5 Myths About Life Coaching

Posted on August 19, 2019 by Lisa Lyttle, One of Thousands of Business Coaches on Noomii.

When you think of a Life Coach, do you picture a soft-spoken, pony-tailed hippy, gypsy, or philosophy guru that preaches yoda-esque wisdom?

Or maybe you think of a fired-up fitness trainer with an airhorn and bulging veins and muscles who’s ready to scream at you every single morning, telling you to make the most out of your life.

Or maybe you just think, “Life Coach? That’s not a job! That’s just someone who charges a lot of money promising to change your life.”

Personally, before I went through professional coach training, I thought a Life Coach was a cross between a consultant, therapist and a trusted advisor.

In any case, there some BIG myths about life coaching that are worth clearing up. Mainly because some of these myths might be preventing you from using a really cool resource for yourself one day!

Myth #1: Coaching is just like therapy
Well, they are both usually conversations between two people. But, so is ordering a cheeseburger.

Therapy focuses on processing “PAST Issues” and tries to heal the person. It is also less action oriented. Coaching is about living in the “PRESENT” and taking action to create magical futures. A coach will also hold you accountable.

Myth #2: Coaching is just someone giving you advice.
A professional coach does not have the answers, YOU DO! Instead, a coach will ask you thoughtful, open-ended questions that will help you think creatively about what you want and the best way to go after it. The coach knows you are fully capable of discovering the answer on your own, and even if you don’t have the answer right away, they trust you’ll figure it out over time.

Myth #3: I don’t need a coach, I’m doing fine. I don’t have a major problem or crisis.
Most people I coach are doing just fine. No one says you have to have a coach. That’s not how coaching works. Coaching will help you shift from living a “fine” life to living an “amazing” life. Whatever “amazing” means to you.

If you’re not sure if coaching is for you, ask yourself a few of these questions:

• Are you trapped in making a living or are you living the life you designed and truly want?

• Is there a gap between where you are now and where you want to be?

• Do you want to create more inspiration, passion and live the most fulfilling life imaginable?

• Are you ready to take your life to the next level?

• Do you want to live an authentic life, a life that honours your values?

• Do you have extremely high standards for yourself and for those around you?

• Do you want to make a major impact in the world?

• Are you committed to being successful and doing whatever it takes to get there?

• Are you open to new insights, breakthroughs and transformations?

• Do you love to learn and grow?

• Do you grow weary with all the stuff you have to do?

• Is something missing in your life and you’re not sure what it is?

• Is your life purpose and goals unclear?

• Do you feel stuck or have difficulty making choices?

• Are you successful on paper, but don’t FEEL successful?

• Is there something you’ve been wanting to do but you haven’t been able to achieve it?

Myth #4: Coaches tell you what to do.
At the beginning, a coach may suggest useful exercises and assessments so you both gain clarity around who you are, what’s important to you and what it is you truly want.

As you continue with your coaching relationship, you may create action steps or tasks that you will want to accomplish each week, that will get you closer to your goal. But at the end of the day, it’s up to YOU what you’re going to do, and you tell the coach how you’ll keep yourself accountable.

Myth #5: I can go to my family & friends for guidance.
There’s definitely no substitution for your friends and family. They have your best interest at heart and your loved ones only have good intentions for you. They want to see you succeed. But sometimes being so close to the situation can cloud their vision for seeing areas for improvement and growth.

A coach is a dedicated partner that is fully committed to you, will hold you accountable and make you think in ways you’ve never thought before. A life coach will challenge you, awaken your power of seeing the possibilities and will ask you to push your limits. Your family and friends don’t do that.

I hope that I was able to help debunk some of these crazy myths that have been circling around about life coaching. If you’ve heard any more, let me know so I can add them to this list, I’d love to hear from you!

Lisa Lyttle
Life & Business Coach
415-484-5014
info@lisalyttle.com
www.lisalyttle.com