Life Coaching Practice - Article Example

It is never too late to take a breather, evaluate one’s circumstances, and change course if this becomes the apparent ideal solution to a problem or a difficult situation. Life coaching is an effective tool that one can rely on to achieve the needed clarity, setting up a process by which specific, measurable, and achievable goals are set, and a clear strategy to achieve these goals is outlined.  There are different types of coaching, such as sports or performance coaching, leadership coaching, strategy coaching, skills coaching, career coaching, personal or life coaching, business coaching, executive coaching, etc.

Life Coaching, to define it, “is the practice of assisting clients to determine and achieve personal goals.” (Permut)  Life coaching is an alliance between a client and a coach who is a professional and provides guidance and accountability.  The coach helps by first empowering one in defining exactly what one’s true dreams, passions, strengths, weaknesses, and fears are,  and then in guiding in achieving specific goals based on exactly that individual’s profile.  The coach however does not take responsibility for any of the client’s actions.  The client is in full control of his destiny at every step.  The environment is that of support, trust, motivation, and encouragement.  Complete confidentiality, as allowed by the law is always assured. 

In the end, this process will enable one to achieve a fulfilling, satisfactory, and joyful life, most likely characterized by personal and professional successes.  There will be clarity on where one is now and where he/she wants to be, there will be confidence in knowing that he/she has the will, ability, and motivation to take on the chosen path and to achieve very personal and clearly defined goals.  He/she is confident that all weaknesses and fear can be either overcome or leveraged for success.

The International Coach Federation also acknowledges the great value of coaching in producing important benefits in the client’s personal and professional lives. “Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life.” (Rothwell and Sullivan, 389)

It is, however, fundamental to realize that life coaching is not psychotherapy or consulting. “Coaching is not psychotherapy... Unlike therapy, the coaching relationship is a partnership and is much more egalitarian than the traditional therapy relationship… [and] the coaching orientation is outcome and action-driven in the external environment.” (Gooding, 36) Significantly, coaching focuses on empowerment, values, wants, desires, and visions of the future and the action to make those visions happen. Similarly, coaching is not consulting: the latter deals with problem-solving tactics, action plans, achieving precise targets, etc, whereas the former concentrates chiefly on action-based learning.

Modern life as well as business is all about stress, problems, tensions etc. The value of life coaching is becoming increasingly apparent. Most essentially, the return on investment in life coaching has increased tremendously and it will continue to fetch great profit to the investors. The case of MetrixGlobal is a convincing example. “Program costs were tabulated for all 43 leadership development participants in determining the return on investment. A 529% return on investment was produced by the coaching process (excluding the benefits from employee retention).” (Anderson).

In conclusion:

Life coaching is an effective tool that enables us to achieve clarity about our strengths and accomplishments, dreams and passions. It enables an individual to overcome fears and obstacles. The coach empowers an individual to set a personalized path and strategy, guides him, and holds him accountable by regularly challenging him to achieve those goals. During the process, life coaching provides constant support and a sounding board to measure and monitor progress. The coach helps the individual to achieve goals and lead a life of personal and professional satisfaction and fulfillment. Under the guidance of a coach, an individual following the work plan of life coaching starts doing the work with enthusiasm and at the same time pursuing passion and dreams. Investment in life coaching is shown to provide a measurable and clear return on investment.