Category: Coaching

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Your Narrative: How Your Story Can Liberate and Limit You

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We all have our own narrative. It is, at least in a basic sense, our primary storyline (with its variations depending at times on our circumstances and levels of awareness) and an explanation about who we are, why we are, and how we got to this point in our lives.

Our story can liberate us and it can limit us - so much depends on our attachment to the reality that is our story. Time, memory, awareness (particularly a lack of it) and experience can see changes in the detail as life opens up...or doesn't.

When we add prejudice, assumption, bias, excuses, and a host of other reasons and emotions for our personal narrative, it is not hard to see how some of us have carefully crafted and constructed our story to suit our view and our personal circumstances.

Whilst it might sound quite manipulated and contrived, the fact is that a lot of this storyline is done on auto pilot. Our beliefs and values (working tirelessly in the background thanks to our all powerful subconscious mind) about life, ourselves and others, have been the building blocks of our narrative.

You see our story is just that - its our story. Its a story in a world full of stories. It doesn't mean that there is not truth, or there are not threads of truth in it, it just means that it is an interpretation of events and a reconstruction that changes with awareness. It can also not change with awareness as it becomes a handy guide to me and why I am this way as we navigate our way through our lives.

And this is why your narrative can liberate or limit you. Buddha once said that; "Sometime, somewhere you take something to be the truth. When the truth arrives in person and knocks at your door you will refuse to open it." The key is to not be too attached to your story or the assumptions, beliefs and memories you cling on to in the hope or the attempt to explain where you are at...or not at in your life.

That other old adage about never letting the facts get in the way of a good story is another way to look at this.

A few questions to entertain perhaps;[green_tick_1_list width="100%"]

  • Is your life story clouding or blocking your perspective/s on or about life?
  • Are your beliefs inhibiting you or holding you back from the person you could be?
  • Do you take historical events and set them in stone to suit your story or situation?
  • If your life story is (for example) a tough or sad one, do you use it to serve you and your growth moving forward in your life, or do you allow it to control and inhibit you?
  • Do you really believe your story anyway?
  • And...could enlisting the help of a good coach help you make those necessary connections and progress in your life to move towards the life you want to live?[/green_tick_1_list]

This is not so much about getting your story factually or historically accurate. It is about you becoming/being aware of it. Being or becoming consciously aware of your narrative ensures you start/continue to live with more awareness - and in turn you create more possibilities in your life.

There is power and integrity in that process.  Remember that an aligned authentic personal transformation will always trump a short cut to an ego based knee jerk reaction in your life to try to quickly change something -  That is, the need for fast results is often a futile ego based pursuit that fails.

Life Transformation Coaching is a powerful way to become more aware of your personal narrative. Coaching with me can help you to start uncovering those blind spots, those belief traps, and the limitations you put on yourself for being too attached to your story/s. Simply go to the contact me menu at the top of the page to book a session.

 

 

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Giving Information VS Living Transformation – A Life Coach Perspective

The value and the strength of transformational coaching is the intention to help people come to their own understandings in their own time. This runs counter to many other helping professions and services where advice, information and telling/guiding people what to do is the norm.

As a coach I am looking for a client to make their own connection/s and come to their own understandings because I know its a powerful way to initiate real change in a persons life. Giving advice and direction has a high failure rate when applied to people who simply don't buy in to that change or direction. For example how many times have we all heard and offered advice to others only to see them (and ourselves) totally ignore or avoid that advice?

People need to buy in to their own transformational change...in their own time when they are ready to do so. They need to feel aligned, passionate, and purposeful about any change they are hoping to initiate in their lives. They need to see the value, they need to feel and take ownership of the path they choose to take. Telling people what to do and throwing information at them is often a fruitless exercise because it is coming from someone else and is outside of their own experience and understanding.

