What is coaching?

Typically when we hear the term “coach” we think of sports. A coach of a sports team calls plays, directs players and makes decisions about strategies they can use to win. The coach is broadly thought of as the “expert” of their team.

The National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches maintains that coaches are not the experts. If that’s the case, then who is the expert? The expert is YOU. You may also be wondering how this is possible when you are struggling to change some habits or behaviors. Most of us recognize the things we need to change or work on, or adjust. We just struggle with how to make those changes. Maybe your doctor, nutritionist or personal trainer (etc.) has given you a list of the things you need to do to improve your health and wellness. As it turns out, we humans don’t love to be told what to do. Research tells us that we are far more satisfied and likely to experience sustained change when we come up with our own solutions for what works for us individually. We are all so different that the same prescription doesn’t work for each of us - how could it?

When I work with a client, I do not tell my clients what they “need" to do or what they “should” do. I use scientifically proven approaches to collaborate and determine what works best for you. Every individual has different motivations and challenges that only they are aware of. Sometimes, we don’t recognize what is holding us back or what steps we can take toward change. A coach can help us bring our path into focus, while holding us accountable, with empathy. For anyone interested in meaningful habit or behavior development, working with a board certified coach can make all the difference.

When you are ready, a coach can foster your curiosity and exploration toward change.