book

A coach is an essential figure in providing direction and leadership to his/her team. In sports, coaches are sometimes evaluated on the number of wins they can... Read More

The Incredible Human Psyche

The intriguing Human psyche - more complex than the metamorphosing cocoon, and more phenomenal than the human brain could ever imagine.Deep within the realm of your subconscious... Read More

3 Easy Steps to Low Stress Communication

Life is all about choices. And so is the way you communicate. You can fill your days with frustrating high stress communication or you can have days... Read More

Life Coaching for Success and Fulfilment

We live in a world of rapid change and uncertainty. Nothing is as it was even ten years ago. This means there is major pressure on all... Read More

How Stella (Laurie) Got Her Groove Back!

Being a Life Strategy Coach doesn't mean I'm always on top of my game, completely balanced and without my own challenges. Building a website, writing an e-book,... Read More

Drop and Gimme Ten!

Every one of us have dreams, desires and goals that we put on the shelf. In front of them are a litany of excuses -- but not... Read More

Walt Disney, the Inspiration to Form a Better Life?

You, like many others, may have come to this article because you want more from life. In this sense, you and I may be alike because we're... Read More

7 Steps to Take Control of Your Life

Taking control of your life is getting in touch with your values, setting meaningful goals and identifying your vision. To be in control of where life is... Read More

Relaxation Couldnt Be Simpler

Many people use their sofa and TV to help them 'switch off and relax'. In reality, television programs can suspend you n stress for yours, with depressing... Read More

Coaching for Physicians

Is Having a Professional Coach a Solution to Optimizing your Practice's Performance? "What do you do?"The proverbial question we get asked day in and day out by... Read More

Things Are Good Because I Say They Are

The subject of positive self talk regarding our goals and dreams reminds me of the childhood story, The Velveteen Rabbit. The boy loves the toy so much... Read More

HR Professional in New Avtaar: HR as a Coach and Mentor

IntroductionThese days in corporate sector, everybody is talking about the role of HR professional as a coach and mentor. People are exited as well as confused. Exited,... Read More

Coaching Employees - The Chronic Excuser

Most of us find coaching employees to be an effective, even enjoyable, approach to leadership and management. Coaching provides a way to help team members grow and... Read More

Embracing Excellence

Joey rises before dawn to pack his lunch, eager for morning to arrive so he can board the city bus that transports him to his job at... Read More

Grow Through It

It's past bedtime for most working men. It's not unbearably late and I have no appointments tomorrow morning so I sit here and contemplate. Contemplate what? Well,... Read More

How to Turn Around A Sinking Conversation - 7 Tips

When a conversation is not working out there is the potential for massive frustration or a breakthrough depending on how you look at it.1. Question your assumptions... Read More

Voice Care for Coaches

Coaches rely heavily on their voice to service clients. If you also give teleclasses or workshops, voice maintenance needs to be one of their top self-care priorities.... Read More

W Edwards Deming

Immediately post second world war W Edwards Deming went to Japan to create order from the crisis that was the Japanese economy.In Japan he found fertile ground... Read More

Anger: To Control or To Learn

Many of us will do anything to avoid another's anger, yet may be quick to anger ourselves. Many of us dread another's anger yet continue to use... Read More

It?s All To Do With The Way You Wake Up

Do you start your day with anger, frustration and annoyance at the alarm and the need to get up? Do you wake up hoping the day will... Read More

Dealing Effectively with Midlife Issues

In this article we would like to help you explore the challenges and opportunities that come at midlife. You will have an opportunity to take a look... Read More

Whats Wrong with Life Coaching?

As a Life Coach I quickly identified most individuals wanted to achieve a particular goal or ambition and tried it themselves without success, and unfortunatley were still... Read More

Why Bosses Dont Get All the News

Not long ago, a friend who works in television complained that the industry has no interest in real business stories. And, I had to agree with him,... Read More

Curbing the Public Nuisance (Part 2)

Yes, that pillar of society that has been with us since that slithery dude threw humanity for a curve in the Garden of Eden ? that cornerstone... Read More

4 Underused Hot Spots for Your Personal Branding Iron

I'll never forget what my mentor told me: "Don't communicate in any way to any person without the stamp of your personal brand."Everyone has a personal brand,... Read More