Several years ago, I was backstage on set right before a television interview. I was chatting with the news anchor and she told me that one of their staff members had asked with a patronizing tone “Why are we interviewing a life coach? Who needs a life coach?”
But the news anchor understood what I did and how I help my clients and she was excited for the interview. (Thank goodness!)
It’s funny, I usually have two diametrically opposed reactions when I meet people and tell them what I do for a living.
They either say “Oh my goodness, I NEED YOU! I could really use a life & business coach to help me get my act together!”
Or they are like the newsroom staff person and say “A life coach? What’s that? And why would I possibly need that?”
The difference between those two types of people is pretty clear to me.
The first person is someone who WANTS MORE out of life and wants to take action to manifest their dreams. They see their reality and aren’t satisfied–perhaps they desire more work/life balance or want to improve their health or get organized or grow their business. They have goals and dreams and they just need a little help and support to make them come true. They understand they have a choice and can create a life they want to live. They know there is more to life and they want to experience the joy and fulfillment of living inspired every day.
The second person is usually someone who’s stuck, unhappy, frustrated and thinks life happens to them. They’re often really independent people–the kind who don’t like to ask for help because they see it as a sign of weakness and think they “should” be able to do everything on their own. They would rather white knuckle their way through life and believe that stress, frustration and overwhelm are simply necessary evils of their human experience.
The truth is, successful people ask for help. They seek advice, they read books, they learn from other leaders. They attend seminars, they have spiritual mentors and they love to learn. People who live happy lives have meaningful communities and networks of people who love and support them, who encourage and inspire them. It doesn’t matter if these folks are life coaches or business consultants or mentors or wise men and women. They know that the key to success is surrounding themselves with supportive people.
It’s been my experience that most of my coaching clients already have a supportive network. But when they hire me, they want someone in their corner who isn’t their mother, sister, best friend or colleague. They want an objective voice who can be a sounding board, a resource person and an advocate without judgment or bias.
Need help with…
- Exercise goals? Hire a personal trainer.
- Eating healthier? Work with a nutritionist.
- Your financial goals? Invest in a financial planner.
- Decorating your house? Hire an interior designer.
- Selling your home or office? Hire a realtor.
- Growing your business and balancing your busy life? Hire a coach!
Want success in an area of life and can’t get there on your own? Then hire a professional. If you find the right person for you, they will help you get to where you want to go faster, easier and with better results.
If you could benefit from working with a coach, reach out and let’s talk.
Remember, the more we enlist support and ask for help, the more successful–and satisfied–we are with our businesses and our lives.
I need a life & business coach! How about you?
Elizabeth