Why do you need a life coach?

There are many more than four really good reasons why almost all of us at some point or another probably need and would benefit from working with a life coach. Our lives are more hectic and demanding now than ever before, and let's' face it, times have changed and many of us are now facing new challenges we've never been up against in the past.

In addition, many of us are tired of all the drama today's society brings and have come to the conclusion we just want to live happier and more fulfilling lives. That includes creating happy and fulfilling work lives and careers, perhaps even starting our own business so we can be our own boss. Many of us are also in search of new relationships because we've outgrown relationships we've been in for a long time or the dynamics have changed and we're just ready for new and more fulfilling life connections.

The idea of just accepting what comes our way and living life by default no longer appeals to many of us, and the desire to create a much better life on our own terms is coming up for more and more of us all the time. The reason? We're becoming more aware and conscious of how we're spending our time and living out our lives, and we know we want more. Simply put, we're no longer willing to settle; we want a better life.

So let's talk about the top four reasons why you probably need a life coach and see if any stand out for you. I selected the four reasons you'll see below as examples because they come up frequently based on my experience, and what you will see here with each of them is an example of how I would respond to them as an intuitive coach.

Keep in mind that professional coaches abide by a code of ethics that includes complete client confidentiality and respect at every level. Responses and methods will also surely vary from one coach to another and in different coaching specialties. And, although some clients may discover they need only one session to achieve the desired result, the results discussed here aren't likely to occur in just one session based on the varying needs of different clients.

You may find that one or more of these examples are similar to something you've experienced or perhaps are experiencing, and if so, they will give you an idea as to how coaching could be a viable option for you. Remember, you may surely have circumstances that are more specific and unique to your personal situation than what these examples provide, but they're intended to give you a general idea of some of the reasons people need a coach and also the benefit of working with one. That said, you may just see yourself in one or more of them.

Now let's take a look at them.

Reason #1. You want a better life but you're not clear on what you want or what to do about it; you're frustrated and disheartened by your lack of action and could use some help sorting it all out.

As an intuitive coach helping clients in this scenario, I would first help them relax and clear their mind. This allows them to step back from their immediate life situation so they can open up to a much broader perspective. By doing this, we get a better idea of what they're looking for and want in life. Then I ask key questions. The questions are specific and revolve around their core values and desires. They also revolve around their definitions or impressions of certain other elements that together will help us identify and get clear on what they really want and also why they want it. This is where they finally begin to develop real clarity, begin to get unstuck, and we're able to begin a thoughtful process of building confidence and developing an action plan together. They may be able to take off on their own at this point or they may be interested in continued support in maintaining clarity and working their action plan.

Reason #2. You're clear on what you want but you just don't know the next steps to take so you keep procrastinating. You want and need someone to confide in, to help you identify your options, to walk through them with you, and to help you develop a plan of action.

This happens frequently when we've made up our mind and gotten very clear about what we want, and although it's a relief to have made that decision, now we've come to the next step-and that is what do we do next? This is not uncommon but it surely can stop us in our tracks and cause us to continually procrastinate. As an intuitive coach in this scenario, I'd start by asking questions pertinent to any ideas they may have been considering but were afraid to take action on. I'd then expand on or invite other ideas to see what makes sense for them. I would also inquire as to uncertainties they came up against while attempting to create a plan for themselves. This allows them to step back and view their reasons or doubts from a different place and creates a more open playing field for them. This is the beginning of creating the action plan that will feel right for them. It's much more concrete and with continued support they're able to get to work on that plan and reach their goals.

Reason #3. You're in a relationship you no longer want to be in but (a) you don't know how to get out, or (b) you feel guilty about leaving it and need help quieting your conscience and coming to terms with your decision.

By the time most of us have come to the conclusion we definitely want out of any type of relationship, we usually have already spent considerable time thinking about and analyzing our real reason for wanting out. Once we're very clear on why we no longer want to be in the relationship, we advance to the how and when do I get out mode, and this is where we get stuck. For many of us, we are stopped short of leaving unwanted relationships because we can't figure out how to walk away without hurting the other person, and second, we put enormous guilt on ourselves for doing it.

As an intuitive coach in this scenario, I would first ask them to describe the relationship and what attracted them to it and then also what they feel they now want that's missing. In addition, I would ask if the other person is having similar thoughts and emotions or if they have asked. These and other key questions are asked to help them sort through their reasons for wanting to leave the relationship, what's changed about the relationship, or perhaps who has changed in the relationship so they understand and accept the reasons for wanting out. This helps relieve the guilt associated with leaving. As we work through it, answers they need will appear for them, and they'll also understand that growth is a normal part of the human process and is likely to create a desire for change. This allows them to move into a more mature mindset and assume a wider perspective and viewpoint of not only the relationship itself but of their personal needs and intentions. With support they can then come to an acceptable personal understanding of their own value and know it's okay to move out of the relationship.

Reason #4. You don't like or perhaps even hate your job or career and want something new and better, but you can't get yourself to pull the trigger on your decision to get out. You need help with quieting fear and worry and determining next steps.

There are so many people now who are fed up with their present job or career and who have come to the conclusion it's time to get out, find something new, or create something on their own. The turmoil of the last several years of economic downturn along with the ruthless and greedy mentality of a good portion of corporate America have greatly changed the face of fulfilling employment for all of us, and people want out. They want a kinder, gentler, and more collaborative work environment. They want to love what they do and feel like they're really contributing to the success of the company and also know they're appreciated.

But the fear and worry of leaving their present employment often keeps them from doing what they know is right for them and will ultimately bring them a much better life.

As an intuitive coach in this scenario, I would first help them step back from focusing on their obligations and immediate income needs and ask them key questions to create a dialog that brings them to a much more relaxed, neutral, and positive place. This is a place where there's more space for them to see a bigger picture. Then we'd work our way into discussion of their core values, talents, skills, and core genius (core genius is a natural, God-given talent or passion that brings you great joy and that you would do even if you weren't paid for it). Doing this will often soften the severity of how they perceive their situation and allow them to relax, clear their mind, and focus on solutions rather than the problem.

Once they shift into a more positive and hopeful mindset, new perspectives surface and new ideas abound. Questions such as what companies have similar values to mine and what companies are collaborative in nature start to come to mind. This is where intuitive answers start to come to them and a sense of calm and inspiration come into play. Now we're on the path to really discovering what works and what direction they can take, and an action plan starts to emerge as we continue the conversation. Some are ready to pursue their action plan on their own, and others are more comfortable having continued support. Either way, they've made a big transition from full-on fear and worry to creative ideas and viable options. This is their first big step into creating and following their new path.

Now you've had an opportunity to get a look at four good examples of circumstances that often come up for people and may cause them to need a life coach, and you've also seen the benefits working with a life coach might bring to them. At times, coaching can seem a bit intangible, and because it's still somewhat in its infancy in terms of public awareness, that's easy to understand. But, once we have the opportunity or make the decision to experience working with a coach, the benefits usually become very obvious very quickly. I hope this article and the examples I presented here are of value to you and have provided you insight into some of the reasons many of us really do need a life coach, the benefits that can be obtained from choosing to work with one, and the possibility of very powerful and tangible results.