Is paying a life coach worth it?

I honestly find this topic very interesting. I presume you’re reading this because you’re wondering if paying a life coach is worth it. So, there are so many angles at which you can look at the value of life coaching. And, it’s best to look at life coaching in terms of value. This enables us to incorporate value of what it brings to life, with the cost in terms of time and energy, as well as monetary.

I’m going to try and remain unbiased here, which may be hard. So, apologies if at times this seems one-sided. I am after all a passionate life coach – albeit with an understanding that it’s not for everyone. And, not everyone can meet the costs of coaching (energy, time and hard-earned cash).

Value perception

Ok, it’s a cliché but it’s worth mentioning again. Value is a perception and can only be quantified by measuring overly complex metrics from client surveys. We would need to use fractions, percentages and other math symbols that are a mere expression of something far greater. Therefore, value almost needs to be feeling based.

Of course, when we look at value (is a life coach worth it?), we need to think about the cost involved. And not only in terms of Monetary value, but also the time you’re dedicating to the sessions and the associated ‘homework’, and let’s not forget the energy that you’re putting into the sessions. Those of you who have had coaching will know that the effort you put into the transformation in between coaching sessions is what makes it count.

Making a decision about life coaching

Before we dive into more about making a decision whether a life coach is worth it, or not. Let’s remind ourselves that almost all coaches offer a free demo coaching call, free discovery call or sometimes a couple of free coaching sessions. This shouldn’t be a sales tool, it should enable the coach and client to start developing a relationship, prior to any physical transactions that might get in the way of that development. There are times when the coach might be up front and say ‘I’m not the best life coach for you’ and you’ll know quickly if you resonate with the coach.

So, lets take a look at some questions to ask yourself:

• What is a fulfilling life?
• Where am I stuck in a rut?
• What’s changing around me?
• What’s the big picture?
• What changes am I making today that lead to a better tomorrow?
• How much time and energy am I dedicating to making a difference in my life?

If any of those questions resonates with you, your journey though coaching will probably be a positive experience.  With a caveat, the last question might highlight that it would be a waste of money should you not dedicate time and energy into the process too. In fact, many coaches that work at a corporation experience people within that bracket and many of them will cut off the coaching relationship when it’s happening, this allows another person who may need coaching to fill that space.

Please skip this paragraph if you don’t want to read my shameless plug: I ask myself, how can a potential client decide if coaching is valuable to them, whilst honouring one of my core values to allow new clients to come to me without manipulation. And my best answer so far is to offer a free way in: A call to discuss you needs, a demo session and a discovery call, all for free…

When is coaching worth the investment?

I’ve highlighted it once already, it’s important to commit the time or energy needed to make to long lasting changes. Not just during the sessions but in-between them, because that’s when the magic happens. Even the best coach in the world cannot wave a magic wand and make your life better without you digging deep and doing the work. Yes, we make it easier Yes, we guide you though the transformation. Yes, were there for you. However, we don’t do the work for you. It’s up to you do take charge of the transformation and make it happen, and you will, with our support and motivation.

So honestly, ask yourself if you have that time and energy, and if not, are you able to carve it out of your day-to-day life? If you can’t do that, can you be content staying in the same mental space that you’re in now? Hey, It may even be that the first thing we work on is creating that time and energy.

Motivation

Are you motivated to making changes in your situation? If you’re not motivated, I’m wondering why you might still be reading this haha. Motivation tends to come and go in waves, there’s times when we’re very motivated and times when it’s not there. What is that fluctuation? Imagine a surfer riding a wave, they need balance, focus and muscle memory (build from practicing). They also need the thrill of a challenge to get the back up when they fall. A coach will give you that challenge, set tasks that practice good habits, focus on the overall goal and give you balance in your life. Thus, you stay in a zone of motivation.

Digging deep in life and coaching

Honestly, there’s a lot of deep thinking involved in coaching. Firstly, we make it a fun and creative process, and it’s rarely uncomfortable, albeit raw and honest. Usually when we’re dealing with our inner saboteurs.

True and undivided self

Your true self and undivided self are two-fold. Firstly, how honest are you with yourself (and the coach). Secondly, are you present in the session, or preoccupied with something else. It’s obvious that coaching requires truth, but there is also an authenticity that needs to be harnessed. And it’s authentic to the whole person. Not just what’s on the surface.

Presence (pre-sense) is so important to coaching, and at times we can be distracted by thoughts about our situation or other external factors alive in the subconscious. I personally check in with my clients at the start of every call to clear the space in our peripheral and get present. If something is stopping that from happening there’s probably a great topic for coaching hidden in there.