Becoming a Life Coach (Masters at Work)

1. Life coaching emerged as a billion-dollar industry from diverse roots

Now life coaching is a one-billion-dollar industry in this country, two billion worldwide.

Rapid growth. Life coaching has exploded from non-existence in 1980 to a global phenomenon. The International Coach Federation reports 53,000 active full-time life coaches worldwide, with one-third in the United States. Coaches typically earn between $27,100 and $73,100 annually, with some specialty coaches making significantly more.

Diverse origins. The field emerged from various sources:

• Werner Erhard's est movement
• Self-help learning in the late 1970s
• Financial planner Thomas Leonard's work in the early 1980s
• Coach University, founded by Leonard in 1992

Life coaching has evolved to cater to various niches, including:

• Executive coaching
• Spiritual coaching
• Relationship coaching
• Career coaching
• Health and wellness coaching

2. Life coaches are not therapists, mentors, teachers, friends, or psychologists

While a life coach may be kind, caring, and, yes, friendly, a life coach is not a friend. They are professionals who act as your advocate and behavioral analyst. For money.

Professional boundaries. Life coaches maintain a distinct role separate from other helping professions. They do not:

• Diagnose or treat mental health issues like therapists
• Provide long-term guidance like mentors
• Impart specific knowledge like teachers
• Offer personal emotional support like friends
• Analyze psychological patterns like psychologists

Unique approach. Instead, life coaches:

• Act as advocates and behavioral analysts
• Help clients find their own answers
• Focus on present actions and future goals
• Hold clients accountable for their behavior
• Maintain professional distance while being supportive

3. Effective life coaches use unique techniques to facilitate client self-discovery

Life coaching attempts to present the client with questions that allow them to connect to a future offering new possibilities.

Questioning techniques. Coaches use carefully crafted questions to help clients:

• Reflect on their values and motivations
• Identify patterns in their thinking and behavior
• Explore new possibilities for their future
• Challenge limiting beliefs and assumptions

Diverse methods. Some coaches employ specific techniques:

• Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to interrupt lifelong patterns
• Business tools like punch lists and action plans for personal growth
• Exercises to reframe perspectives and habits
• Reflective writing assignments

Client-centered approach. The focus is always on empowering the client to find their own solutions, rather than providing direct advice or answers.

4. Certification is not required, but many coaches seek training and accreditation

While it may be an amorphous field populated at the fringes by a menagerie of free agents, it is an emergent profession that truly helps a hungry clientele.

Unregulated profession. There is no universal licensing or regulation for life coaches. Anyone can declare themselves a coach without formal training.

Voluntary certification. Many coaches choose to pursue certification through organizations like:

• International Coach Federation (ICF)
• Coach U
• Various NLP training programs

Training benefits:

• Learn established coaching techniques
• Gain credibility with potential clients
• Network with other professionals
• Stay updated on industry developments

Despite the lack of standardization, many coaches are genuine professionals committed to helping their clients achieve personal growth and success.

5. Life coaches must set clear boundaries and pricing for their services

You can't give it away. That makes sense. A life coach places value on the conventional exchanges of the everyday world, on conversation that might otherwise go unnoticed. A coach can't allow herself to be duped into coaching. There has to be a limit that marks where the coaching begins.

Establishing value. Successful coaches:

• Set clear pricing structures (e.g., $350 per session)
• Define session length and frequency
• Limit the number of clients they take on
• Avoid providing free advice outside of paid sessions

Professional boundaries:

• Maintain emotional distance from clients
• Avoid dual relationships (e.g., coaching friends)
• Clearly define the coaching relationship and its limits
• Refer clients to other professionals when appropriate

Time management. Coaches must balance:

• One-on-one client sessions
• Group coaching programs
• Business development activities
• Personal time and self-care

6. Social media and self-promotion are crucial for building a coaching business

Every expression on social media is a representation of his trust in the process. He further documents his various appearances, on radio and speaking engagements.

Digital presence. Successful coaches leverage:

• Social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
• Personal websites and blogs
• Podcasts and YouTube channels
• Email newsletters

Content creation. Coaches regularly produce:

• Inspirational posts and quotes
• Short videos or live streams
• Blog articles on coaching topics
• Client success stories and testimonials

Networking. Building a client base often involves:

• Speaking at events and conferences
• Collaborating with other coaches and professionals
• Engaging with potential clients online
• Offering free resources or introductory sessions

Consistent, authentic self-promotion helps coaches attract clients and establish their unique brand in a competitive market.

