What’s the definition of coaching and what do you need to become a life coach? According to Wikipedia, the definition of coaching is “A method of directing, instructing and training a person or group of people, with the aim to achieve some goal or develop specific skills.” But to me, the definition of coaching and what you need to become a life coach is much more than that.

Although Nobody is in “Need” to Become a Life Coach, The Definition of Coaching is About Commitment

What’s my definition of coaching? It’s about being totally committed to helping someone to get a result. And not just any result, but one that is truly valuable to your client and your client’s needs at that time. You need to become a life coach who is committed to going beyond where we are comfortable and what seems possible, and lead others to do the same.

You Need to Become a Life Coach Who Does More Than Solve Problems: The Greater Definition of Coaching

Did you notice that there was nothing about solving problems in that definition of coaching? Too many times we fail to really make a stand for our clients, and we settle for solving problems. Sometimes that can be valuable, but we need to become a life coach who knows the difference between a big problem which is an obstacle and a little problem which is a distraction. If a problem needs to be addressed, handle it quickly and then move on to getting a result. You don’t want to break rapport by telling someone their problem isn’t important enough to work on, but you can ask questions to re-frame the problem and get an idea of how significant it is. They key here is to clarify, and not to take the bait and run with it when there are “bigger fishes to fry”.

So what is your definition of coaching? And what do you need to become a life coach who lives up to your own standards?

Colette Seymann

Designated Accountability Coach, JTS Advisors