Do you need a coach?

7 signs coaching could help you feel, think and work better

Most people don't wake up thinking they need a coach.

They wake up feeling overwhelmed, distracted, exhausted or frustrated that something isn't changing.

Perhaps you've read the books, listened to the podcasts and tried a few different approaches, but still find yourself facing the same challenges.

This is when coaching can help. A structured conversation that helps you think clearly, overcome obstacles and create meaningful change.

In this article you'll learn what coaching is, when it can help and some pointers on how to get started with a coach.

What is coaching?

Coaching is a partnership that helps you move from where you are now to where you want to be. I describe it like a journey we'll take together.

You're the driver. You choose our destination - the outcome you're seeking from our time together.

As your coach, I offer thinking frameworks, observations and questions to help move you forward towards your objective.

Questions are key. They unlock issues, remove obstacles and turn your intentions into meaningful action.

7 signs coaching could benefit you

Coaching can be helpful in different ways, depending on whether someone needs support to work more sustainably, space to reflect or help to recover.

1.Struggling to focus and get work done

Do you feel chased by your to-do list? Are you constantly distracted and unable to concentrate? When your day feels like it’s running you, a coach can help you establish ways of working that support you to think, focus and remain effective.

2.Feeling anxious or stressed

Stress often feels normal until it starts affecting your sleep, concentration, mood or relationships. Coaching will help you develop strategies to cope and give you ways to reduce the stressors themselves.

3.Feeling stuck despite knowing what to do

Tried lots of things and nothing seems to change? Feel like you're spinning your wheels?

Often the problem isn't lack of knowledge. It's creating the space, accountability and clarity needed to make a change. A coach will help you unpick what’s keeping you stuck, explore ways to create momentum and identify what might work best for you.

4.Feeling unsettled by change

Whether it's a new role, redundancy, or retirement, change is demanding. A coach will help you identify the obstacles and what you specifically need to put in place to succeed.

5.Lacking direction or purpose

Sometimes nothing is "wrong", but something doesn't feel quite right. When days blend into each other, a coach can help you discover what’s truly important to you, developing a set of principles or practices to live a life that feels authentic to you.

6.Losing motivation at work

Are you going through the motions and feeling uninspired? Has the dream job become a nightmare? If you're dragging yourself into work, a coach can help you understand what's lacking for you and what would help you feel more fulfilled.

7.Feeling flat, exhausted or cynical

If rest no longer feels restorative, your motivation has disappeared and you're running on determination alone, it may be time to seek support. A coach that specialises in burnout recovery will help you restore balance and find the 'you' that got lost in all the doing.

FAQ about Coaching

How do I know if I need a coach?

You may benefit from coaching if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, stressed or unable to make progress despite your best efforts.

What problems can coaching help with?

Coaching can help with stress management, confidence, focus, productivity, work-life balance, career transitions and sustainable performance.

What's the difference between coaching and mentoring?

A mentor shares their experience and advice. A coach helps you think through your own situation and identify solutions that work for you.

Do I need to be struggling to work with a coach?

No. Many people work with a coach proactively to improve an area of their life, build healthier habits or navigate change successfully.

How to find the right coach

As coaches tend to work with particular roles (leaders, entrepreneurs), sectors (education, environment) or subject matters (stress, business, work) they know about, start by finding someone who has a relevant background.

A way to do this is to ask friends and co-workers if they know anyone and/or look on coaching directories like the Association for Coaching members directory.

Next, decide if you could partner with them.

Most coaches offer a Discovery or Chemistry Call. Grab it! Use that time to see if you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts with them and ask about their coaching approach.

There should be no pressure for you to sign up to coaching during the call - just two people exploring if they can work work together.

Wondering if coaching might help?

If you've recognised yourself in one or more of the signs above, you don't need to be certain that coaching is the answer before getting in touch. That's why I offer a discovery call.

You can tell me what's going on, ask questions about coaching, and we can explore whether working together feels like the right fit. To arrange a discovery call send me a message via this contact form. I'll send you some times when we can have a chat.