Whether you are looking at a career shift or are struggling as a new empty nester, you may be feeling a little lost with all the changes in your life. Maybe you feel embarrassed by your dreams or think you are too old to make them happen. You are not alone. So many of us reach midlife and realize what we are doing is not letting us live a joyful life. A women’s life coach can help you rediscover a life that aligns your values with the life you are actually living. In today’s blog, I will answer some of the most common questions related to life coaching for women, what it is, how it works, and whether this is the right move for you.
Life Coaching is a Co-Creative Process
The first question I am frequently asked is, what exactly is a life coach?
My answer: Coaching is a highly tuned and powerful process of communication and problem-solving. It’s having access to somebody from the outside who can share an objective viewpoint and only has your best interests in mind. A life coach provides a safe space for meaningful dialogue and conversations focused entirely on your interests, challenges, and goals.
A women’s life coach offers
- new perspectives
- expanded options
- inspiration
- motivation
- potential solutions
- next steps
- accountability to ensure you take action
I think a helpful way of thinking about a life coach is to think of it as having a personal trainer for your life. A personal trainer for your body would start with your biceps first, then move on to your triceps, and so on. In a similar way, life coaching for women is meant to help you focus your efforts. We focus on one area at a time to get you the results you are looking for.
As a professional coach, I encourage you to be yourself, expand beyond your limitations, and become a stronger, more alive human being. We walk together as you become more of who you are. The more you are in alignment with who you are, shedding the “shoulds” and expectations you have picked up along the way, the more joy you’ll invite into your life. This is my favorite part of being a women’s life coach: I get to be a partner and witness somebody else’s life transform into a life beyond their wildest dreams.
What does a life coach do?
I help you build a road map that is the fastest route to achieving your goals and dreams.
In order to create a roadmap that will not only help you achieve the results you’re looking for but also bring you joy in the process, we first take a look at your core values. Your core values are what drive you in life, and when you’re not following them, life tends to feel more like a burden, you may have low energy, or feel unfulfilled. That’s because your compass is off.
Let’s say, for example, that family life is one of your core values, but you are spending all your time working. My goal as your midlife coach would be to help you narrow the gap. Finding solutions that will allow you to find balance between your desires and actions.
The difference between what I do as a life coach compared to a consultant or therapist lies in our approach to problem resolution.
What is the difference between a life coach and a consultant?
Consultants advise their clients on how to solve problems and coaches guide their clients instead. A coach is focused on you, the person. A consultant is focused on results. They are hired to produce a certain outcome. As a coach, I’m hired to support you as you achieve a certain outcome.
A women’s life coach helps you decide the actions you would like to take, rather than telling you what to do. There are no ‘shoulds’ in the coaching process, the idea is for it to be a fun and joyful experience. Together we design a game plan and create goals and metrics that will help us measure what success is for you along the way. Next, we implement small actions for you to take each week toward your desired outcome, and you have me as your accountability partner to make it all happen!
How is a life coach different from a therapist?
There are three key differences between the problems and processes therapists follow compared to how a life coach works.
- Therapists work with people that need or want professional help to achieve healing and recovery. Coaches serve as detached partners who will help you make your life better through action.
- A therapist is an expert in medical and behavioral science who can diagnose and treat medical conditions. A coach asks questions to highlight your strengths and help you build confidence in the areas you may need to grow and develop. They help you uncover what you already know but haven’t yet implemented.
- Therapists are required to keep their personal feelings and thoughts removed. They don’t talk about themselves or share their thoughts and opinions. A coach can actually share personal experiences as a tool to help catalyze and challenge you.
Benefits of life coaching for women
Midlife comes with many transitions. Suddenly you are an empty nester, your hormones are fluctuating, or that successful career you’ve had doesn’t seem to fit anymore. So many women feel very alone at this point in their lives. A midlife coach helps you navigate all these physical, emotional, and spiritual transitions. Someone who will hold your hand and say, “It’s okay, I am there with you, I’ve been there, I give you permission, you’re going to be awesome, you can shine bright”.
Midlife is a very powerful time in your life, you have the experience to know who you are and what you want. Midlife coaching helps you reframe your viewpoint so you can turn a ‘midlife crisis’ into a midlife adventure. Maybe you have limiting beliefs that are holding you back. Maybe you are afraid to take that next step toward your goals. A coach helps you reframe thoughts and beliefs that are holding you back.
Life coaching should help you:
- feel energized and fulfilled
- wake up with a strong purpose
- be excited and joyful about life
- Live a life aligned with your values
- release the guilt of saying no to things you don’t want to do
- feel like you’re moving in the right direction
- find satisfaction through specific actions
What to know before hiring a life coach
It is important for you to understand what to expect from a life coach. Life coaching for women is not the same as speaking to a medical professional or doctor. There are no prescriptions for your hormones, no diets or telling you what to eat, drink, or medication to take. There are other professionals you can go to if you want specific advice in these areas.
Take some time to consider your situation, get very specific. Do you need a partner to work through an action plan with you? Then a women’s life coach could be the answer. Or do you need medical or professional intervention? Then a therapist may be a better solution.
As you look for the right person, don’t hesitate to set up a call. In order for the relationship to be beneficial, you will want someone that you feel comfortable with. Keep in mind what a life coach can or can’t do for you. Trust is crucial, it’s ok to vet the person you plan to bring into your life.
How do I know if I need a life coach?
Life coaching for women inspires you to be the best version of yourself. If you feel like you’re not living to your fullest potential, or there’s a calling for something more in your life, a women’s life coach may be a good option for you. If you want to make a change, have a big dream, or goal, and want to put a plan into action, but feel overwhelmed and bogged down by the details. A life coach will push you to get organized so you can take small specific actions.
“A coach is someone who gets you to do what you don’t want to do. So you can be who you want to be.” – Coach Tom Landry, Football Hall of Fame.
Mid-life coaching for women
I love helping women. Getting you to go where you want your life to go, even though you might be scared. We’re going to get you there together. You’re not going to feel alone. You don’t have to do it alone. If you want somebody to walk to your dream life with you, to turn your midlife crisis into a midlife adventure, please reach out. I would love to support you.
