Life coaching is the name given to a discipline, known in English as Life Coaching , which offers tools for the personal development of those who want to know themselves in greater depth to achieve goals and objectives .
It is a training method in which the coach (or guide ) accompanies and helps those who are in search of fulfillment and aspire to empowerment through self-realization . As it works with individuality and pursues personal transformation , the essence of this philosophy is personalized and practical, directing all efforts towards obtaining results.
To have optimal performance as a coach, it is advisable to gather special qualities to provide motivation , support and encouragement. Likewise, professional training, preparation and experience are essential to provide the best possible assistance. Empathy , the power of active listening , clear communication skills, emotional intelligence , a vocation for service and sensitivity , for example, are essential skills when working as a life coach . This, likewise, must be carried out with ethics , responsibility , integrity , respect and confidentiality.
Features of life coaching
Life coaching is characterized by promoting self-knowledge . Being aware of the virtues , defects , strengths , values , beliefs , weaknesses and potential that one has, the subject is capable of modifying or improving everything that he proposes about himself.
Along with promoting independence , this discipline encourages interpersonal ties under the pillars of honesty , trust and communication . It also seeks to be a source of inspiration and security so that people are encouraged to take risks and reinvent themselves after failing or failing due to certain decisions.
The ability to adapt and flexibility are other distinctive features of life coaching , a discipline that puts the magnifying glass on the personal sphere with the idea of helping and facilitating the process of developing a life plan and achieving personal improvement .
Benefits
According to life coaching specialists, mental health improves considerably when you opt for this methodology. By achieving mental clarity from the coach 's support and embracing well-being as obstacles are overcome and goals are met, clients strengthen their self-esteem and achieve great personal satisfaction .
In times of transition or strong pressure, consider those who know this resource and trust in its transformative power, requesting the services of a life coach can be useful to navigate these periods in the best possible way. Thus, you obtain support and a guide who, with precise questions, constructive feedback and specific techniques, facilitates decision-making or conflict resolution processes.
Limitations of life coaching
Although there are numerous advantages to life coaching , there are multiple limitations or unfavorable issues in relation to this discipline.
Firstly, it is important to know and always keep in mind that a life coach usually has a more limited professional training compared to the training of a psychologist . There are differences between asking a coach for assistance and going to psychological therapy sessions, so do not confuse both possibilities since they are not the same. The coaching method is aimed at achieving objectives previously identified by an individual and resolving difficulties or problems quickly, seeking good results in a short time.
Nor should we lose sight of the fact that life coaching does not magically solve problems. This option does not always work, especially in cases of lack of commitment , confidence and desire on the part of the person who has hired a coach .
When expectations are very high or life coaches do not perform their role adequately, this alternative loses credibility because life coaching fails to satisfy or convince. Before indulging in this methodology, therefore, it is advisable to be clear about the principles of this discipline, what the role of the coach is and what effect this activity generates. While it may be an ally for some who have momentarily lost their way and need motivation to complete their academic studies, others who come to it expecting to make progress in establishing and maintaining healthy personal relationships without making any effort may feel that this philosophy is meaningless. and usefulness.
The costs of this type of services, the lack of regulations on these practices (and, therefore, the lack of protection of the community against people who, perhaps, present themselves as coaches without being properly prepared for that function) and the dependency that It can be experienced in cases of people who feel insecure about acting without the approval of their coach or personal guide. These are other disadvantages associated with life coaching .