What is Coaching? It’s Not Just for Athletes

What comes to mind when you hear the word “coaching”? Most of you probably thought of sports. Behind every great athlete is a great coach who can inspire their athletes to achieve peak performance. And for those wondering what is coaching, having a professional business coach, mentor, or life coach in your corner can help you achieve peak performance.

What is Coaching?

Coaching, in its most simple definition, is the act of helping another person achieve their goals. There are several types of coaches, each specializing in a certain aspect of life. Some examples include:

The type of coach you choose comes down to your personal goals.

Are you looking to live a healthier, more active lifestyle? A fitness coach would be the perfect fit. Business coaches cater to those looking to turn a great idea into a profitable business. Career coaches focus on those looking to find a job or make a career move.

Last is the life coach. A life coach helps people identify psychological roadblocks, define their goals, and build productive habits designed to achieve said goals. The great thing about life coaches is the strategies they use can help their clients in any of the areas of life mentioned so far.

How Does Coaching Work?

You are probably wondering what the typical coaching process looks like. The process varies depending on the individual coach, as well as the type of coaching. With that being said, all coaching follows a basic framework.

  1. Clarify the Client’s Present Situation
  2. Identify the Client’s Goals 
  3. Identify the Problem(s) Keeping the Client from Achieving their Goals
  4. Identify the Necessary Changes to be Made
  5. Establish a Plan of Action for the Client to Reach their Goals
  6. Teach the Client to Internally Motivate Themselves as they Strive Towards their Goals
  7. Monitor the Client’s Progress and Provide Guidance as Necessary

Good coaching starts with active listening. An effective coach spends the first couple of sessions mostly listening. For coaching to work, the coach has to identify their client’s unique goals, roadblocks, strengths, and weaknesses. There are no one-size-fits-all solutions in the coaching world.

At this stage, a coach functions as a therapist. They help their clients work through psychological issues, such as fear of failure, by using various strategies infused with positive psychology.

Once a client buys into the mindset of taking control of their life, a coach goes into personal trainer mode. They create a plan of action based on their client’s specific goals. This action plan is designed to challenge the client to push past their comfort zone and grow into their full potential.

Finally, the coach serves as a Sherpa. The final part of the coaching process is guiding a client through the implementation of their action plan. A life coach provides positive reinforcement when their client experiences a small win, and guidance when they experience failure. Most coaches get in touch with their clients once a week, but the frequency depends on the specific needs of the client.

Do I Need a Coach?

Now you know what is coaching, the answer to this question can only come from you. Some people simply don’t respond well to coaching. They would rather stay stagnant in their comfort zones than deal with the growing pains of progression. You don’t need a coach if you’re happy with average.

If you want to identify and address the psychological roadblocks and bad habits keeping you from achieving peak performance in your life, then a good coach is just what you need.

Selecting a good coach is the most important part of the coaching process. You want a coach who has experience, and who also stays atop the latest research in Psychology, Sociology, and Neuroscience.

Arman, the founder and head coach at Titanium Success, has over a decade of coaching experience. He started his first business in the mid 90’s and has started a dozen more since then. If you are ready to kickstart your life in a positive direction, contact Arman for a coaching consultation today.

Sources:

What can Coaches do for You?

Coaching – A Scientific Method

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