Most of my clients want, to one degree or another, the experience of transformation in their lives: in their relationships, with career goals, self-confidence, and so on.

Let’s face it, there are loads of books out there that are inspirational, filled with useful information and even strategies. Naturally, it’s tempting to just get a book, watch some personal development videos, and do it on your own.

For some, this is entirely possible. Yet, for many, books and videos without personal one-on-one support is ineffective. There is a lot of misunderstanding out there about what life coaching can achieve, but in my experience, most of the confusion comes from a lack of understanding about the true nature of transformation—and what it actually entails.

So, here it is, what transformation asks of you, and why a coach is so integral to the process!

Emotional Support

Change is hard, and brings up emotions, resistance, and more. Having someone in your corner can be confidence-inspiring, if not life-saving. A coach is someone you can talk to openly, be vulnerable with—and not only that. A coach’s job is to see your potential, and believe in you. Unlike a therapist, who digs deep for your self-understanding, a coach believes in your ability and potential. Getting through challenges without this kind of support is much harder. Having this kind of emotional support, backed by action and strategies, just feels good!

Tried, Tested, Tailored Strategies

An experienced coach will know what works in your situation and what doesn’t. Moreover, a good coach will be able to assess how YOU do things, your particular thought patterns, approaches, limitations, values, etc. Coaching is not one-sized-fits-all. It’s about working with your strengths in order to help you achieve your goals, and helping you get around your weaknesses. A coach will have access to a vast toolkit of approaches and can help you, through dialogue, find the one that fits YOU best.

Accountability

A coach holds you accountable for outcomes. It’s easy to read a book or watch a video, but at the end of the day, there are few things more motivating than knowing that your coach is waiting to hear from you about your achievements since the last session. If you’re a procrastinator, or a dreamer, this is particularly significant!

Persistence

It’s inevitable when making change in your life that you’re not always going to get it right. You will make mistakes, have difficulties, and encounter obstacles. A coach will give you the perspective and kick up the butt you need to keep going despite setbacks—all while remaining emotionally supportive and holding you accountable.

Transformation requires synergy

As a final point, I want to point out the power of human connection. We are not meant to go it alone, struggling in our heads and hearts. We are more powerful in our vulnerability and sharing when someone else really sees us and gets us. We are more able to change when someone can support and guide us. Two is always more powerful than one. It creates a greater energy, a synergistic force that drives accomplishment with less effort and less time.