Make no mistake though, there are times when advice and information is warranted and can be of immense value to the client. However as a coach, I need to know and identify the difference between those core/important times in a session when giving or providing advice would be counterproductive and unhelpful in a transformative or transformational sense. In other words I need to know when it adds value and when it impedes that powerful process that helps people to get clear on what they want and why they want it.

For example, I will let a client know when the coaching session is over and may offer and/or ask permission for some coaching hat off time. This is my way of introducing advice or other ideas that I sense, believe or feel will add value to the client without impacting or impeding the integrity of the session. This honours what coaching is, and also honours the value add and the acknowledgement and understanding that advice absolutely has its place in helping people and adding value to their lives.

It is important to know what you are doing and to let your client know that. It lets them know that you have different gears and approaches, and it acknowledges their journey and the importance of/for them in coming to their own understandings. It demonstrates respect for what coaching is and it respects the client - and as fellow cocreators I like that working (I call it playing) approach.

As a Life Transformation Coach I sense when those times for transformation and genuine energy/consciousness shifts are or may be happening for the client. Advice at these times can be counter productive and can or may undo or impede the transformational change or learning process for the client. There are times when information can be shared. It is incredibly important to know the difference between sharing and giving information and enabling and allowing transformational change to naturally find its own level.

 

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Accreditation, Certification And Internationally Recognised Coaching Credentials – Does Your Coach Have Them?

Once you commit to yourself and your personal and/or professional growth and decide you want to enlist the services of a competent coach, how do you know your coach has the necessary certifications and qualifications required? The fact is that anyone can call themself a coach and open for business espousing their experience and how they can change your life. So what should you look for when it comes to identifying an accredited, certified and credentialed coach, and what else should you be looking at when shortlisting a coach to work with you?

It is very easy to obtain a certification in coaching - far too easy in fact. Coaching certifications can be obtained for as little as $20 on the internet. The programs are usually promoted by internet marketers who create a course of study (often as little as 4 - 10 hours) then award a 'certificate' once completed. These programs are a far cry from the hundreds of hours of training needed to attain authentic industry recognised accreditation and credentials. Whilst these shorter courses might be interesting (as an example, click here to see one of these programs) and may provide insights into what coaching may be about, they do not stand up as effective coach training. Why? There is no rigorous or long term assessment involved - let alone the hundreds of hours required to become accredited and credentialed. They are comparably worthless when compared to a school that is affiliated and approved by an international regulatory coaching body. The key message here? 'Certification' without accreditation falls well short of the training and awareness required in direct comparison to an accredited (and credentialed) coach.

So as a potential client or coachee, it is so important to ensure you find a coach who has had the right training....if they have any. Of course it does not end there - in fact that should be just the beginning. Why? Accreditation, certification and coaching credentials do not guarantee you have a coach that is a good fit for you. And just because a coach has gone through the necessary training, it does not make them a good coach. So how can you tell?

Many coaches offer a no obligation free coaching session - or offer a free conversation about coaching. This is a great no risk way to sample coaching and the coach involved. Its a great opportunity (be wary of heavy selling tactics however during this 'free' session..) to get a feel for coaching and for a particular coach. But what else can you look for, and indeed ask for? Personally speaking, I prefer talking to new clients prior to a session/s or coaching relationship. This preparation is a win/win for all concerned.

As discussed earlier, you may want to ask for proof of training. Request to see their credentials and certifications. Where did they get them? Ask them about what their experience is. Importantly, also ask them what their experience was/is aside from coaching - in other words, what is their background, expertise, interests and passions in life. This additional information can help you to determine whether this person is someone you would like to work with.

Another powerful way to gauge the experience and the effectiveness of a coach is to look to see if they have any testimonials. Be on the look out though for fake testimonials, or ones that do not have full names attached. The internet is full of people promoting their coaching, and their business, with fake testimonials. In fact, there are paid services that actually offer these!

Endorsements with photos and full names (you can view mine right here) are generally more trustworthy. If you need further clarification from a coach regarding their experience, you can request to contact a client who has given a testimonial on their website. Although this is not entirely fool proof, it is nevertheless an effective way to gauge the competence of a coach.

