How to Choose the Right Life Coach– No BS, Just Real Talk
Brett Thiedeman (BT)
Combining experience and enthusiasm to lead initiatives that enhance community health and individual happiness. Let’s connect! 😃
So, you’re ready to level up and are thinking about getting a life coach?
Awesome! But before you jump in, let’s make sure you pick the right one. Because let’s face it – the wrong coach can lead you down a rabbit hole, while the right one will help you conquer mountains.
1. Know What You Want – Seriously. Get Clear.
Figure out what you actually want to achieve. Is it career growth? Better relationships? Finding your purpose? Clarity is everything. Without it, you’re shooting in the dark, and even the best coach won’t be able to guide you effectively.
2. The Vibe Check – It’s a Real Thing.
Ever met someone and thought, “Nope, not my kind of person”? That’s your gut talking, and when it comes to choosing a life coach, listen to it. Your coach isn’t just a guide – they’re someone you’re going to be real with, so you need to vibe with them. Have a chat, whether it’s in person or over Zoom, and see if you click. Trust your instincts – they’re usually spot-on.
3. Credentials – Do They Really Matter?
Okay, let’s clear this up. Credentials are cool – they show the coach has invested in their craft. But don’t get hung up on them. What’s more important is whether they’ve actually helped people achieve real results. So, yeah, check out their certifications, but don’t stop there. Dig deeper into their experience and track record.
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4. Testimonials – Real Proof, Not Just Hype
You wouldn’t buy a product without reading the reviews, right? The same goes for life coaching. Look at testimonials, case studies, whatever you can find. If a coach has helped others make real, tangible changes, that’s a good sign they can do the same for you. But watch out for generic praise – look for specific outcomes that resonate with your goals.
5. Budget – Let’s Get Real
Coaching is an investment – in yourself. But that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank. Be honest about what you can afford and find a coach who fits your budget. Some coaches are more expensive because they’ve been in the game longer, but that doesn’t automatically make them better for you. Sometimes, a less expensive coach who really gets you can be more valuable.
6. Trial Session – The Test DriveIf a coach offers a trial session, jump on it. This is your chance to see how they work, how they connect with you, and whether their approach resonates. It’s like trying on clothes – you won’t know if it fits until you actually give it a go.
Final Thoughts: The right life coach won’t just hold your hand and tell you everything’s going to be okay. They’ll challenge you, push you, and sometimes tell you what you don’t want to hear. But they’ll also support you in ways you didn’t even know you needed. In the end, choosing the right life coach is about finding someone who gets you, aligns with your goals, and is ready to help you become the best version of yourself. Don’t settle for anything less.
Author Bio: BT is a passionate advocate for personal growth and authentic living. With years of experience in life and content creation, BT has a no-nonsense approach to helping individuals navigate the complexities of life. Known for cutting through the fluff, BT delivers real, actionable advice that empowers readers to take control of their journey. When BT isn’t writing or coaching, you’ll find him exploring new ideas, challenging the status quo, and inspiring others to live with purpose and clarity.
Helping Coaches, Consultants & Therapists Reach, Engage, Onboard & Support Ideal Clients | Author: Purposeful Personal Brand Story & Stupidly Simple Content Growth System | Founder, Mindobody | Creator, Modyup App
3moChoosing the right coach is crucial. But from a coach’s perspective, it’s just as important to be clear on who they will work with. If a coach isn’t clear about the type of clients they can genuinely help, they risk spending time on clients who might not achieve the results they’re looking for. That’s frustrating for everyone involved. Coaches really need to understand their strengths and identify the clients who will benefit most from their approach. When they have that clarity, it makes the process smoother on both sides. But here’s the thing—filtering out who’s a good fit and who isn’t isn’t always something that can be done on gut instinct alone. It requires a thoughtful process and a time investment. If a coach makes a misjudgment, it can lead to a client not getting the results they expected, even if they initially thought the coach was right for them. Ultimately, the coach carries a bigger responsibility in making sure the fit is right. Knowing when to say no is key, but it can also impact a coach’s bottom line if they spend too much time filtering. That’s why a tool that streamlines this process would be a game changer. At Mindobody, we’re working on an app to make this easier. Just had to drop that hint! 😉
Relationship Coach / Author / Movie Maker / Life Coach / Motivational Speaker / US Army Veteran
3moI wonder what you would consider a "self-proclaimed guru" as well as "hype". Not all life coaches are the same. Are you are suggesting that one is better than the other? If you want to make a distinction between you and others, such as "I'm the most passionate coach you'll ever find", that's fine, because it sets a challenge to other life coaches, but to claim that other coaches don't engage in "real talk", sounds negative because all life coaches encourage others to make smart choices. That's the whole reason why we do what we do. I love to collaborate with other life coaches to work together in making our world a better place.
⚙️ Recovering Engineer & Automations Nerd ➤ Building businesses that work, even when you don't ➤ For Service-Based Biz Owners ➤➤ Featured 👇🏼
3moFinding the right life coach can indeed feel overwhelming with so many options out there. I appreciate your straightforward approach, Brett. It’s refreshing to see someone cut through the noise and offer genuine guidance. Your insights will undoubtedly help many navigate this journey more effectively and focus on what truly matters in their personal and professional lives.