Coaching is a form of consulting. Like a consultant, a coach helps you and/or your company to:
Solve problems
Reach goals
Design a plan of action
Make decisions
In addition to the above, the coach stays with (i.e. coaches) the client to:
Implement a plan of action, working through the inevitable changes and any obstacles.
Maintain a healthy balance in your life.
Keep looking ahead to take advantage of opportunities which are just now formulating.
Bring out your "personal best", keeping focused on your needs, values and vision.
All coaches are consultants; few consultants are coaches.
What can a coach help me do?
Every coach has several specialties. That is, they are trained and experienced in helping clients reach several types of goals. All told, there are over 40 coaching specialties. Though I enjoy working with people on whatever "lifework" they want and/or need, I am especially inclined toward working with:
Frustrated dieters
Men and women between the late 20's to the 60's and 70's who are struggling with their weight, or any other aspect of their fitness, health and well-being.
Women who struggle with losing that last 5 or 10 lbs. Those stubborn few pounds that just want to hang around no matter what you do.
Men and women who are confused about the information and mis-information that abounds about appropriate ways to lose weight and keep it off.
Yo-yo dieters
Anyone who has tried everything and though they have been able to lose weight, they haven't been able to keep it off.
Anyone who continues to try every new diet that comes along (Atkins, South Beach, just to name a few popular ones) but still struggles to attain/maintain a healthy weight.
Non-exercisers
Men and women who recognize that they would look and feel better if they were exercising regularly or were simply more active but struggle with making that happen on a regular basis.
Men and women who really don't know what or how much exercise is appropriate and need some guidance/training.
Beginning exercisers who would really like to maximize their time by doing the most effective type of exercise to help them meet their particular goals.
Unfit bodies
Men and women who have particular "ailments" that get in the way of them being successful with a health and fitness program.
Men and women who find that, due to lack of physical activity, their bodies just don't work the way they're supposed to.
Couch potatoes
Anyone who finds themselves lacking the motivation to "get moving" even though they know they should.
Anyone who would rather be sitting than moving, but doesn't feel good because they're doing too much sitting and not enough moving!
Why does coaching work?
Coaching works because it brings out your best. A coach believes you have the answers and is trained to bring them out (painlessly)! Specifically, this is what I do with you during our coaching sessions:
Listen. I listen fully. You are the focus. I listen to what you say, what you are trying to say, and what you are not saying.
Share. After you have fully communicated, I share with you my advice, ideas, comments and views on your situation, dilemma or opportunity.
Endorse. Anyone who's up to something, an entrepreneur, a person with a business or personal objective or goal, a professional filling the practice needs, yes, needs an outside voice full of endorsement, compassion and acknowledgement. Not as a yes-type person, but as someone who knows what it takes to achieve.
Suggest. I want a lot for you. I want you to be healthy, happy and successful. I want you to be on a strong financial track as well as a strong physically balanced track. I want you to enjoy your family and friends. I want you to have a life that inspires others and yourself. Part of my job is to be at least 3 steps ahead of you, yet be with you. As such, I make requests and suggestions. And, you are the client.