Another good way is to get a good feel of their website. If they have a blog take the time to read it - it can give you an idea of their approach, their values and how they might view the world and what they consider coaching to be. Do they have other media available? Twitter or facebook for example? Podcasts (as an example you can have a listen to my podcast on confidence and self esteem right here) and video can be another powerful way to gauge a coach. How do they sound? What do they say? Does their message resonate with you?

What do they write about? What do their testimonials say about them and the way they coach? Do they seem genuinely interested or passionate about what they do? Or are they pushy? The key is to do your due diligence and don't be afraid to test a few coaches out to ensure you get the right coach for you.

Very importantly, don't look for quick fixes in your life, don't fall for heavy sales or marketing tactics, and don't get talked into coaching - you have to want to do it. Coaching is a relationship built on trust. Understand that real lasting change (if that is what is wanted) cannot be guaranteed or expedited.

Do you want to maximise your talents and live your life with more awareness and purpose? I help you identify your strengths, build confidence, and help you transition towards new ways of living and being in your world. Importantly, I coach in relationship with my clients, that is, I genuinely care about my clients.

To find out more about what I do, and how I can help you in your life, please go to the contact me tab on the home page menu.

Craig W. Hedge is a professional coach, and is author of the Instinctive Living self help transformational ebook and audiobook series available on Amazon and Audible.
He lives in Hobart Tasmania Australia
The Cocreator Coach
"I help people identify their strengths, build confidence, & find new ways to live & love their lives."

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Living Your Life Being Present And Engaged

How would you know that you are present and engaged in living your own life? Importantly, how would you know if you weren't? There are a lot of people living lives so disconnected from the essence of who they are, or who they were, that they will perhaps never ever connect to that part or totality of themselves ever again. Sometime and somewhere a decision was made to move away from what was important to them to move towards something that ironically perhaps, was supposed to get them to reconnect to it at a later time. Sadly many lose sight of what was important to them and what inspired them to live their lives.

When we talk about being present and engaged in life we are talking about living in the moment. We live in a modern world where time is money, where action and doing is valued and acknowledged more than the being aspect of ourselves. A place where status and acquisitions, and the perception of those things, are all important. The result of this is that many of us are always struggling and striving to get to that next step or level or the next big thing. In other words we are always looking to fill up a part of ourselves that can never be filled. This is a glass half empty approach to life with a deficiency motivation mindset that can never ever get enough or feel enough.  This is the world of ego - and ego is never satisfied.

 

So how do you manage this approach to life? Clearly this is not a simple exercise for many people who have already constructed their lives and set them up with this mindset and the values (both theirs and societies) and expectations that sustain it. One approach is to start getting you back. Just as you perhaps moved away from those things that inspired you, that gave you a sense of connection and joy, you must now start to reconnect with those things. For example; what makes you feel alive? When do you really feel that presence and engagement, no matter how fleeting, in your own life? What little things can you start doing right now that start bringing you more into the moment and more aligned to the person who you truly are or want to be?

The key is to start with the awareness that you are more than just a human doing - embrace the human being that you are. Understand that you are a human being who chooses to do certain things to live in a modern world. This is not about denouncing the important doing aspect of your life, its about embracing and engaging that part of you that is a living breathing whole person. That said then, this does not need to be a fundamental approach that chooses being over doing or the reverse. This is an acknowledgement that you are at your core a human being, and as such, the more you make a choice to be present and engaged in all that you do, the more you will start truly living your own life.

 

 

 

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Work Life Balance And The Life Transformation Connection To Achieving It

Work life balance, although a relatively new concept, is fast becoming a very misunderstood cliche in a world that has a very clear value set and agenda.  What is it? And how would you know you have attained it, or are even moving closer towards experiencing it? Who determines what it is?  Clearly this is not a one size fits all approach - and its definitely not some quick fix towards living a balanced life. Lets look at this a little closer as we make that all important life transformation connection...

