Is coaching right for me? (a checklist)

When it comes to personal development, there can come a point where we get stuck. Maybe we notice certain patterns repeating themselves over and over again. Perhaps you’ve done a lot of self-help work on a certain issue, but you can’t seem to get around it.

Whatever the roadblock is, we know how frustrating it can be. This is the time to call in reinforcements and get some support from a qualified professional. Thankfully there are lots of professionals out there who can help in different ways, including coaches, counsellors, hypnotherapists, nutrition professionals and holistic therapists. 

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re considering working with a coach to help you get unstuck but you’re not 100% sure it’s the right approach for you right now. Coaching can be helpful for many of us, but to really get the most of it, there are some things you should consider.

Here is our checklist of what you need to make the most of coaching to help you decide whether or not it’s the right step for you.  

Ready for change

This may sound obvious and if you’re considering coaching, you probably know there’s a change you want to make. However, knowing you want to make a change and being ready to make that change are two very different things. 

Change can be difficult. It means letting go of something that has probably been part of your life for a long time. Coaching relies on your dedication to change. Of course, your coach will be there to guide and support you, but if the desire to change isn’t there, it can make things difficult. Therefore, taking a moment to consider the impact this change will have on your life and whether or not you’re ready to take this step will be really helpful. 

Willing to challenge existing thoughts and beliefs

Often when we get stuck on something or repeat certain behaviours, it’s because we have an existing thought or belief that’s limiting us. Challenging these thoughts and beliefs is integral to coaching – this is what helps you make changes at a deeper level.

Having an open mind and being willing to confront these thoughts and beliefs is therefore key in coaching. 

Have the time and energy

Coaching is powerful, but it’s rarely a quick fix. In some cases, a one-off session will be enough to give you the gentle push in the right direction you need but, for some, longer-term sessions are required.

Whether you have one session or 100, they all require time, dedication and energy. What makes coaching powerful is the action you take following the sessions. To really get the most from coaching, you should have some time and energy available to put in the work required to make the change you’re looking for. 

Know what you want out of coaching

Having a really clear idea of what you want to get out of coaching is important. This will not only help you narrow down your search and find the right coach for you, but it’s also information your coach will need in order to fully support you. Try writing down what you hope coaching can help you with and what changes you would like to make. 

You can use these notes to help you find a coach who says they can help in this area and in your initial consultation to ensure the two of you are a good fit for each other. 

Excited to invest in yourself 

Coaching is an investment, not only financially but emotionally as well. This can make us feel apprehensive, but overall the feeling should be one of excitement – this is going to be an incredible shift for you… you are taking control of your future. 

The very act of investing helps us take the process seriously and cements our commitment to the process. Try to tune in to how you’re feeling about taking this step and how it’s making you feel. Nerves are OK, but there should be excitement somewhere in the mix.

 Download our PDF with journaling prompts to help you reflect further.

Hopefully after reading this checklist you have a better idea of whether or not coaching could be right for you at this time. If you’re still on the fence, that’s OK too. You may find our what is coaching? page helpful.

If you are ready to take the next step, we would invite you to use our search tool to find a coach you resonate with and start your coaching journey at the click of a button. We can’t wait to hear how you get on. 

Updated 15/12/2022