How to find the right coach for YOU

You’ve decided you want someone by your side to illuminate your path to greatness. You want a life coach to walk alongside you, support you, challenge you, cheer you on as you journey toward the life of your dreams.

Now, let’s get real. The world of life coaching feels like wondering through a crowded market place, with vendors shouting promises of miracles and magic. Fear not, I’m not your guide to walk you through a bustling bazaar of self-improvement.

Let’s talk about compatibility. Just like finding the perfect dance partner, or the ideal cup of tea, finding the right life coach is all about chemistry. You not only want someone who understands your goals and aspirations, you also want someone who resonates with your values and vibe.

So where do you start? Well, it’s all about doing your homework. Take some time to research different coaches, read their bios, peruse their testimonials. Look for someone whose story speaks to you, whose journey resonates with your own and whose testimonials sing their praises like a choir of angels. 

Then ask lots of questions. A good life coach should be an open book, willing to share their approach, their expertise and their philosophy on life. Ask about their coaching style, their success stories and their specialty.

Coaching is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. It’s a $20bn industry worldwide, half of that spent in the United States. While anyone can create a website with a catchy tagline and call themselves a coach, not all coaches are created equal. Look for someone who has been trained and certified by a reputable organization, someone who invested time and energy to hone their craft and develop their skills.

The most important aspect is that intangible quality called “heart”. You want a coach who is not only knowledgeable and skilled, but also compassionate, empathic and genuinely invested in your success. Look for a good listener, someone who asks insightful questions and who offers support and encouragement without judgment.

At the ripe age of 85 Quincy Jones recently shared that the best advice he ever received was from pianist Nadine Boulanger. “Your music will never be more or less than you are a human being.” This applies to coaches to. Your life coach can never be more or less than they are a human being. Seek a coach who embodies the qualities you aspire to, someone who leads by example and walks their talk.

And finally, don’t be afraid to shop around. Just like sampling flavors at the ice cream parlor, finding the right life coach may take a little trial and error. Trust me, when you do find the one who feels like home, it’s worth every step of the way and can literally be life changing.

So beloved dreamer, know that the perfect life coach is out there, waiting to help you shine as brightly as you were meant to.

With love, light and a boundless belief in your potential,

Marion