So what exactly is this balance between work and life we talk about? It is what you determine it to be. You define it. Of course it is not that simple because your definition of it is dependent on the structures you live in and around. Independent of your values and aspirations, these are structures that you must work in and around. The majority of people working in the world work for a business, corporation, or part of a government agency or department. So the values and expectations of those businesses often superimpose yours.

Now before you throw your arms in the air and say it is all too hard or impossible to make them see things your way, it might be valuable to work out exactly what you mean by your way and whether you are fully cognisant or aware of what that really means or is.  In other words you need to know what it is you value and what it is you want to achieve by moving towards this life and work balance you may be aspiring towards.

Importantly, you can only control what you can control. You may have a work place that does not value or even recognise these things. If you do then you always have choices - always. For example, what can you do in your life away from or outside of work that moves you closer towards this balance? You might surprise yourself by the alternatives. These may include changing your sleep patterns, taking more interest in your health and body, taking up additional study, taking up a new or old hobby, focusing more on those things and people that are important for and to you.

The key here is to take action in your life to move towards the life you truly want to live and experience. Many workplaces offer some form of recognition to this work life balance - many are starting to make the connection to the benefits for all and the obvious win/win outcomes that can be achieved for all concerned.

So where does life transformation come into this equation? The more you connect to those things that resonate with you, those things that inspire you, the more you will start connecting to you more. One of the major reasons this life work balance has come into vogue in recent times is the fact that many workers don't have this balance. Many don't know what it is or how to get it. Why? Because they are so far removed from themselves after disconnecting from the important things in life for them, that they become numb and forget the human being aspect of themselves as they live their life as a human doing.

When we look back then on who or what determines what this balance in life is, we can see the incredible importance of being aligned to those things in life that give us this balance. Once you become clear, or at least clearer about what a healthy work life balance means for you, you can then move out into the workplace and the world and start consciously living your life in ways that support and demonstrate this.

When you know what is important to you - and by this I mean knowing your values, your aspirations and the way you want to live your life, you have a clearer way to move forward in your life with awareness. You gain more clarity. Your message is clearer. Your intentions are clearer. From this position you can start changing your life on your terms within the structures you find yourself living and working within. From there you create opportunities to transform your life on so many levels.

Work life balance is your responsibility. The more you make a conscious decision to connect to who it is you are, the better the chance you have of living the life you want to live. This conscious living approach is life transformation in action as you align yourself to the life you want and choose to live - not necessarily the life you fell into, or the one that you were sold or told to live.

Life coaching is a powerful and effective way for you to get clearer about what a work life balance means for you. To book a coaching session with me, or to find out more information, please contact me via the contact form located on the drop down menu on the home page.

 

 

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Life Transformation – Inner Change Focused Coaching

On some level in our lives we all seek some form of life change. For many of us the change we often initiate is what I call external change - change that is outside of ourselves. This change is often enjoyable and a release for us as we seek to alleviate or address what we might feel on a deeper level perhaps to be some kind of imbalance. Inner change seeks to initiate change from the inside out. This is where life transformation coaching focuses its primary attention. For those of us who seek genuine, authentic and long lasting life change, it is this coaching approach that offers considerable advantages as it addresses the whole person before a course of action is considered.

 

Why is this important? It is because the clearer you can get about who it is you are and what it is you really want, the sooner you can align to your true value base and your life purpose. Its no secret that a lot of people are living lives that they didn't consciously choose to live. They were born, they were given instructions, and they followed them. The instructions are often along the lines of; This is what you need to do to have a successful life. Clearly that is a simplistic explanation, however the point here is that so many of us do not truly think and feel for ourselves. We don't do this because we have not been taught how to do it, nor encouraged to do it.

