There comes a time in everyone’s life where they might feel like things aren’t going the way they expected. You might be a little disappointed in your past, unenthusiastic about your present, and unmotivated about your future. This feeling might last days, weeks, months, or even years.
As normal as this feeling is, it’s something no one should have to experience long-term. One way or another, it’s imperative that you dig yourself out of that funk, find your purpose in life, and reach your truest potential on a daily basis — no matter how hard, trying, or taxing it might be.
In the event this feeling overstays its welcome or you want to stop it before it gets to that point, a life coach could most definitely be the answer you’ve been searching for. They can do so much for your present and future self. Of course, there’s one burning question you must ask yourself:
Is a life coach really what you need?
The truth is there are a variety of experienced people out there that can help you through your life’s journey — including a life coach, a therapist, a mentor, and even a support group. While they’re often grouped as one in the same, they each come with their own unique benefits in life.
A life coach is someone who focuses on your future, is action-oriented, works through positivity, and helps you find your own solutions. A therapist, on the other hand, is focused on past trauma, deals with cognitive and emotional coping, and treats more serious mental concerns.
At the same time, a mentor is someone who merely gives advice based on shared experiences and is usually unstructured, while support groups are there to support you through your life’s journey and give you the love and care that we all need. As you can see, they’re all unique.
If you feel a life coach is exactly what you’re looking for, there are a few things you should consider when learning how to find the right life coach for you:
1. Training & Certification
Your life coach needs to be a true coaching professional. They should be well-trained and hold certifications that prove their efficacy. For example, Dan Stillman of YoMenGa studied under the tutelage of David Bayer and is recognized by the ICF through a 175-hr. ACTP program.
2. Coaching Style
You should always have a potential life coach explain their coaching style to you before you start giving them your time. Every life coach is different in their own way, and you’ll want to find one that you can be open with on a daily basis.
3. Methodologies & Tools
In addition to their coaching style, your life coach should be using tried-and-true methods and tools in your sessions that are proven to be effective. These tools and techniques shouldn’t only be trusted by your life coach, but you should believe in them as well.
4. Cost & Availability
There’s no set standard for how much a life coach will charge you or what each life coach includes in that charge. Make sure you ask your potential life coach how much each session costs, when they’re available, how long a session lasts, and what’s included in each session.
5. Results & Testimonials
Finally, you want to make sure your life coach has a proven track record of success and results. Don’t be afraid to seek testimonials, past client feedback, and how they’ve helped people overcome similar challenges that you’re facing right now in your own life.
If you’re interested in working with a passionate, experienced, dedicated, and caring life coach, you’ve come to the right place. Danny Stillman’s coaching certification is recognized by the International Coaching Federation. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions you might have!