How to Recognize a Good Life Coach

Many people have asked me what is a life coach and how do I know if they are good and reputable? In answering these questions, I thought I would give these tips for my eHow community. In past ten years life coaching or personal coaching has become a trendy career. Many motivational and inspirational speakers are turning to individual coaching. They are not doing the seminars in the hotel rooms, although you still see them occurring today. They have made it personal. With the same token, any Joe that has a great smile and a friendly disposition can call themselves a life/personal coach. Here's some steps to make sure you are not being had.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Desire.
• Vison/purpose.
• Plan to achieve success.
• Just need some guidance or as it were a shove in the right direction.

1. It is my personal belief that any life coach that you will want to hire to take you from point a to point b will know the way without hesitation. This means that they have over come some great obstacles and were able to maintain a sunny disposition and have achieved many if not all their own goals. You don't want someone that is wondering in the wilderness just like you to try to show how to get where you want to be.
   
   I am a firm believer that you can not lead someone anywhere that you have not gone. Success comes to those that are seeking it. this means that the resume of a successful life coach does not showcase made how many people that have helped to achieve goals but it shows that they have achieved their own goals.
   
   A good life coach will be able to display a well balanced life and an inner peace. even in the face of hard times, the life coach is ready with their game face on and determined to shine in the process.
2. When you have a conversation with a life coach listen to the words they use. Ask them about their values, once listed watch to see if they are truly living out those values with conviction. Are they an authentic person. Are they experiencing success in their own lives.
   
   They may be able to fake it for a while but eventually you will see the real deal.
   
   Can they communicate ideas with ease. Is their conversation laced with success and it is realistic for everyday life.
3. Since a life coach designs their own workday are they able to set goals and achieve those goals. Do they say they will call but don't or call late. This is a sign of someone who is not in control of their destiny and will not be able to help you control your own.
   
   Do they seek to make the best of every situation and have a genuine positive outlook on even the worst situations. For example: When coffee is slipped on the table do they take the opportunity to instruct or scold. A true life coach wants everyone to succeed not just the client they are working with.
   
   When you fail are they there to comfort and keep you in push forward mode or do they take cover?
4. There are organization that certify life coaches. Does the coach you are thinking of hiring, have a certificate. Not that this says they are the right one for you but someone that has taken steps to be held accountable are mostly likely doing it for the right reasons.

Tips & Warnings

• Many coaches have a specific area they coach.
• Coaches are not a coach because of their education but because of their own life experiences and successes. Education is not a deal breaker in this career.
• Look for success in their life. Look for authenticity.
• Get a coach with the specific expertise you re looking for.
• Beware of the coach that has no specialty.