From the day we are born our well meaning family and associates want the best for us. This is often demonstrated and experienced with a never ending supply of well meaning advice about how we should think, feel and live our lives. Think about that for a moment.....think about the consequences and the ramifications about advice and how it can take someone away from their life purpose and aspirations. Think of how many people have never truly experienced who they really are, and have never seriously thought about addressing that based on their acceptance that life is just the way it is.

The key to life transformation is to understand that if things are not working in your life you need to do some inner work - throwing any amount of things or experiences at the problem here will at best merely mask what is a deeper concern or issue. This approach takes courage and it acknowledges that your life does matter and it is valuable. It accepts that to really change something, you need to understand why it is happening and to then set out to move beyond (transform) it and the understanding or conditions that are holding you back. A life transformation coach would define these things as sticking points, as barriers or blocks, and as blind spots in your life. These things centre around your beliefs about life and the values that underpin these opinions.

Naturally life transformation is something that can be done without a coach. However the benefit of having someone by your side and working with you, is that you can move through this process with an accountability partner who is your support and sounding board. A coach can help you get to where it is you need to go (and that place is you first if you hadn't guessed) in a way that is in true alignment to your real values and the things that are important to you. In other words you start getting to know someone who is really worth your time and effort in getting to know. That person is you.

What is the pay off with this though? What does all this getting to know you amount to? Ever met someone with so much passion, energy and enthusiasm for life who amazed you with how much they loved their life and what they are doing in it? Chances are that this person/s are on purpose in their life and doing what they really want to do. There is no conflict or inner turmoil. There is no despondency. There is no resistance or indifference - they are truly engaged and present in their own lives. It is these people who are generally living (not existing) their lives and know exactly what it is they want out of life.

How much is that experience of yourself and your life worth to you? That is the gift of starting that journey towards you and your own life transformation journey. There are no magic pills or quick fixes here. There are however real opportunities to move from whoever or wherever you are right now, into a new world of possibilities and potential - if you choose to move towards that. So when you think of needing to change something in your life, remember that its the inner change work, that focus on getting to know who it is you really are, that will potentially bring you so much closer to the person you truly are and want to become. Transformational coaching enables this life change possibility in a way that truly supports you and acknowledges your journey towards you.

 

 

 

 

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Solving Your Own Problems – A Life Transformation Coach Can Help

The ability to think and feel your yourself is incredibly important in life as it helps you to determine who it is you really are, and what it is you really want out of life. As a life transformation coach who has spent the best part of my life focused on spiritual and self development, I know the benefits and the challenges that can manifest in life with this approach. I am also aware that regardless of the amount or the intensity and discipline of this focus, there will always be areas that you are simply not aware of. Life coaches often refer to these things as sticking points, blind spots, or obstacles along your pathway towards the best expression and experience of yourself. The fact is that solving your own problems has its limitations - no matter how self aware or cognizant of the facts (as you know them) appear to be.

The real value with working with a coach, particularly if you are a person who values your own ability to solve your own problems, is that the coach will help you to move through this process naturally. It is this cocreative process that can create opportunities and possibilities in your life to see your problems in a different light or from a different perspective.

What coaching provides is a strong foundation of support for the client. When you add a strong sense of presence and active listening to the coaching space, you are able to provide the ingredients that an individual approach to solving a problem simply cannot provide. The power of listening and the language used by the client, can unearth amazing insights and opportunities for the client. Sometimes these opportunities may not be properly seen or even fully acknowledged - nevertheless they have surfaced on some level in some form. It is these 'aha' or 'eureka' moments that can, when acknowledged, create real and lasting change.  As a client becomes aware of their underlying beliefs, attitudes and opinions that may be holding them back from experiencing the life they want to live, they now have an increased level of awareness to their life to act on these limiting ways of seeing or processing their world.

The strength in this approach, is the fact that the client is still solving their own problems. So in effect the integrity and alignment to themselves and their own values is intact throughout the process. If their values, beliefs or opinions about their life are questioned or challenged throughout this process, it is still a client driven decision to do so. It is this very process that enables clients to truly align to what is really important to them - if they choose.

