"By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is the noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest, and third, by experience, which is the most bitter." - Confucius

What is Life Coaching?

Life Coaching is a general term used to describe a form counselling. However, there is much confusion about how to define life coaching, as the term is often interchangeable with so many others. The unregulated and fragmented nature of the industry has meant that life coaches can call themselves mentors, facilitators, consultants, gurus and a plethora of other self-appointed titles. To add to the confusion new-age practitioners are entering the field offering a mix of clairvoyance and pseudo-science, like NLP, and branding it life coaching. In the absence of a clear definition it is best then to ask what should a life coach do. In simple terms, a life coach should help a client make positive changes to their life and achieve the goals they have set for themselves. A good coach should provide a client with the tools, the knowledge, build their confidence, and gives them the support they need to succeed.

How does Coaching work?

Coaching usually takes place face-to-face in a consultative framework, similar to other talk-therapies. In collaboration with the client, a coach will help determine goals and targets, challenge beliefs, and help remove the barriers to improvements in productivity and performance. This is often called cognitive re-framing, shifting perceptions, or schema therapy, and is very common in counselling. A coach as an agent of change should empower a client to overcome difficulties and achieve goals that would normally seem impossible.

How can Coaching help?

Through coaching a client can learn to:
• Trust their intuition and instinct. • Achieve goals in both their career and personal life. • Overcome procrastination and improve enthusiasm and self-motivation. • Create a balance between work and home life. • Improve confidence, self image and self-belief. • Find a passion. • Become their own greatest supporter, not their own worst enemy. • Replace old bad habits with positive new ones. • Manage time more effectively. • Control anxiety and manage stress.

Who uses Coaching and Mentors?

To put it simply the most eminent and successful people in the world have had the support and guidance of a mentor or coach at some point in their lives. For instance, Bill Gates has Warren Buffet, Oprah Winfrey has Maya Angelou, Yves Saint Laurent had Christian Dior, Aristotle had Plato, who in turn had Socrates, and the list goes on and on. Realistically no one ever becomes truly successful on their own. For us ordinary folk sometimes a mentor can be an older relative or a parent. In business it may be a more experienced colleague. But, more often than not, in today's increasingly competitive world mentors are not as willing to take just anyone under their wing. In fact, despite being recognised as one of the most valuable tools in professional businesses and personal life, mentoring remains one of the most underutilised advancement strategies, with only about 19% of business people reporting to having access to a mentor. This is where an empowerment coach can fill that gap for anyone who is ready for success but lacks the opportunities and support needed to achieve it. In a completely confidential setting, a good coach/mentor will break down barriers to prosperity and challenge a client to reach new levels of achievement, satisfaction, and balance in life.