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Sometimes, we feel stuck, unsure of our potential or direction. Whatever your motivation, we can help you develop through coaching!
It’s never too late to grow
We live in a time when personal growth and self-leadership are crucial in our personal lives, workplaces, and education.
Whatever your age or current circumstance, you likely want to understand yourself better and reach your full potential.
In this article, we will explore the concept of coaching and how a coach can guide you in taking the first step in self-developing.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
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Coaching – the way to find answers that already exist within
Generally, coaching starts from a desire for change. Some changes, such as career or relationship changes, are significant. While others may be about ideas and goals, you have. Whether the change you anticipate is big or small, you may want to share it with someone.
Coaching can help you develop tools to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and create a better work-life balance.
Coaching is a collaboration between a coach and a client over a specific time period. During coaching, you set an overall goal for the partnership. Your coach will ask questions and suggest exercises to find answers you have not considered.
The brain wants us to do what we’ve always done
We’re hardwired to want things easy. Our brains want things to be simple and familiar, requiring less effort. Today, our focus is on deadlines and relationships. These things use much of our mental energy, leaving nothing for thinking outside the box. Because we don’t want to use more mental energy than necessary, we often avoid asking ourselves the challenging questions that will lead us to the necessary answers.
What is important? Why is it important? What does it mean for us and others when we make a change?
A professional coach is indispensable in situations like this because they ask challenging questions.
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The coach
A coach has no self-interest in collaborating with you. They are there to question and guide you in achieving the goals you set for yourself. A coach’s responsibility is to ensure you stay on track. You are responsible for making the changes and taking steps to move forward. Together with your coach, you explore your questions and possible answers.
A coach can help you dispel your negative thoughts with activities and questions. These thoughts can be about yourself, your relationships, your life, or your career. A coach supports you in discovering the answers you need. These are answers that you already have within you.
Our coaches are trained to accompany you on your journey towards self-development. They know how to support you in finding answers and your strengths and motivations. The tools a coach provides you with should become part of your development.
Is it time to take the plunge?
If you
- Have not achieved the goals you once dreamed of
- Are stuck
- I don’t know what is wrong with me
It might be time to consider that coaching can give you answers and help you with personal development. Today, more people, including celebrities, discuss how coaching has enabled them to develop.
Coaching is no longer something that only elite athletes need.
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Examples of different types of coaching
- Life coaching: The individual identifies their personal goals – with the help of the Wheel of Life. Through conversations, you then find ways to achieve the goal. This also includes finding strengths to help one succeed in each step.
- Health coaching: Helps individuals identify their health situation and find goals to maintain or create better health to increase well-being.
- Stress coaching: This service specializes in stress management and balancing work/study, personal life, and self.
There are many different niches in coaching. On our website, you will find information on several of the most commonly requested types of coaching that our coaches can offer. Whatever your situation, these forms of support provide different tools and strategies tailored to you. They help you to become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses and thus improve your quality of life.
Does coaching work?
Research shows that coaching works. Dr Scott Dust from the University of Cincinnati explains in a study he conducted that coaching promotes “psychological capital”, i.e., self-confidence, hope, optimism, and resilience. This capital constitutes a psychologically valuable resource in both work and private life. These factors are the basis for the success of a change. In addition, coaching provides you with tools to persevere and endure. You want the change to be lasting, don’t you?
According to a social media survey (Global Consumer Awareness Study 2022), 41% of people feel they have gained self-confidence after working with a coach. A further 42% believe that their communication ability improved with coaching. Therefore, more and more companies in South Africa are hiring coaches for management and staff.
Can anyone be coached, or do you have to have a problem?
Virtually anyone can be coached. Coaching is a collaboration between you and your coach. This means that the only people who cannot be coached are those who do not want to be coached.
Coaching is especially valuable for those without expertise, such as doctors, psychologists, or psychotherapists. It gives you support in developing your potential.
Not everyone who chooses to coach has problems. Coaching is for you if you want to develop, change, or continue to improve. During coaching, you will get a range of tools that can equip you to reach your goal. Reflection is one tool that people find they do far too little of. Reflection makes the path to your goal shorter and more effective.
What type of coach should you choose?
There are many niches in coaching, with varying degrees of specialization. On our website, we have coaches who specialize in all the most common types of coaching.
When choosing a coach, clarifying what you want to achieve with coaching is helpful. If you’re not sure, I can help you decide what you need. You can use the balance wheel of life to help assess areas that need work. The areas of your life that are evaluated with the balance wheel include your life purpose, business life, creative life, social life, and love life.
You are choosing a coach who matches your personality. If you and your coach are a good match, you will feel safe and confident that your coach will be able to guide you in achieving results. Remember, your coach will challenge you. They may be tricky depending on how you want to face your challenges. Coaches can be harsh on you, challenging you to do things differently than you have done before.
If you do things as before, the results will be the same. If you choose to be coached, they will push you to make changes.
How many times should you meet with a coach?
You and your coach will explore your needs and set clear goals for your collaboration. Through questions and exercises, you will learn about your strengths, which will support you in meeting your goals. Between your meetings, you will work towards your plan and do what you have decided you need to do.
The number of sessions will be agreed upon with your coach, but the number of sessions is less important than the result.
How does coaching work if you don’t know your problems but something is wrong?
A therapist asks you questions and walks you through exercises to help you find out what’s wrong. They are trained to listen and what. Once your coach has your history, they will work to find the solution. The solution you will work towards is your solution, not your coach’s or any coach’s. You are the focus of a coach, and your coach always has your best interests at heart.