7. Faith-based coaching can blend spiritual guidance with personal development

I'm not afraid to ask if I might pray with them. That's often a rhythm we both know. Some clients ask for that. But I have many clients who don't want prayer. They learn very early on that's perfectly fine.

Integrating spirituality. Some coaches, like Markita Collins, incorporate their faith into their coaching practice:

• Offering prayer during sessions (if desired by the client)
• Using religious texts as sources of wisdom and inspiration
• Addressing spiritual concerns alongside personal and professional goals

Balancing approaches. Faith-based coaches often:

• Respect clients' diverse beliefs and backgrounds
• Offer both spiritual and secular coaching techniques
• Use their faith as a foundation for their work without imposing it on clients

Unique value proposition. This approach can appeal to:

• Clients seeking alignment between their faith and personal growth
• Those looking for a holistic approach to coaching
• Individuals who feel uncomfortable with traditional therapy

8. Confrontational coaching techniques can provoke transformative change

I just want their first response, as quickly as possible, before their mind gets in the way.

Strategic aggravation. Some coaches, like Gregory Diehl, use provocative techniques:

• Challenging clients' assumptions and beliefs
• Using raised voices or strong language to elicit reactions
• Deliberately creating discomfort to spark change

Rationale. This approach aims to:

• Break through ingrained patterns of thinking
• Provoke honest, unfiltered responses
• Push clients out of their comfort zones

Potential benefits:

• Rapid breakthroughs in self-awareness
• Overcoming deeply rooted mental blocks
• Accelerated personal growth

Cautions: This style may not be suitable for all clients and requires careful application to avoid harm.

9. Life coaching for youth and students is an emerging specialization

I coach them, yes. And when I go in there, my hope is that I'm another one of the teachers that comes in to work with them after school on different things, like the ballet teacher, the piano teacher, or the speech-coach person. I'm the life teacher, I guess.

Adapting techniques. Coaches like Amy Moser are applying life coaching principles to work with young people:

• Helping students manage academic stress
• Building confidence and self-esteem
• Developing life skills and emotional intelligence
• Assisting with career and educational planning

Unique challenges:

• Adapting communication styles for younger clients
• Balancing parental involvement with client confidentiality
• Addressing age-specific concerns and developmental stages

Potential impact:

• Early intervention in personal development
• Improved academic performance and motivation
• Enhanced social and emotional skills

This emerging field combines elements of coaching, mentoring, and youth development to support young people's growth and success.

10. Successful coaches often write books and speak at seminars to expand their reach

Writing a book has been a key component in the acquisition of clients. You need to write a book. It translates you to your potential client base in advance of your work. It's an income stream. It tells who you are.

Establishing authority. Many successful coaches:

• Author books on their coaching philosophy or specialty
• Speak at conferences and seminars
• Lead workshops and retreats
• Create online courses or training programs

Benefits:

• Reach a wider audience beyond one-on-one clients
• Generate additional income streams
• Build credibility and reputation in the field
• Attract higher-paying clients and speaking opportunities

Content focus:

• Personal stories and experiences
• Coaching methodologies and techniques
• Self-help advice and exercises
• Case studies and client success stories

These activities help coaches differentiate themselves in a crowded market and establish thought leadership in their niche.

11. The life coaching field continues to evolve and diversify

Life coaching is much more than phoning a friend. I like giving my clients the time they need, but I need to be prepared for every call. I want to give them work to do, pose questions for them. Give them thoughts to rely on.

Ongoing development. The field of life coaching is constantly evolving:

• New specialties emerging (e.g., carbon coaching, porn addiction coaching)
• Integration of technology (virtual coaching, AI-assisted tools)
• Increased focus on evidence-based practices
• Growing acceptance in corporate and educational settings

Challenges:

• Maintaining professional standards in an unregulated industry
• Differentiating from other helping professions
• Adapting to changing client needs and expectations
• Keeping up with new research and methodologies

Future trends:

• Increased emphasis on measurable outcomes
• Greater integration with other fields (psychology, neuroscience, etc.)
• Expansion into new markets and demographics
• Continued professionalization of the industry

As life coaching matures, practitioners must stay adaptable and committed to ongoing learning and improvement to meet the diverse needs of their clients.

Last updated: July 22, 2024