Life Coach – My Life Coached? What’s the Point? by Ed McDonough

That’s usually the response, along with a puzzled look on their face. How could a life coach possibly help me, I don’t have any problems with my life?

Life Coaching isn’t just about solving problems. It’s about making your whole life better. It’s a way for you to hone in on the things that are really important to you, and then develop a sensible plan to bring them into your life one step at a time. Coaching is about you getting from where you are now in your life to where you want to be, in the most straightforward and practical way.

When you partner with a mindful coach, you form a special kind of association. It’s an ongoing partnership that helps you produce fulfilling results in your personal and professional life.

As you go through the process of coaching you will strengthen your learning skills and improve your ability to move through life in a more balanced and peaceful fashion.

Beginning with the greatest desire you have, your coach will use exploration and reporting, along with a consistent commitment, to move you forward step-by-step towards your goal. This process accelerates your progress by providing greater focus and awareness of the choices being made.

Together you and your coach will set a baseline at where you are today and then concentrate on what you are willing to do to get where you want to be tomorrow. It’s a marvelous way to stay focused on the future while you monitor your progress on a daily and weekly basis.

In the most clear-cut terms, to be successful at reaching your life goals and seeing your most wanted dreams and desires come to fruition, you need knowledge, awareness and simple action. Life coaching is your opportunity to be guided by someone experienced at successfully setting a goal, developing a concise plan to reach it, and then following the plan until the goal is achieved.

7 More Benefits of Having a Life Coach

What are some of the “real” benefits of having a life or business coach?

One – You clearly know what you want. When you begin, your coach helps you to truly think about what you want in life. I believe this is the greatest benefit of all because the majority of folks whom I have coached come to me because they are just not sure what they want in life. Whether that’s from a specific area of life, such as professional, health and wellness, business or spiritual, or it is from all the areas in life blended together, it can be hard to figure out what you “really” want without an objective point of reference to guide you to it.

Two – You get what you want. Once you do know what you want, now you have to figure out how to get from where you currently are to where you want to be. This is another place where having a coach help you will speed up the process. It’s important to mention that obtaining any goal in life requires following some kind of process; coaching is no different.

What an exceptional coach will do, is not only help you find the way to get from point A to point B, they help you discover the fastest way to do it, and the way that makes the most sense to you.

Three – You make better and more intelligent decisions. Face it, you’re smart and you’ve got a lot going for yourself. You probably already know that sharing ideas and objectively thinking through all the options automatically leads to better decision making. Your coach also knows that, and together, you will both use this knowledge as you systematically build your plan and see it through.

Four – You stay on track and follow your plan. Accountability happens from both sides of the coaching relationship. From the coach’s side, they are responsible for keeping you moving forward in a positive direction. When you are happy, you not only feel better about yourself, you are also more productive. This means you can count on your coach to help you continuously take one simple step at a time towards reaching your goal and getting what you want.

Five – You become more organized. When you have a process to follow, you inherently become more organized in the way you approach things. It may sound a bit silly, but when you follow your coach’s plan you start at the beginning and end when your goal is reached. It’s like a project; it has a defined start and end with a set of step-by-step tasks to get from where you are to where you want to be. This not only keeps everything organized, it also keeps you moving in the right direction.

Six – You find greater balance in your life. When you straighten out one area of your life, the other areas automatically benefit.

You may decide to work with a coach to help you build better, long-lasting relationships, or maybe identify and find the right career. The best part is, when you reach your goal in the specific area you are working on, the rest of your life improves because you become happier and more at peace with what you have and where you are. You now have a better life, not just a better lifestyle.

Seven – You develop greater self-esteem and confidence. It probably goes without saying that anytime you achieve something worthwhile in life you naturally raise your self-esteem and level of confidence. Clearly defining what you want, establishing a plan and seeing that plan through to the end is one of the best ways to feel better about yourself and about the way you move through life.

In summary, partnering with a life coach can be one of the most rewarding things you do for yourself, your family and your friends. It blends simplicity, knowledge, awareness and sensible action together to help you consistently raise the quality of your life.

About The Author

Ed McDonough is a certified personal development and business coach, and the founder of Intuitive Life. He specializes in helping people raise the quality of their life through knowledge, awareness and simple action. For more information and to take your free quality of life assessment visit: http://www.MyLifeCoached.com

---

Back with more news for you today. It’s amazing how much good information there is on this stuff out there if you know where to look. Three in particular that I found really valuable were…

Who Cares What Tim Does? | Life Coach Blog: The Discomfort Zone :

If you find yourself wrapped up in cost versus worth or you are constantly searching for vindication for your beliefs this post will resonate with you.

