How to Prepare for a Life Coaching Session
Let's look at the best way to prepare for a life coaching session. You're thinking about working with a life coach. Excellent! We totally kick booty and I believe most people can benefit from a coaching relationship. Buuuuuut, (that's a big-ole but), how do you know you're ready? And how do prepare for your a session so you get the most from your investment of time and money? This article helps you answer both of those questions.
How do you know you're ready for a coach?
Great question! If these 3 characteristics describe you, you're probably ready to work with a life coach.
You're Open to Change
You're Willing to be Accountable
You're Ready to Grow but Need a Plan
How to Prepare for a life Coaching Session
Working with a life or career coach involves an investment of time and money that can yield amazing results. You're ready for life coaching and your session is coming up. You should prepare so that you will get as much as you can from the session. Most coaches will provide a list of things to prepare for your session, but you'll get the most value if you have the following information ready:
what Do You Want to focus on?
Your session will probably last 30-45 minutes, so you will want to start with the most important thing. Which part of your career, behavior or life do you want to focus on in this particular session? Is it a specific situation at work, like handling your emotions under pressure? Or maybe you’re trying to figure out why you're stressed at home, and don't know where to start?
what Questions Do You Have?
You probably have questions for your coach that you want answered immediately, and some that you want to get on the table to make sure you don't forget to ask. It will really help you if you create an ongoing list of questions in-between sessions. You can, and should, ask questions as you go along, but not everything needs to be answered instantly. If you keep a running list of questions, you will be able to refer back to them in the next coaching session.
What Are Your Session Goals?
What do you want to feel, know, or understand when the session is done? Coaches excel at helping you break goals down into bite-sized chunks. For what chunk do you want to create an action plan? Maybe you want to brainstorm new ideas for a promotion conversation. It's important to set a goal for each session, so you will know when you hit it!
What are You Struggling With?
What kinds of problems or obstacles have been preventing you from moving forward? Have there been specific things that kept you from achieving more? Do you need help with identifying a solution?
What Progress Have You Noticed?
Don't miss your victories! Take note of the progress you see from week to week. What positive changes have you noticed since your last session? What progress have you made on your action plan? What are you proud of? Which parts of your plan didn't get any attention?
Just thinking through each of these items will give you some insight into how you want to move ahead. With a little planning, you can prepare for your life coaching session in the best way to stay focused on the most important issues you need to work on.
You 'own' the direction of your coaching sessions, so it makes sense to be as clear as possible about what you want to achieve.
I can’t download the worksheet! ?
Can you help?
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Hi Heidi! I’m sorry you’re having trouble. Do you see a box to add your email address? Just put your email in there and the checklist will land in your inbox in just a few minutes. Let me know if you’re don’t receive that. 🙂
This is a great list of ways for coaching clients to take charge of the session! I absolutely agree that KNOWING what your goal is for the session is key to understanding whether you’ve achieved it or not. Great tips Allegra!
Thanks, Ana! I appreciate you stopping by. Have a powerful week!