by Karolyn Hart

According to an article published by the University of Western Ontario the Life Coaching industry is beginning to gain in popularity.  It seems that ever since “The Secret” was released I have been meeting people on a regular basis who have identified themselves as Life Coaches.  I recently joined Twitter and was fascinated at the sheer number of Life Coaches that are now available. Life Coaches are old, young, married, unmarried and seem to represent  every race, religion, and income bracket that is available.

I’ve always believed Life Coaching and mentoring is an essential part of personal growth.  Even before it was a new trend I had sought out professionals to be “Life Coaches” here on Thrive.  Our current mentor (Jackie Savi-Cannnon) is a motivational speaker and a wellness expert who is a coach on life to our readers. So to say I am a supporter would be a large understatement.

However, as I have watched this trend explode I have also grown increasingly concerned.  For every person that I’ve met who is genuinely an inspiration, I’ve met even more who seem blissfully unaware that they may not have what it takes to be a successful Life Coach.

Consider the Personal Fitness Trainer. 
It’s true that anyone can become a trainer. You can take the courses, you can get the certifications but at the end of the day the biggest sell is going to be only one thing - your own body.

Personally, if I am going to pay someone to get me in shape I want them to be living what they are preaching.  I have met several personal trainers who are overweight and I find it difficult to respect their position. 

The question that comes to my mind is:
“How can you tell me what to do when you aren’t even taking your own advice?”

The most succesful Personal Fitness Trainer’s in the world live, breathe, (and yes eat) what they are selling.  The reason they are so successful is because they can be trusted and the message they are giving lines up with their actions.

Being a Life Coach is certainly very attractive.  Every single person wants to be seen as special. Even more people love the idea of making a living at making a difference. Who wouldn’t want that?

Herein lies the trap that I see happening. Well meaning people, with well meaning desires are being sucked into paying thousands upon thousands of dollars to take certain Life Coach programs.  They are told that they are special, that their potential is unlimited, and that they will reap the benefits of wealth and success for teaching others what they learn.

Sadly, the reality is that many of these same people who are spending all this money are living pay cheque to pay cheque.  They are struggling with their finances, in their marriages, with their children, and in their businesses. For many, these courses are their last ditch efforts - and what saddens me - is that many find the promised “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow is just an illusion.

Of course, no one talks about this part of the industry because the main focus is on “visualizing your success” and clearly you either A) aren’t practicing what you’ve been taught OR  B) you just have to keep the faith awhile longer because it’s about to happen for you!

What if there is a better way?
My heart aches for the people who find themselves in this situation and I believe there is a better way.  I read a book years ago called “The Dream Giver” by Bruce Wilkinson and make it a habit of giving it to people who express a desire to achieve greatness in their lives.  The book takes you though identifying what your dreams.  It takes you back to when you were a child and helps you remember what those dreams looked like back then.

Perhaps it was truly to be a Life Coach. If that is the case then my recommendation is to use the practices you learn on yourself first. Realize that people are not going to want to sign-up with a Life Coach who struggles with transparency.  If your present circumstances are chaos you must understand that no amount of marketing will cover your authentic self.

TAKE THE LIFE COACH TEST
Are you really made to be a Life Coach? Here’s a quick self-evaluation to determine if you have what it takes:

1. Are you a strong listener?
2. Do you find that people seek out your advice on matters often?
3. Does thinking strategically excite you?
4. Would you describe your life as stable?
5. Are you able to speak well?
6. How often do you have a disagreement with people in your life? (Work, Home, Church, etc)

HOW DID YOU DO?
1. Of all the skills listening and understanding your clients will be the most important. Most people rate themselves as “good listeners” so it’s important to understand that your opinion on this is biased.  Instead, ask people you trust and who will be honest with you ‘Do you think my listening skills could use work?’. If they hesitate at all in their answer that is a big resounding YES!

2. Being sought out for advice is an indicator of your current strengths.  It shows that in that area you have some special knowledge to impart.  Evaluate what advice you’ve provided lately.  If you are rarely asked your opinion then take this opportunity to analyze why.

3. Thinking strategically does not come naturally for everyone.  You can learn this skill but if you don’t know how to do this you will struggle in helping people navigate their circumstances.  If you don’t know what it means to think strategically then take the Strategic Thinking Course for FREE from Harvard Business.

4. This one is really simple. If your own life is chaos you will not have the proper energy or focus to help others. First, get your own life in order THEN help others do the same.

5. Amazingly, many people do not know how to communicate well.  They think they are being clear when they are not.  Just because you use a large number of words does not mean you are speaking clearly (in fact it is usually the opposite).  Be sure to learn how to speak well and clearly.  Your client’s deserve it.

6. Of all the questions this one is the most important.  If you are having regular disagreements at work, home, or at your place of worship it is a signal.  Do you get angry easily? Is it because of misunderstandings caused by a lack of communication? Is it because your life is not stable in a certain area?  If you find yourself in regular disagreements you must find the source and fix it before you are ready to excel as a Life Coach.

Filed under: Life