UK Coaching Partnership Blog: New Girl on the Coach

When I told my friends and family that I would be working with the UK Coaching Partnership I received the usual quizzical looks and 'What on earth is a Life Coach?' and I tried to explain it in my own feeble way. …

How to Be Your Own Life Coach and Save Some Cash

Dumb Little Man shares ideas to make the everyday person more productive in life. Expect to read tips on finance, saving money, business, and some DIY for the house.

Hope you enjoy the read as much as I did and please if you have something to say, use the comments form below to let everyone know your thoughts.

Have a great day!

---

Baby Boomer Personal Life Coaching: 3 Must-do Tasks And Responsibilities For Dealing With Your Aging Parents

As our lives progress rapidly in the midst of troubled times, it’s absolutely essential not to ignore or forget the responsibilities and proactivity necessary to care for our parents. In particular, those of us solidly representing the “Baby Boomer” generation are now deep into the age where our parents really need help and practical support. Only 2 years away, when the clock strikes midnight on January 1, 2011, the oldest of the baby boomers will turn sixty-five. This remarkable generation, the largest in American history, will continue to have an enormous impact on the nation socially, economically and politically as later it ages, transforming old age as no other generation has before in history. It is, however, their newly-gained responsibility to transform the way our parents are managed and cared for, and following are 3 absolute must-do tasks and responsibilities for dealing with your parents as they quickly age.
As men and women born between 1946 and 1964 grow older, their parents are also aging. Those who have not already experienced the impact of aging on their parents will very likely do so in the next decade – and it can happen at absolutely any time, precipitated by any event, whether health, financial or social-related. You may find quickly yourself in a new season of life where you are an adult child of an aging parent. The physical and mental costs of travel, communication, direct assistance and hired help are particularly tough on your family and lifestyle when you don’t live in the same area as your aging parent – but it’s the additional load of worrying and guilt that can be unbearable.

Is he / she all right?
How will I know if he / she isn’t?
Should I be visiting more?
Should I take time off from work?
Why won’t others help?
Can I get affordable help?
Am I giving enough?

Thoughtful preparation on your part could help to minimize the guilt trip, minimize expenses, and minimize the constant worry and anxiety. Make the most of your visits and the time you can give, whether in person or remotely via the phone and email (as possible). Now more than ever organization and preparation are the keys to your success an
1000
d your survival.
1) Lovingly Watch Out for Your Parent
Here are a few tips for organizing from a distance.

Establish a local support network as soon as possible. Make a list of friends, family or neighbors who live near your parent. Let these people know of your concern. They can be extra ears and eyes as well as caring friends. They can alert you when they notice signs of trouble and be available if there is an emergency.
If your parent lives alone, see if a relative, friend or neighbor will stop by occasionally to see how your parent is doing or perhaps drop off a meal or offer a ride into town. A synagogue, might know of volunteers who can check on your loved one. You may be able to hire a companion to spend time with your family member.
Learn about any local elder watch programs, for example “Meals on wheels”

Phone calls don’t always tell you what you need to know. Visit your parent so you can see for yourself what’s really going on, and so you can make adjustments to your parent’s home or get additional help when necessary.
2) Visit Your Parent
Nothing is truly more important than in-person visits, companionship and dialogue with an elder parent – it can be incredibly rewarding, satisfying and productive for both you, your family members and most of all your parent. It’s certainly much more effective than long-distance phone calls or emails, though the proliferation of Internet-based communication tools can bridget the gap – for example using online conferencing softward. This, however, requires significant attentiona and maintenance of computer resources; additionally, your parent may simply not be interested or able to leverage it. Look into Internet tools – but plan first and most often to actually visit.
In advance of visiting, plan what you want to accomplish, who else might attend, and anything you might need to discuss with your parent.
If you live far away, organize your visits in advance so you can accomplish as much as possible. If you need to meet with a doctor, lawyer, social worker, religious leader or other professional (or other friends and acquantainces of your parent), set up appointments at least a month in advance, as their schedules get filled quickly. Be sure to confirm these appointments closer to the date, and confirm your parent’s ability to attend as necessary. It’s probably not a good idea to bring the grandchildren to every visit – especially if your primary goal is targeted assessment and assistance of your parent’s basic needs.
When you are with your parent, take a mental and physical inventory of their health and living situation. Try to foresee trouble before it happens:

