Personal Life Coach

[KandT]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

[123]

Some people use a financial adviser for monetary issues. Some people use a clergyman or therapist for personal issues. I've heard more about "life coaches" the last few years but I would be concerned about their qualifications and liability since I haven't heard of any state standards or licensing.

[TallBoy29er]

Cars require maintenance.
We don't question that.
Physical bodies require maintenance.
We don't question that.
Our minds and psyche require maintenance.
That should not be thought of with guilt, or as an extravagant pleasure.
Good on you for finding what keeps you running.
Keep it up.

[unclescrooge]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

What's the difference between a financial coach anda financial adviser?

[rockstar]

Sounds like we're going into the unlicensed, snake oil realm here. Isn't there an app for this? I used to have a magic eight ball.

[formerlybroke]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

If she keeps you on point and you feel like it’s productive, it doesn’t matter what anyone here thinks. And I charge 5x that hourly rate, so more power to you.

[LadyGeek]

This thread is now in the Personal Consumer Issues forum (coach).

[Orange44]

Any recommendations on companies or people for life coaches would be great. Googling vs recommendations helps. I get so much out of my trainer once a week at the gym. It’s accountability.

Thanks.

[KandT]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

What's the difference between a financial coach anda financial adviser?

To be clear she is not a financial coach at all. We don't discuss money directly. Sometimes how to handle situations at work which would indirectly impact my finances.

[KandT]

Cars require maintenance.
We don't question that.
Physical bodies require maintenance.
We don't question that.
Our minds and psyche require maintenance.
That should not be thought of with guilt, or as an extravagant pleasure.
Good on you for finding what keeps you running.
Keep it up.

Thank you and I think you summed it up well with your metaphors.

[sailaway]

I used to categorize all dance classes, events and shoes as "mental health budget." I still volunteered to get free lessons and events sometimes, but I didn't worry about saving the money vs spending it because it was money very well spent for quality of life.

[260chrisb]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

It's a luxury that proves to have value to you personally. That is what's important. A luxury can be defined in many ways on an individual basis. My guess is you will get to a point that you no longer feel the need for this luxury or the need for it as often.

[Sandtrap]

RE: Coaches and Mentors.

*As an aside:
Maybe in the "old days" a "life coach", after either or both of one's parents, was a "spouse" who got better and better at it after 40 years.
On TV, for "life coaches" there was, "Father Knows Best", "Leave It To Beaver" (you know Ward. . . ), "My Three Sons", "The Donna Reed Show", and "Lassie". . . . . (others?)
Albeit seemingly corny nowadays, they were good "role models" then.
*End aside.

As a "consumer issue", a "life coach" at $80 can be allocated on a per week basis (go 1x/week) from a personal budget.

As a consumer issue and lifestyle expense, isn't this similar to a "personal fitness coach", "fitness and medical rehab monthly cost", etc?
What would the average monthly budget be for those services?

In the past, I have had a monthly "golf coach" at $50 - $80 per session, "medical rehab coach at a copay of $26/month", Tai Chi and other "coaches", etc.

Mentors and Coaches in all areas are good things. The human entirety is plastic like "play dough", "like Gumbi". It takes consistent effort to keep it in shape.

Don't be a "floppy Gumbi".
j

[JPH]

Sounds like we're going into the unlicensed, snake oil realm here. Isn't there an app for this? I used to have a magic eight ball.

Ah, yes. The wonderous magic eight ball! Never fails me.

[bengal22]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

I married personal life coach. Not sure of costs but benefits are unmeasurable.

[Dave55]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

I used a coach in the past at critical junctures to help me gain clarity and found it highly beneficial. Sounds like it works for you. Don't fix it, it isn't broke.

Dave

[F150HD]

what is a "Personal Life Coach"?

[lightheir]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

While my initial instinct is "snake oil, run!!" as I'm sure many here also feel, my rational self actually knows I'm wrong about this in your case.

I think ALL of us could use objective feedback on how we are approaching life's problems. Even if the other person isn't a 'world expert' on whatever you are talking about, if they are intelligent, compassionate, and can share their different viewpoints privately and openly without, there is great value in it.

