At some point while doom-scrolling, you’re bound to come across an ad telling you, “You need a life coach.” And you might be curious, and click the link. But what exactly is a life coach?
Currently there are no mandatory licensing or educational requirements to become a life coach. There are certification programs that some life coaches choose to go through, like ICF – the International Coaching Federation, where people train or take a course to receive a certificate of completion, but these types of certifications are not mandatory. I don’t know of any Colleges or Universities in the US that offer a degree (like a Masters or PhD ) in life coaching as a stand-alone field of study. Maybe one day?
The TLDR: Since the field of life coaching is largely unregulated, there’s really no safeguards in place to ensure specific guidelines of safe practices or a code of conduct when it comes to practicing or establishing a business as a life coach.
Anyone can be a life coach.
But that doesn’t discredit what a life coach might be able to do for you!
Life coaching services aren’t usually covered by health insurance, so obtaining a life coach isn’t considered a medical necessity. Which means, if there are fees, they will most likely come out of your pocket. Many life coaches aren’t trained therapists or psychologists, or medical doctors. However, having a qualified life coach can actually be beneficial. A good life coach will help their client to overcome blockages or obstacles that might be holding them back from gaining, succeeding, or tapping into one’s true potential. By asking pointed questions and listening, a life coach can help guide their clients to grow as an individual and find answers within themselves. If you decide to obtain a life coach, a good 1-on-1 relationship might be expensive, but there can be value and positive outcome.
So, how can you find the right life coach for you?
Ask around. Tap into your circle of trust, your family, friends, and coworkers . Find people that are successful in what they do, and ask for their mentorship. If that’s a dead end, pick up a book, or look online for success driven content, there’s a cornucopia of information at your fingertips on the internet. Read a blog about life coaching… (don’t forget to sign up, like, follow, subscribe, or just leave a comment.) The key is to utilize the expertise and experience of a successful person as a tool towards your own. Learn from other’s success. Bonus points if you find a life coach that fits your needs and helps you achieve your intended personal goals.
So yes, having a life coach could be extremely beneficial… but not all life coaches are the same. That’s right, not all life coaches are created equal. However there really are some great life coaches, or motivational experts that are experienced and specialized in many different fields . Here are a few people I would consider to be a motivational speaker or life coach from a few different fields of expertise. Many have free content available online, like podcasts, Ted-Talks, and YouTube videos, so check their websites for more information. Many are authors with more than a book or two available for you to read at your leisure. Most have social media with helpful hints and words of encouragement where they engage with their followers. And many have courses (both free and for purchase), that you can go through to help you reach your full potential.
HERE’S A SMALL list of examples of different types of life coaches:
(Each LC link will open in a new tab for you, just in case you’d like to get more in-depth info about them. OH, and some of the links are affiliate links for books through Amazon.)
My first impression of a life coach is Tony Robbins. I remember his “Anthony Robbins Personal Power” infomercials in 1990, that aired during my senior year of high school. He was practically everywhere, way before social media took off. Tony seemed larger than life, big energy, big smile and big dreams. And to this day so many years later, his positivity is STILL contagious. Listening to him speak is actually energizing. He has a newer book called “Unlimited Power“, which is on my list to read… Tony is what I would consider a “Motivational Life Coach.” He’s really great at helping one to realize that planning a path and finding ways to take action is the first step to becoming successful. He also has some really great quotes!
If you’re looking for an “Educational Life Coach” check out Jim Kwik, WOW. He’s one smart cookie! Personally, I haven’t quite hacked my brain yet, I’m a work in progress. His interviews and podcasts are really inspiring and intriguing. He even offers a free speed reading course on MindValley. It’s an interesting way to check out some of his content and his approach to learning. His philosophy is that you can train your brain and help unlock its full potential. The possibilities are “Limitless” – also the title of his book.
Speaking of Mind Valley, have you heard of Vishen Lakhiani, the founder? Although he’s more of a motivational speaker, I’d classify him as an “Educational Life Coach” His personal focus is mindfulness and meditation and spiritual development and personal growth and building good personal habits, yeah lots of stuff to learn about. Vishen started out as a tech guy who had his own discovery and then built a program to help others. “Code of the Extraordinary Mind” is another book on my list… I like tech guys! Definitely look him up.
Mel Robbins also comes to mind when I think of a “Life and Business Coach.” I especially like her “LET THEM Theory” mindset. She’s direct, no fluff and reminds you that you can’t control other people. She also has an Audible book called “Take Control of your Life” It’s part conversation and part thinking things through with six story like case studies. If you’re adverse to or afraid of change, suffer with anxiety or thinking about a career move, it’s an interesting audiobook with great insight. I believe there’s even a workbook you can purchase to go along with while listening to the audiobook.
I think Dave Ramsey is another great example. He’s what I would call a “Financial Life Coach”. Budgeting is a way of life. Uncle Dave has a great phone in talk show, I’ve listened to him on the radio, and watched his videos on Youtube. He chats with real people, just like you and me, and gives them tough love when it comes to financial questions. He doesn’t sugar-coat anything, talks through the failures with debt, helps people focus and track their money, spending and saving and loves to celebrate success with the “debt-free scream.” Have you read the “Total Money Makeover” yet? His book helped me alter my mindset and made me like the B-word. Actually, I LOVE the B-word…BUDGET!
Although she might not be an actual “life coach” I’m going to put Oprah Winfrey on my list. Her life story, and how she persevered, and triumphed… I mean, I consider here one of the original survivors, not gonna give up, she worked hard and has shared so much, really everything with everyone. After I moved out, Oprah was part of my some of my weekday afternoons whenever I wasn’t working or at a class. Oprah has built her life… oh yeah, “Build the Life You Want” is also on my reading list this year. She’s sincerely one of the most captivating motivational speakers, and to me that’s a huge part of being a life coach, and life influencer. 100%
That’s just a very brief overview of what’s out there. There’s too many to include, so much available content to choose from, mostly what would be categorized as SELF HELP or SELF IMPROVEMENT. It’s out there for everyone, or anyone looking. Have you read any of the above books, or taken any of the above mentioned courses? LMK, and comment below.
In theory we’ve all been placed in the role of “life coach” at some point in our lives. Life coaches are usually a person that uses their personal experience and/or expertise to help others manage similar situations. Life coaches don’t have all the answers and aren’t there to solve all your problems or tell you what to do… BUT, a good life coach will listen and ask thought provoking questions to help their client make their own self realizations and progress.
Now, the only question you need to ask yourself is, Do you WANT a life coach?