Does your parent seem wobbly or dizzy?
Are they well groomed, or has their personal hygiene deteriorated?
Is there ample food in the refrigerator?
Is the food spoiled and moldy, and the kitchen unkempt?
Are there significant issues with landscaping or home maintenance?
Are there piles of unopened mail or unpaid bills, notices, or newspapers in the driveway?
Do they use the computer? Check (or have someone check) its status, whether full of viruses, spam, attempts of identity theft, unusual communications or purchases.
Are finances in order? Check the visa bill, bank statement, online accounts and checkbook for unusual charges or purchases.
Do they still do the things they used to, like read, knit, play the piano or do the crossword puzzle?
Does it appear that they’re getting out, seeing friends? Are they calling on her?
When they do go out, are they unreasonably forgetful, in appearance, action or conversation?

If things seem askew or different than they used to be, it may be a sign of underlying trouble…depression, confusion, illness, diminishing eyesight, loss of financial resources, deterioration of living conditions, or simply a signal to you that your parent needs more help at home and opportunities to get out.
Include some time
1000
during your visit to talk with nearby relatives, friends or others who see your parent regularly – both to hear their thoughts and concerns and to thank them for helping in any way that they do.
Check out local services and facilities. See what hospital is best, what nursing homes are acceptable, and what community services are offered. Ask your personal life coach for more information, both to help your parent, and help yourself.
Even though your life is busy be sure to spend some time simply being with your parent, chatting and listening, watching a movie or just sitting together quietly, reminiscing together on life yesterday, now and the many tomorrows ahead. A trip that’s all business misses a critical element. Find time to relax, listen to offer support. Most importantly, try and plan visits that your parent enjoys, whether it includes a lot of noise and bustle (i.e. with the children), or is very tranquil and quiet.
3) Help Your Parent Prepare for Emergencies

Discuss and call a company that provides an emergency response system to help your parent get immediate help in case of a fall or other health emergency. This can include wireless alerting mechanisms, perimeter alarms, Internet cameras, etc. – there are many very reasonable options available. Wecams in particular are an easy way for you to check in on your parent, at any time, from any location with your mobile phone.
Set up speed dial to automatically dial out to multiple persons, for help on your parent’s phone and/or computer. Create an easy-to-find folder for emergency medical technicians with instructions of who to call, including pictures of the people they will be reaching. It might also be helpful if your parent’s personal address / phonebook is set up with small photos along with the contact information. This information should be electronically copied and stored as well, forwarded to several others who may be in a position to help – including those who help you, such as your trusted personal life coach.
Arrange, as possible (if not yourself), to routinely monitor and check the living arrangements for safety and protection – the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, locks on doors and windows, alarms, plumbing and gas fittings, appliances, the car, transit areas in and out of the house, snow/ice removal assistance, landscaping dangers (like dead trees), etc. There are many inherent dangers about living alone, without ability, resources or inclination to deal with the proper upkeep of a living environment.

Above all take care of yourself. Recognize and accept the limits of what you can do and give yourself credit for all you are doing. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or use community services. And finally, get support from friends or a Seasons of Life Coach to help you alleviate stress and guilt.
This article is an update to a series of personal life coaching articles from Louisville, KY life coach expert Janie Behr – search and find many more in addition to personal assistance for caring for elderly parents, at JBLifeCoach dot com.

By: Virginia Konrad

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

This article released with permission by Janie Behr, www.jblifecoach.com, Louisville KY Personal Life Coach. Read more about Elderly Care and Family/Personal Life Coaching options for individuals or groups on her site. Virginia Konrad writes and comments about Internet business news and information on a regular basis, publishing material across several news channels and social media outlets, including Northern Virginia and Washington DC Business News at vadcmd.wordpress.com/.

Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Elderly Care Articles Via RSS!
Additional Articles From – Home | Home & Family | Elderly Care

Walking Sticks for People Who Do Not Like Walking Sticks
Senior Care-When to Consider Care for a Parent in South Jersey
New test may be early Alzheimer’s indicator
Personal Home Care-Guidelines for Swine Flu
How To Select Home Care Services
Always Take Care Of Yourself When You Work For A Home Care Agency
National Aging in Place Week
Stroke and Caregiver
Stroke Recovery
Womens Halloween Costumes

 Mail this post

Technorati Tags: Life Coach