So next time you are working through a problem or an issue in your life and you want to work through it with the best possible outcomes for you, it just might be that a good coach can help you access some of the best advice and insights you will ever be given. That advice of course comes from you, and through you - and might just help you move forward in your life with more clarity and purpose in true alignment to who you truly are.

*Craig Hedge is a Professional Coach and Lifestyle Mentor based in Hobart (nipaluna), Tasmania, Australia.


He is author of the Instinctive Living self help ebook and audiobook series available on Amazon.
Author.to/craigwhedge

 

 

 

 

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Life Transformation Coaching And The Language Awareness Connection

There are a number of ways to go about your personal life transformation coaching and self development journey. One of the fundamental approaches that I advocate is the intentional use and application of language in our lives. Language gives and leaves clues about who you are, what you believe, what you value, and its a very good indicator to your future as well.

Big statements? Not at all. Language is a big deal and the more we make the necessary connection in our lives that what we say and think shapes our perception and reality of life, the more we will consciously look at what we say - and what we think. Remember that we think in language as well as we speak it.

Language has power. It vibrates energy. In very simple terms its either positive or negative, weak or strong. Our use of language communicates our intention - or lack of it. Language can be decisive or it can be directionless. It can take responsibility or it can cast blame. It can state a clear path and intention, or it can simply allow you to flounder aimlessly throughout life. Many of us are not even aware, nor do we make the connection that we are in control of our language.

Think about that for a moment. Every word we utter comes from us - not someone else. We have within us the power to control and determine what language we use and how we use it. Once we consciously grasp this and apply it, we naturally and organically start transforming our lives. Like anything in our lives though, we need to understand why its important to make those changes to improve our lives. The fact is a lot of us do not take the time to notice our lives, to listen to what we say, or to observe how we think.

A competent and qualified life coach can certainly help you to become aware of your language and provide a supportive and accountability framework for you to start this journey - but it is you who must make the decision to initiate the changes.

So how do you do this? A good way to start is to become aware of the way you use - and abuse language in your life. We all have our favourite words and phrases. You need to start looking at the ones that serve you, and the ones that take you away from the person you are wanting to become.

I suggest you start noticing all the words you use in your life. Both the ones you speak verbally, and the ones you use in your inner dialogue and thinking. Your task is to start categorising those words into groups. As a starting point, you could start with two lists; one for positive words and phrases, and one for the negative. Don't underestimate the power in this. Just changing a handful of words and phrases in your life can create lasting change.

For example, you could replace words like difficult, hard and  impossible, with a word like challenging. You might take a phrase like; "It is impossible to do that, I will never do it" and change that to; "That is a challenging goal that is going to take some real effort to achieve". See the difference in the language used and the intention and power it resonates in the second comparative examples?

You go from impossibility to probability. You move away from being a nocreator to a cocreator. The energy and power in the language in the latter example is loaded with future possibilities for growth and personal transformation. The former examples were well worn paths of futility and hopelessness that lead you to nowheresville.

Another idea is to start listening to people who have presence and positivity in their lives. Listen to what they say and how they say it. What words do they use? Keep your ears open for words that have power and meaning for you as they will serve you better as you seek to further develop your personal power and authenticity as a person who speaks deliberately and intentionally. Once you start building up a portfolio of replacement words and phrases, ensure that you apply them in what you are saying and thinking.

A good rule of thumb is to always think about the energy or meaning behind the words you use. Do your words take responsibility, or do they cast blame? Just a beginning awareness of this theme will see you making considerable progress towards transforming your life.

Remember though to be kind to yourself throughout these changes as nobody is perfect. The gift that language awareness will bring into your life is a growing appreciation of how you use language in your life. Even when you slip up or you know you are falling short in some areas, you importantly start doing it with awareness.

Once you start this journey, if you are committed to it, it will build its own momentum as you start making more and more of what I call those necessary connections in your life. Life transformation coaching is a powerful way you can start cocreating your life with someone who has your best interests at heart - your coach.

