Honestly, it’s rough out there. Throw something and you’ll hit at least a couple of dozen life coaches. So how the heck are you supposed to choose the right life coach for you?

I’m going to give you a few pointers that will hopefully help you narrow down your decision.

1. Know what you want.

Make sure that you’re really looking for a life coach and not a therapist, mentor, consultant or trainer.

If you’re not sure what the difference is, I touched on it in an earlier article.

2. Quality matters.

I’m sure there are numerous people that are currently coaching who are perfectly competent but have no certification or credentials.

But because there is no mandatory regulation of the industry, they could technically be anyone doing anything.

Coaching is based on science.

A well trained coach will use a variety of coaching models that are evidence based as well as tried and tested.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the most widely recognized and most reputable regulatory organization for life coaches.

They provide accreditation to training institutions and professional standards of conduct.

Membership is optional but once a member, a coach is bound by a strict code of conduct and ethics.

You should ask your potential coach where they trained and check to see whether their institution is accredited by the ICF. Also, whether their particular qualification is certified.

You can also check to see whether your coach is a member of and/or credentialed as a coach by ICF or how far along that journey they are.

3. Have an initial chemistry session.

This ideally should be free.

It is your opportunity to ask questions and get a feel of your prospective coach’s coaching style, how their sessions are structured, whether you’re a good fit for each other and so on.

Honestly, it would totally suck if you’re looking for a coach that’s going to be mainly warm and supportive and they turn out to be extremely in-your-face and challenging.

4. Ask about their process and tools.

They should be able to share their coaching model and methodologies with you.

It should be clear and easy to understand how they work and move you from Point A to B.

As an example, my signature coaching model is called A.D.E.P.T

Activate your awareness

Define your dreams

Explore your perceived obstacles

Plot a path to success

Take transformative steps

Pretty clear.

5. Find out what’s included in their price.

Are they available to you outside of scheduled sessions and in what way?

Price isn’t always an indicator of quality and it’s worth keeping in mind that you’re not paying the coach for their time.

You’re paying them to guide you through the process of radically transforming your life.

It’s hard to put a price tag on transformation.

Finally, a couple of don’ts.

I wouldn’t feel complete if I didn’t add a couple of things that I think you should also avoid.

Don’t book in with a coach and pay them before you suss them out just because “so-and-so” got great results.

“If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want, copy what they do and you’ll achieve the same results.” 

Tony Robbins

You are a unique individual and you deserve to have a coaching experience and relationship that is unique to and tailor made for you and no-one else.

Don’t do it if you’re not ready.

Coaching isn’t a quick fix.

You could choose the right life coach at the right price point who is totally available for you and gives you all the support you need but if you’re not ready to truly show up and give it your all then having the “perfect” coach means nothing.

Hopefully that helps give you something to go on when you’re ready to embark on your transformation. 

If you’d like to chat and see whether I’d be a good coach for you then you can book a free call with me here!