The challenge is finding a good one, as most folks with such valued skills could and would make a lot more money doing something in the corporate/business world. But if you found one that works for you and feel like it's doing you good for not too much money ($80 sounds super reasonable!) I'd stick with it!

[stoptothink]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

[tev9876]

I was browsing on-demand streaming options last night and ran across the Penn & Teller Showtime series Bull$#*!. They did an episode on this very topic about 15 years ago. Watching it now, so no opinion yet, but others may be interested.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0771117/

[Sandtrap]

what is a "Personal Life Coach"?

Either:

Someone who has "walked the talk", learned experientially, and has already travelled the path you desire and both succeeded and failed along the way, and has your best interests at heart.

or

Someone who has take a course and has a certificate in "Life Coaching" and has written books and given seminars and has experience in "Life Coaching" others.

On Topic:
Life Coach = a personal consumer service.

Actionably: like any personal consumer product or service, it is wise to research what is available and authentic before buying.

j

[surfstar]

I was browsing on-demand streaming options last night and ran across the Penn & Teller Showtime series Bull$#*!. They did an episode on this very topic about 15 years ago. Watching it now, so no opinion yet, but others may be interested.

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0771117/

BS is great! They have an episode on vaccines also. And organic food. All the good stuff

[smitcat]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

"if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits"
In my opinion I would expend some time and effort to determine why this is the case.

[Mike Scott]

I think the tricky bit is finding the right one. Of course there are scams and people you don't want to take advice from but there are also intelligent and caring individuals who will actually try to help you. You might call it therapy or "rent a friend" or whatever but sometimes it helps to have someone more objective to talk to. That's a big part of what this place is about; you still have to sort out the bits that apply to yourself.

[stan1]

Seems like it would be pretty easy to tell if you are getting value or not. Would depend entirely on the relationship built with the person. Spouses, friends and professional mentors don't have licenses and are available at no cost but maybe OP wants more independent advice or doesn't have exactly the type of relationship with others.

I'm not sure I'm following the concerns about a scam unless the person being coached has cognitive decline or some other impairment that would make it difficult to assess the value of the service.

[rockstar]

I think the tricky bit is finding the right one. Of course there are scams and people you don't want to take advice from but there are also intelligent and caring individuals who will actually try to help you. You might call it therapy or "rent a friend" or whatever but sometimes it helps to have someone more objective to talk to. That's a big part of what this place is about; you still have to sort out the bits that apply to yourself.

Isn't this essentially unlicensed therapy? I know someone that essentially belongs to a cult because they don't want to see a shrink.

[Dave55]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

[Mike Scott]

The therapists I know and would recommend are licensed to practice. I know some with licenses that I would not recommend as well.
You do realize that bogleheads itself falls onto the cult spectrum on some days and some topics...

I think the tricky bit is finding the right one. Of course there are scams and people you don't want to take advice from but there are also intelligent and caring individuals who will actually try to help you. You might call it therapy or "rent a friend" or whatever but sometimes it helps to have someone more objective to talk to. That's a big part of what this place is about; you still have to sort out the bits that apply to yourself.

Isn't this essentially unlicensed therapy? I know someone that essentially belongs to a cult because they don't want to see a shrink.

[imyeti2]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

+1

[imyeti2]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

Just out of curiosity, what services are you using. I'd also like to have something like this on many different aspects of our lives.

[Sandtrap]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

+1
Great points!

Also a similar approach with a Zen Master/Roshi if one spent time under their tutelage.
Life Coach comes in so many different times and persons.
j

[mbasherp]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

This is so well articulated. Thank you, Dave!

The coaching industry is unregulated and you do run the risk of BS... I’ve seen plenty of it. But there are organizations which exist to establish credibility in the space, the leader of which is the International Coach Federation (ICF). Dave’s friend, whether ICF certified or not, sounds like he coaches in line with their defined competencies. A coach is definitely not an advice giver, guru, teacher, therapist or even mentor. Re-read Dave’s post for what a good coach does.

