“What do you do?”
Go to any social gathering—a cocktail party, a wedding
reception, speed dating spectaculars—and you’ll likely hear this very question. Lately, as traditional jobs have gone the way
of the dinosaurs and job descriptions have sprouted hyphenates and euphemistic
phrases, the reply could be almost anything: “Chief Technology Evangelist,” for
example. “Canine Relocation Specialist.” “Conversation Architect.”
I swear I’m not making these up.
I’m a life coach, or what my mentor, author and O Magazine columnist Martha Beck, calls
“the cheesiest-sounding name for a profession, ever.” So when someone hears
what I do for a living, they’re likely to smile blankly, nod politely with eyes
glazed over, or say something like, “Oh. So you tell people what to do.” Um,
not so much, no.
And just, in case you’re wondering, bullhorns are rarely
involved, either.
I like Martha’s analogy:
that a life coach is to a therapist as a personal trainer is to a
doctor. A doctor helps unhealthy people heal; a personal trainer helps healthy
people achieve maximize performance. A
therapist helps mentally unhealthy people find wellness; a life coach helps emotionally healthy people create more satisfying,
meaningful lives, focusing on areas like career, relationships, finances and body
issues.
In a world that is more complex, puzzling and unsettling
than ever, coaches offer clarity, consistency and a fresh perspective. Life coaches
are skillful at clearing away the obstacles that get in the way of leading your
best life: stressful thoughts, trying to
meet someone else’s expectations, counter-productive behavior or choices. We help clients get rid of the stuff in their
lives that feels crappy and depleting and make room for more of whatever feels
delicious and energizing.
Not sure if a life coach is for you? Read the following and see if any of them
ring true for you:
- “I’ve had a lingering problem and I can’t figure
it out.” - “I have a pressing issue to resolve but have no
clue where to begin.” - “Things are okay, but deep down I know they
could be better.” - “My life is all work and no (or very) little
play.” - “I can never seem to catch up no matter how hard
I try.” - “I’m constantly procrastinating and can’t get
anything done.” - “If I could only ___________ (get a better job,
lose weight, sell my house, find a partner, I would be happy.” - “I’m stuck in a rut and don’t know how to get
out of it.” - “I have relationship issues and I don’t know
what to do.” - “I know I’ve always been meant to be a _______
(writer, chef, veterinarian, mime) but I’m too afraid to fail.”
If you find yourself nodding you head to any of the above, you might just benefit from working with a
life coach.
