Having a personal life coach, even though you are a coach, is very beneficial to both you and your clients. On July 14, Dave Luppa wrote the article “So just who the hell is YOUR life coach?” There was a comment asking, “I wonder who the coach of the life coach is?” I thought that was an excellent and very important question.

As a coach myself, I have a personal belief that we need to practice what we preach, and that it is important to have a personal life coach. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying you need a coach on a continual on-going basis in your life, but we all need help and could use a little coaching in some area of our lives, at the appropriate times.

Why Should a Coach Have a Personal Life Coach?

Continue to learn: In all the materials I have studied on coaching, one very important aspect is that as coaches we must continue to grow, and one of the best ways to grow is having a personal life coach. We can’t think that we have arrived, because there is always room to improve—there is always more to learn.

Be willing to walk the walk not just talk the talk: A good coach will start with themselves and their own development, because if a coach cannot walk the walk, then you really cannot expect your client to do what you are not willing to do. Knowing how your client feels, because you have gone through a similar process yourself, builds understanding, rapport and trust between you.

Your clients will notice: Coaching is about helping others, but even so, all coaching begins with yourself. If you are not aware of yourself, you cannot be aware of another. Self-awareness is a continuing process and you and your coaching will reflect this. It’s like the story of Padarewski, the famous piano player who practiced faithfully every day. He said, “If I miss one day’s practice, I notice it. If I miss two days, the critics notice it. If I miss three days, the audience notices it.” Similarly it is important that you don’t go too long without a personal life coach or your audience, or in this case your clients, will notice it.

Who Coaches The Personal Life Coaches?

My answer to this question is, it doesn’t matter as long as you have a coach, as it will be very beneficial for you and your clients. Figure out what your needs are and then investigate who would best suit that need, but whatever you do, get a personal coach. You can even buddy with another fellow coach and coach each other.

There are also many reputable coaching schools that specialize in coaching coaches–they understand the battles that coaches experience, and they are there to help you, so shop around and see what best suits your needs. I guarantee a personal life coach is well worth it and a must if you want to be an excellent successful coach no matter what you specialize in.

Dana Bosley
Spiritual Growth Coach
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