If you’re looking for a real coach, I suggest working with someone who isn’t a “certified life coach” or similar (anyone can claim that), but rather has the ICF’s ACC, PCC or MCC designation.

There are surely great coaches who aren’t ICF affiliated, but there are relatively few ICF coaches who aren’t great.

Sincerely,
An ICF coach

[squirm]

Personally I wouldn't ask these types of questions here. It sounds like it's working whatever your doing so why bother even asking. A couple hundred bucks a month that helps you feel better and improves your outlook is cheap, and there's no drugs involved either (legal or illegal). Sounds like a win, win.

[imyeti2]

Given the pandemic situation everyone is currently facing, a coach or "sounding board" is very essential. Not only for adults but also for school children. I'd not mind spending money for someone to just listen to my children who in a remote setting do not have teachers or friends to turn to. Sometimes personal issues with parents can become awkward and they would rather have a third person to listen to them.

[coffeeblack]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

If she keeps you on point and you feel like it’s productive, it doesn’t matter what anyone here thinks. And I charge 5x that hourly rate, so more power to you.

What do you do that you charge 400/hour?

[coffeeblack]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

If it's working for you and they are qualified to give proper coaching (Not giving advice that can actually hurt you) then it's fine.

[VictoriaF]

I spend a fair amount of time optimizing my life and would never trust this most important task to another person. In my opinion, reading long-form books, long-form articles, and listening to long podcasts is superior to the snippets of information from social media, news sources, or a coach. I read and listen slowly, stop frequently, and make notes of important facts and actions to take.

Here are some sources I recommend:

1. Being organized:
Cal Newport's books and podcast.

2. Habits:
James Clear "Atomic Habits"
BJ Fogg "Tiny Habits"

3. Learning:
Scott H. Young's book "Ultralearning," blog, and podcast.
Scott also has excellent information on being organized, motivation, productivity, and other topics.

4. Meditation:
Dan Harris's book "Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics."

5. Classics and other thoughtful books:
Read physical books to understand what drives people and compare it to your life.

Victoria

[stoptothink]

I spend a fair amount of time optimizing my life and would never trust this most important task to another person. In my opinion, reading long-form books, long-form articles, and listening to long podcasts is superior to the snippets of information from social media, news sources, or a coach. I read and listen slowly, stop frequently, and make notes of important facts and actions to take.

Here are some sources I recommend:

1. Being organized:
Cal Newport's books and podcast.

2. Habits:
James Clear "Atomic Habits"
BJ Fogg "Tiny Habits"

3. Learning:
Scott H. Young's book "Ultralearning," blog, and podcast.
Scott also has excellent information on being organized, motivation, productivity, and other topics.

4. Meditation:
Dan Harris's book "Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics."

5. Classics and other thoughtful books:
Read physical books to understand what drives people and compare it to your life.

Victoria

Good stuff, I've read all the mentioned books (and then some).

[marc in merrimack]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

I don’t see how what you describe is necessarily different from what can be gained from traditional (and licensed) psychotherapy.

[new2bogle]

what is a "Personal Life Coach"?

A superset of the Mentor/Protege

[formerlybroke]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

If she keeps you on point and you feel like it’s productive, it doesn’t matter what anyone here thinks. And I charge 5x that hourly rate, so more power to you.

What do you do that you charge 400/hour?

Business coach/mentor. And technically it’s $400/50-minutes.

[rockstar]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

I don’t see how what you describe is necessarily different from what can be gained from traditional (and licensed) psychotherapy.

This is where I am at in this discussion. Best to just see a licensed therapist.

[Dave55]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

I don’t see how what you describe is necessarily different from what can be gained from traditional (and licensed) psychotherapy.

In the case of my friend, he was "coaching/consulting" business managers and owners many of whom were at a critical crossroads and unclear of how to move forward, whether it being a partnership contemplating firing one of the partners, or a CEO contemplating expanding the business, or a group of VP's unsure how to confront a toxic CEO. Having expertise in Leadership training, organizational dynamics and business in general is a must to be able to understand the language, concepts and general landscape that comes in a business setting. I doubt that traditional psychotherapists are trained in business and management. Being a great listener though is a skill that is required both of coach's and psychotherapists.

