Ok, gang, I occasionally post blogs about the benefits of Life Coaching for the sole purpose of educating readers, and potential clients looking to define what Life Coaching is and what it’s not. Yes, the profession is still young and evolving, and many coaches have different niches, causing some confusion. So, to answer the question in the title of this blog, allow me to clarify. Here are the basics for starters:
- Check out my own FAQ list on my website as a good start for anyone stumbling upon life coaching for the first time. I have quick answers to your questions there.
- Wikipedia has its own extensive page on coaching, with several sub-categories in the profession. This is not on-the-go, and will take more time to digest.
- Coaching Evolution (and Revolution) – this is a great article from Patrick Williams, PhD, the founder of the Institute of Life Coach Training, where yours truly got his professional training and certification. He chronicles the history, development and distinctions of Life Coaching. Very good information.
- About.com has a short page written by Wayne Parker, the “Fatherhood” expert. He does a splendid job defining Life Coaching and its benefits.
- CNN.com has a nifty short article from 2007 called “Getting ‘unstuck’: Does your life need a coach?” Check it out.
Life Coaching, by my Christian coaching standards, is based upon the foundation of developing a greater understanding of yourself as an individual according to God’s plan. For you to change something you don’t like about yourself, you must first understand you and how that wonderful mind of yours that God gave you works.
In Life Coaching, the rewards for both coaches and clients come from “getting it” — understanding the reasons behind why things continue to happen the way they do, and then shifting to get the results you want. It’s a “renewal of the mind.” It’s pretty powerful.
Here’s the cool part: when you begin to understand that your results are directly related to your thinking you can then make the changes necessary to improve! Since most of us often operate from paradigms or habits known as our “comfort zone,” Life Coaching involves stepping out of that comfort zone with God by your side, understanding the fear associated with change, and working through it to develop and use more of your potential. I would be lying if I said there’s no personal pain associated with this. Stepping into this new realm can be scary. For some of you, you will be stretched…but always for the better.
Remember, old limiting habits and fear tend to keep us stuck in our comfort zone, not allowing us to pursue what God has intended for us. This has a lot to do with attitude. Through my form of Life Coaching, you will gain an understanding of what makes up your current attitude and how to change it to get more positive results in your life. Listen, it won’t happen overnight. The process of change and growth takes some time. We resist, we fall back to old habits, it will take work! The good news is that Life Coaching never imposes a time limit on you. You are free to grow and change at your own pace, as God nudges you along according to His perfect timing.
And as always, I cannot emphasize this enough: Life Coaching is NOT Counseling. So don’t expect a therapy session when you meet with me by phone or in person. The process is different. If you want to explore Life Coaching with me, here are some helpful links:
Click here for packages/rates , including sliding scales for those in financial hardship.
Click here for Marcel’s personal and professional biography as a Christian Life Coach.
Click here for descriptions of each coaching specialty Marcel offers.
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