Choosing the right career is a long process and most people make a few mistakes along the way. Fortunately, you can switch careers or explore different paths even if you’re been a part of a specific industry for a decade or two. Many people think of becoming a life coach after they get tired of the everyday corporate grind and want to explore something new. Before you choose to enter this profession, consider asking yourself the questions mentioned before:
- Why do you want to become a life coach?
Different people have different motivations for becoming a life coach. Some want to do it because they have excellent communication skills and like handing out advice to others. Some want to become a coach because they like the hands-on approach to helping others. A few choose to become a life coach because they want to establish their own business and be independent. All of these reasons are valid and can help you find the motivation needed to become a successful professional.
However, some individuals choose life coaching because they believe it is easy, affordable to set up, and can help them earn a lot of money with little effort. These reasons will only lead to disappointment. Becoming a life coach requires effort and commitment too and prospective coaches can’t afford to underestimate just how much effort is required.
- Do you have the skills to become a life coach?
Life coaching isn’t as easy as it sounds. Most coaches have a few innate skills and characteristics that help them succeed in this field. For example, you need communication skills, active listening skills, compassion, empathy, good observation skills, and even networking skills if you plan on becoming a life coach. Coaches should also be very patient because sometimes getting clients through roadblocks can be a long, drawn-out process. If you don’t have the right mindset, the profession will eventually feel overwhelming. Many life coaches end up experiencing burnout because they’re not prepared for the realities of the profession. That’s one of the reasons why it is important to research and consult with experienced life coaches before choosing the profession.
- Is this the right time to make the change?
Setting up a life coaching business requires time, effort, energy, and resources. The business will be slow to take off and will require a lot of networking. Prospective coaches need to have a good strategy and a strong foundation to succeed. That’s why it is important to get the timing right. If you have some time on your hands and are in a comfortable position with some savings to keep you afloat for a few months, it is a good time to start a life coaching business. If you’re between jobs, struggling financially, and are under a great deal of stress, starting a new business will only add to that stress.
- Do you have the financial resources to become a life coach?
It is affordable to start a life coaching business but you still need to invest some capital in it. The cost of training, developing a website, setting up an office, hiring staff if necessary, investing in technology for online life coaching, etc, will require some financial resources. While becoming a life coach is affordable, you will need enough finances to set up a good business and promote your services. Prepare a budget and calculate all of the expenses to see whether you can afford to start a business. If the financial situation isn’t stable now, you can always set some targets and aim towards establishing your own business. For example, you can invest in training and slowly accumulate the skills needed to become a life coach. Once you have enough financial resources, it will be easier to start a business quickly.
The answers to all of these questions will help you determine whether becoming a life coach is the right choice for you. Look at a guide to becoming a life coach before making any questions. If you know how much time and effort it will take to become a professional in this field, it will be easier to make informed decisions. Organizations like Evercoach by Mindvalley often help prospective students determine whether life coaching is the right option for them.