Dave

[new2bogle]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

I don’t see how what you describe is necessarily different from what can be gained from traditional (and licensed) psychotherapy.

In the case of my friend, he was "coaching/consulting" business managers and owners many of whom were at a critical crossroads and unclear of how to move forward, whether it being a partnership contemplating firing one of the partners, or a CEO contemplating expanding the business, or a group of VP's unsure how to confront a toxic CEO. Having expertise in Leadership training, organizational dynamics and business in general is a must to be able to understand the language, concepts and general landscape that comes in a business setting. I doubt that traditional psychotherapists are trained in business and management. Being a great listener though is a skill that is required both of coach's and psychotherapists.

Dave

From the sounds of it, your friend is a management consultant, not a life coach. There's a big difference.

[mr_brightside]

I've used a guy name Matt Foley for a long time

He's done a great job keeping me from living in a van down by the river.



----------------------------------

[Wricha]

Sounds like we're going into the unlicensed, snake oil realm here. Isn't there an app for this? I used to have a magic eight ball.

Ah, yes. The wonderous magic eight ball! Never fails me.

“Doubtful”

[Dave55]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

I don’t see how what you describe is necessarily different from what can be gained from traditional (and licensed) psychotherapy.

In the case of my friend, he was "coaching/consulting" business managers and owners many of whom were at a critical crossroads and unclear of how to move forward, whether it being a partnership contemplating firing one of the partners, or a CEO contemplating expanding the business, or a group of VP's unsure how to confront a toxic CEO. Having expertise in Leadership training, organizational dynamics and business in general is a must to be able to understand the language, concepts and general landscape that comes in a business setting. I doubt that traditional psychotherapists are trained in business and management. Being a great listener though is a skill that is required both of coach's and psychotherapists.

Dave

From the sounds of it, your friend is a management consultant, not a life coach. There's a big difference.

Technically he was not a life coach. But he used methods/techniques that a life coach uses when called for.

Dave

[Trader Joe]

I spend $80/hour twice a month to speak with a life coach. She seems to keep me on the rails and if I go too long without talking with her I tend to stray from my good habits.

Does anyone else have similar expenditures that they feel add to the quality of their life????

I feel guilty like this is a luxury item but I perform so much better at work and in my social life that I feel like it is worth the money.

No, no expenditure remotely similar here.

[abuss368]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

Hi Dave -

Could not agree more! I think a mentor is HUGE! I still have an awesome relationship with my first supervisor out of college. In fact I hired his firm to now help my company where I am CFO.

Relationships count and matter.

I have also learned as time has gone on to spend my hours surrounding myself with very successful people. The lessons are awesome, the relationships built, and the growth of a network is imperative (especially in today’s competitive world). Time is limited and I don’t even want to bother anymore with negativity and short sidedness.

Happy New Year!
Tony

[mbasherp]

I have neighbors who have their own "life coaching" business, nice people but they are about the last people I would ask for advice in pretty much any aspect of life. It has to be somewhat successful as they support a family of 6 with the business as their sole source of income. I'd be really interested to know what is it they teach people.

A good life coach guides you to clarity, helps you set goals and outline the action steps to achieve those goals and then review and adjust as necessary. The best coaches teach nothing, give no advice but are fabulous listeners, and great facilitators. My best friend was a leadership consultant/management coach for CEO's, Business owners and upper level management. He shared his career and client stories with me over hundreds of 3 hour breakfast's and lunches. I learned so much from him and every story was facsinating. One of his "pearls of wisdom": "To assume that you know what's best for another is insulting". He never gave advice to his clients (he was a master of being able to draw out of them what they were thinking and he fed back to them the options they themselves arrived at. The client had to make the hard choices and live with them) many of whom he provided services for 20-30 years.

Dave

I don’t see how what you describe is necessarily different from what can be gained from traditional (and licensed) psychotherapy.

Maybe ask one of the many, many licensed psychotherapists that also seek coach training and certification. It’s a fairly popular move. They surely wouldn’t do it for no reason.