Life throws many challenges and the occasional curveball. When a roadblock occurs it is always great to have someone to fall back on for insight, advice, and/or a little push.
In today’s environment, there is an entire industry that has developed for this need called “Life Coach”.
- By definition, a “Life Coach” is a person who counsels and encourages clients on matters having to do with careers or personal challenges.
I sit back and ponder this industry and position definition and realize how fortunate I was that my mother was my “Life Coach” and all I had to do was reciprocate the love she unconditionally gave to me. Furthermore, I am shocked to find that I have developed into a ‘Life Coach” for my children who are grown and left the nest.
I scratch my head a couple times and realize I have had life coaches throughout my life as part of friendships, employment, organizations, etc., and I find it difficult to believe I did not pay them for services and if I by chance coached them I did not receive payment either.
The numbers show “Life Coaching” is a $2 Billion plus industry that grows in size year after year with the following life coaching goals when working with a client:
- Help define yourself and create the life you envision.
- Assist in focus, direction, challenges, support, motivation and your celebration.
- Create a plan, detail action steps and hold you accountable for following through.
- Observe, listen, ask empowering questions, challenge and motivate.
- Counseling or analyzing the past is not a coaches job.
- Big picture principle is that the client has the intrinsic ability to determine and achieve their goals.
I do not disagree with the need for life coaching but I do not agree with the concept of a paid coach since it appears to be impersonal but perhaps that is the point.
So I return to my original point. My mother was my life coach from my earliest memories at the age of three (3) until her death in early 2017, Even after her devastating stroke in early 2015, she was my “Life Coach” who would listen and ask questions but it has always been my job to determine the road traveled.
It is my hope, that I am half the “Life Coach” my mother was to my children, friends, peers, subordinates, and others that need to know they have it in them but need to use it.
I am sure there is a need for professional “Life Coaches” and perhaps that is my calling but I need a “Life Coach” to tell me. Back to “did the egg or the chicken come first”.
Thinking of you Mom and missing you.
May you have a blessed day.
Jay Patterson