*Craig Hedge is a Professional Coach based in Hobart (nipaluna), Tasmania, Australia.
He is author of the Instinctive Living self help ebook and audiobook series available on Amazon.

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3 Advantages Of Online Life Coaching

[headline_arial_small_left color="#000000"]Online Life Coaching[/headline_arial_small_left]

One of the great advantages of the online world is the global access you get to people and resources. The internet has changed our lives forever and opened up so many new and wonderful possibilities for us all in how we work and communicate. Many businesses now have integrated their business with the online economy, and so many more have been created as a direct result of it. It really is an exciting time to be alive as all of these options open up to us - and us to them.  You can now enlist the services of anyone in the world to do a job for you. No better example perhaps than that of working with people and specifically the opportunity to get online life coaching from anywhere or anyone around the world.

That said, it is still a relatively alien concept for many of us to look for help or guidance from someone for example who may live in another country and culture. By opening up to the possibility of working with others in other places, we in turn open ourselves and our minds to the growth opportunities that come with and through this. The fact is that online life coaching is proliferating as more and more people understand that this mode of coaching has indeed got its own inherent comparative advantages to the traditional face to face model.

[headline_arial_small_left color="#000000"]Lets look at 3 key advantages with online coaching:[/headline_arial_small_left] [green_tick_1_list width="100%"]
  • 1. It is convenient - Its ironic that people can live on opposite sides of the world but still find it much easier to meet for a life coaching session than if they were planning to see each other in the same locality. Busy people who may not have the time to organise a session after work or even during their work day can arrange it for after dinner when they are more relaxed and truly present and motivated to get to work on themselves with a coach. The session can start and finish with you sitting in your armchair or at your computer in the comfort of your own home. There is not only convenience in that, but a real life affirmation of personal choice and power as well.
  • 2. It can promote an open experience to personal exploration - What do I mean when I say this? Its a fact that many people are cautious and indeed guarded when they enlist the help of a local professional. This is common in smaller towns or cities where everyone knows everybody else. Many people don't seek help from many professionals due to their own issues about their privacy or their personal conditions. Even something as life affirming as coaching is something that many people want to keep private - the online coaching relationship is a great medium to do this. People who are reserved, shy or uncomfortable working in person one on one, can get far more out of the online coaching experience as they are much more comfortable in personal exploration from a distance.
  • 3. Much more choice - Once you decide to seek out any type of services online you automatically increase your opportunities in regards to choice. There are thousands of coaches around the world and multitudes of online life coaching options. This means that you can take the time to research and find the right person or fit for you. Many coaches offer a free consultation, so it gives you a fantastic opportunity to shop around to get the right fit for you. An important point further to that is to shortlist the coaches you think might work better with you.
[/green_tick_1_list] [headline_arial_small_left color="#000000"]I would check the following:[/headline_arial_small_left] [green_tick_2_list width="100%"]
  • Check they have a website and get a feel for their approach, their model of practice and their values.
  • Do they have qualifications? Coaching qualifications don't necessarily equate to a good coach - however it is an indicator. Remember some qualifications are obtained in a day.
  • What is your general feel about them?
  • Testimonials can give a good insight into a coach.
  • What is their life experience? Are they a people person?
  • What is their expertise or niche?
  • What price are their services? Sometimes you do get what you pay for - so beware really cheap operators.
  • Do they have a blog or write articles/? Thats a great way to gauge their attitude, their values and their working approach.
  • Remember their are coaches, there are mentors, there are counselors and therapists - what are your needs and who are you seeking? Make sure you know that.
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*Craig Hedge is a Professional Coach and Lifestyle Mentor based in Hobart (nipaluna), Tasmania, Australia.
He is author of the Instinctive Living transformational self help ebook and audiobook series available on Amazon.
Author.to/craigwhedge

 

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4 Fundamental Reasons Why A Personal Life Coach Is An Investment In You

[headline_arial_small_left color="#000000"]Life Coaching An Investment?[/headline_arial_small_left]

This article will provide some powerful reasons perhaps why you shouldn't overlook what could be the best investment you ever make in your life. The fact is that having a good personal life coach working with you is your ticket to a much more fulfilling life - a life of possibilities. Many people are now starting to make the connection that good coaching equals performance that results in more appreciation and awareness of the options that they have in their life.

