Why become a life coach? Why not become a life coach? However, before we talk about the ten reasons to become a life coach, let’s look at a few humorous and not so humorous reasons not to become a life coach.

Why Become a Life Coach – Not!

1. You once attended a Tony Robbins seminar and think “I can do that!” Guess what, the odds are you can’t do what he does.
2. You think coaching means you can make people think like you. You can’t and they won’t! That isn’t coaching.
3. It’s easy money. Ha! Yes, the potential is there to make good, perhaps even great money, but it is not easy.
4. You read Steve Covey and learned all about his Seven Habits. You think you could write a book like that. Well, write the book first and then perhaps you can talk about being a life coach.
5. You don’t need any degrees or special education to become a life coach. Well, that’s true, but it doesn’t mean that’s the right road to coaching success. Certifications, course work, and learned knowledge are crucial in the development of a coach.
6. You once counseled your best friend and helped him recover after he was down in the dumps because he lost his job, his wife left him, and his dog died. That just means you’re a good friend, not a good coach.
7. You like hearing people’s problems. Read the advice columns and watch reality TV; don’t become a coach because you enjoy hearing people’s problems.
8. You hate working for others. If you start a life coaching practice, you will be your own boss. However, you will be working for your clients. If you hate working for others, coaching is not the place for you – you will be working for a whole list of others!
9. You make lots of money! See Number 3 above – yes, money can be made, but few coaches make a fortune.
10. Why become a life coach? So, you can work on your own problems! It’s probably better to get the bulk of your personal issues solved before you begin to help others. Perhaps you need to hire a life coach instead of become one.

Why Become a Life Coach – Yes!

1. Experience the joy of helping others. Having a job where you can help others – it doesn’t get any better than that!
2. Build true wealth. No, this isn’t just financial. Build true wealth in all areas of your life – commitment, character, community, and cash flow!
3. Transform your life experiences into value for others – your clients.
4. Though coaching is a highly competitive field, there is still room for you. The industry is growing and there is still a demand for committed and dedicated life coaches.
5. Coaching is spiritual. No, this has nothing to do with religion, but it is more about the true sense of purpose you feel when you devote your career to helping others.
6. You can shape your business and your life. Why punch a clock? Why work in a cubicle? Design your own work environment when you open a coaching practice.
7. Why become a life coach – so you can also coach yourself. The skills you learn from education and experience can also be put to good use in your own personal life. Coach others and yourself!
8. You enjoy people. If you like to stay locked up in your studio apartment, eating potato chips and watching TV, coaching is not for you.
9. Though you should not enter the field to become rich, the potential is there to make plenty of money.
10. Change the world one person at a time.

Why become a life coach? Read the ten reasons above. Why become a life coaching professional? Why not?

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Fred Philips
Business Coach
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