How does coaching work?
Each coach takes a different approach, but the common thread is that they are there for you and ensure you meet your goals. Although approaches differ, you will still reflect and do exercises that lead you to meet your goal. During coaching, you will always gain insight and learn something about yourself.
Although our coaches work in different ways, the common denominator is that they:
- Work with you to decide on the outcome of the partnership
- Support you to find your answers – your coach is not an advisor; you will need to find the answers
- Include you in the collaboration by asking questions about yourself and not about the subject matter
- Allow you to do most of the talking – we know that some people struggle to communicate, so we’ll guide you in communicating what you are
- Challenge you to discover what steps you can take to start your journey towards your goal.
- End the session in an agreed-upon way, which gives you time to reflect on the insights you have gained during the session.
- Usually, do not take notes.
- Have the utmost respect for your confidentiality and privacy
The benefits of professional help
Seeking the assistance of a professional coach can make a significant impact on your life. They can provide valuable insights into your challenges from a different perspective. A coach can also offer practical solutions you may not have considered.
There is a misconception that coaching is only for those who have a mental illness or have some problem in their lives. This sentiment is far from the truth. Coaching can be beneficial even for people simply seeking expert support and guidance.
We’re ready, when you are
When you’re ready for personal development and growth, we have qualified coaches who can help you. Because coaching is confidential, you can confidently develop on your terms. Our core principle is to make the problem more accessible for you.
The only people who can’t be coached are those who don’t want to. Coaching is suitable for those who do not require other expertise, such as a doctor or psychologist. You are the expert on yourself and your life. Coaching gives you support in finding your way to developing your potential. During coaching, you get various tools to reach your goals.
10 FAQs about Coaching
What is personal development?
Personal development is a continuous process in which you strive to improve yourself through methods such as self-awareness and education. It can include everything from setting goals and working towards them to improving your self-esteem and communication skills.
How does mental training differ from personal development?
Mental training focuses on developing mental skills such as concentration, self-control and mental well-being. Personal development is broader and can also include physical health, career and social relationships.
What does a life coach do?
A life coach works with you to help you identify and achieve your personal and professional goals. They can also help you with strategies to deal with stress and other mental challenges.
Is mental training scientifically proven?
Yes, mental training is supported by scientific research and is widely used in sports, business management, and psychotherapy. It can improve performance and well-being.
How can I start with personal development?
Begin by identifying your goals and setting up an action plan. For guidance and support, it can be helpful to talk to a coach, therapist, or psychologist.
What tools are available for mental training?
Some common tools include meditation, mindfulness, visualization and positive thinking. These practices can help you increase your focus and reduce stress.
Is online coaching effective?
Online coaching has proven to be an effective method of personal development and offers flexibility and convenience. However, if you are not hiring a coach through Lavendla, it may be important to ensure that your coach is qualified.
Can mental training help me with anxiety?
Mental training can be an effective way to manage anxiety by teaching you relaxation and stress management techniques. In severe cases, you should seek professional psychological help.
How long does it take to see the results of personal development?
Results vary from person to person and depend on a range of factors, including your commitment and specific goals. Personal development is an ongoing process, and it can take time to see noticeable changes.
What does a session with a life coach or psychologist cost?
The cost of a session can vary depending on the coach or psychologist’s experience. Discussing the price with the coach or psychologist you have chosen is always good.
Will my personal development affect other people?
Many who work on their personal development find that it positively impacts their relationships with other people. You may find that with coaching, you begin to understand others better, and they, in turn, understand you better. Changing yourself might confuse those around you initially, but many people report that investing in self-improvement has led to better relationships.
A step-by-step guide for working on your personal development
Your personal development journey requires commitment, work and mental focus. Therefore, we have developed a step-by-step guide that includes elements of personal coaching to help you start your journey.
- Step 1: Self-reflection
Purpose: To understand your strengths, weaknesses, and goals.
Action plan: Use tools like SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) or journaling to identify your core values and ambitions. Map out who you want to be, and why you want to become that person. - Step 2: Goal setting
Purpose: To set clear and measurable goals for yourself.
Action plan: Use S.M.A.R.T. criteria (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-frame) or other mapping tools to define your goals. - Step 3: Scheduling
Purpose: To create a realistic and achievable plan.
Action plan: Use a calendar and planning tools to prioritize time to work on your goals. Depending on your needs, look for exercises focusing on emotional or physical well-being. - Step 4: Mental or emotional training
Purpose: To improve your mental and emotional state.
Action plan: Use techniques such as meditation, mindfulness, and visualization. - Step 5: Coaching or therapy
Objective: To gain insight from another perspective and hold yourself accountable.
Action plan: Engage a professional coach or therapist to guide you. - Step 6: Monitoring and follow-up
Purpose: To make sure you are on track.
Action plan: Regularly evaluate and adjust your plan. - Step 7: Feedback and adjustment
Purpose: To gain insight into the impact of your work and make necessary adjustments.
Action plan: Ask for feedback from your coach and adjust your plan accordingly. - Step 8: Reward and Recognition
Purpose: To celebrate your successes.
Action plan: Set small milestones and reward yourself when you achieve them.
“Is personal coaching for me?”
Developing yourself personally can be challenging, but extremely rewarding. Rather than trying to manage stress on your own, you can develop the tools with professional help. On our platform, you can easily get in touch with therapists, coaches or psychologists who can support you on your journey and make the difficult easier.
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