How life coaching could help you
by Jenny Ungless
Do you ever wish you could have what you really wanted or that you knew what you really wanted? Have you found yourself resenting other people who seem to be happy, successful and sorted? Do you aspire to be more confident, less stressed, more focused…? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, a life coach might be able to help.
You’ve probably come across the term “life coaching” before – it’s one of those phrases that 5 years ago no one had ever heard of and now you can’t open a newspaper or magazine without seeing an article about or by a life coach! So what exactly is coaching? Is it just the latest American fad or could it actually be a useful tool for individuals as well as organisations?
We live in a world that is constantly changing and increasingly complex. We’re deluged with information and spoilt for choice. Young people in particular have more options than ever before - what they do with their lives, what career they follow, where they live, whether or when they settle down and have a family. The range of possibilities is enormously exciting, but it is easy to end up feeling thoroughly confused, panicky and overwhelmed.
That’s where life coaching comes in. A good life coach will help you “go back to basics” and focus on what’s really important to you. A coach will work with you to help you discover and define exactly what you want to achieve and will support you in working towards your goals. He or she will help you find your direction and follow it.
Some of the issues that I have worked with clients on, and typical of areas where a life coach can help include:
- Sorting out your priorities
- Achieving your goals
- Finding your career niche
- Handling a tricky relationship
- Managing your money
- Improving your self-confidence and self-esteem
- Becoming more assertive
- Managing your time better
Some of these are huge, potentially life-changing issues and others are more about how you handle things on a day-to-day basis. But the common denominator is the emphasis on taking action and solving problems, so people can fulfil their potential and live their lives to the full.
Coaching is…
- Based on a belief in people’s potential. Coaching works on the basis that people have enormous ability and capability, but most of us never fulfil our full potential. A coach works with their client to help them release their potential and achieve what they really want.
- Focused on action and achieving results. Coaching is also very practical; it’s about defining your goals and then taking real action to achieve them.
Coaching isn’t…
- Counselling or therapy. Lots of people ask me what the difference is between therapy or counselling and coaching. The answer is: enormous. Therapy and counselling tend to look at where you are mentally or emotionally, and how you got there. Coaching focuses on where you are now and where you want to get to. It’s about moving forward, not analysing the past.
- A soft option. Clients who hope that a coach will give them the answers to all their problems or tell them what they should do with their lives are mistaken. Thinking seriously about important questions like what you are going to do with your career, your relationship or your future demands hard work and focus – and only the client is in a position to come up with the answers that are right for him or her. But working with a coach can make the whole process more concrete and focused.
Here are just a few comments from clients that City Life Coaching has worked with:
“I approached City Life Coaching as I was feeling disillusioned in my existing role and felt that I was lacking ideas and direction as to what my next career move should be. Jenny helped me to identify and focus on my values and skills and broaden my horizon to think about careers that I had never previously considered. It was an extremely valuable experience and I’m now very excited about setting up my own business. I know that the work I’ve done with Jenny will be useful to me for years to come.” – Jennifer W, London
“I would definitely recommend City Life Coaching. The work we completed together gave me the understanding I needed to assess why I was dissatisfied with my current role and where I might like to head to next. I now feel confident that I can find my niche.” – Damien M, London
“After my session with City Life Coaching my outlook on life took on a much more positive feel. I’ve got more energy and I’m having more fun. I would thoroughly recommend coaching.” – Paula C, West Midlands
It’s not uncommon to become confused at one time or another in life about which way to turn and why you’re not feeling fulfilled. Although speaking to people makes you feel better temporarily, your issues may never get resolved. Often the problem is that you are talking to your nearest and dearest – not an independent expert who can help you work through your career options. Coaching is an incredibly practical and useful approach to life planning, problem solving and decision-making and, as shown by previous testimonials, works.
If you’d like to try out coaching for yourself, City Life Coaching are currently offering Monster clients a 2-hour intensive coaching session for the special rate of £200 (normally £250). The session will help you to look at where you are, focus on your priorities and goals, and come up with an action plan to achieve them. Simply email jenny@citylifecoaching.com or call 020 7902 1988 quoting “Monster offer”.