I brand myself as a Life Transformation Coach - in other words, I help people transform their own lives. People come to me because they seek change. They have identified something within them, or something they determine as being outside of them that is causing or creating a life of (for example)  discomfort, pain or indecision. In other words they seek solutions to their current life problems or issues. These people are proactive. They either know or sense their life could be better and that something inside of them says there is more to me, and life, than what I am experiencing or believing.

[headline_arial_small_left color="#000000"]Lets look at 4 areas of your life where a personal life coach would be a great investment for you:[/headline_arial_small_left] [green_tick_1_list width="100%"]
  • 1. Life Purpose: This is often overlooked in a society that is focused on getting people to fill positions or holes and to fit in to what it demands and expects of them. How many people do you know who willingly, or unwillingly, fit into a role given to them or placed upon them because that is the way life has turned out for them? Let me tell you, the majority of people working in their jobs don't like their job. A 2012 Forbes research study demonstrated this and stated that over 80% are not happy in their jobs - many of those people unfortnately will always be that way because they don't see a way out. This is a situation that a life coach could improve not only dramatically, but transformationally. A coach helps you get clear about what your values are and what you are genuinely interested or passionate about. There are a lot of sleeping giants out there - perhaps you are one? Awaken to your possibilities!
  • 2. Self Esteem: Often people get stuck in life - in fact we all do. Some unfortunately get stuck forever. They see no value in themselves. They accept second best or worst because they don't have a feeling of self worth or self belief - their self esteem is so low they have no inclination to challenge that. These people are not broken, in fact they are being a functional part of society in helping it tick along. But if their function has caused a close down in their life, if its in some way keeping them from their dreams or a better life, then its a functional role that on a personal level is dysfunctional. A life coach can work with you and help you to get connected with who it is you really are and who it is you can become.
  • 3. Relationships: The quality of your life is determined by a number of key factors, and is often demonstrated by the company you keep, your friends, associates and of course the quality of your family relationships. You might be experiencing some challenging circumstances with a partner, a family member, a work colleague or a long time friend. Your beliefs about that/those situations may be holding you back from the most important relationship you will ever have - the one with yourself.  The better you are the better your relationships are. The more aware you are, the better your ability to have deeper and more meaningful relationships with others. When you open yourself up to coaching and self exploration, you set out upon a very important process and journey in further understanding, and getting to know yourself. As you grow so too do your relationships. Some grow closer, some grow apart. As a result you start opening up possibilities in your life as your life transformation helps you understand and control your life.
  • 4. Spirituality: This encapsulates components of the first 3, however its much more than that. Spirituality means many things to many people. As a life transformation coach, spirituality is a big component to that model and approach. Remember though that life coaching isn't about advocating a way of life or thinking or telling a client how to think, feel or believe - or more precisely, that isn't the way I work with people. Your connection to yourself will inevitably strengthen as you start that journey of inner exploration and dialogue with a coach. A coach provides the guidance, the support and those important life questions that will get you starting to think further about who you are, what you are doing, and whether or not that is something that affirms who it is you are or are becoming. You may come to the realisation that the most important relationship you will have is with yourself. When you do, you will find out that as a result of that, your life purpose, self esteem and your relationships start making much more sense to you as you can see how you have created your life to this point. In other words you have opened a gateway to you. You have enabled that part of you to assert itself and to grow. And that is when your personal life coach perhaps transforms from the coach to you. What a wonderful gift that is to give to yourself!
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