The True Purpose of Coaching People

Currently one third in on my Vision to Action group coaching program with three wonderful solopreneurs, I found myself reflecting on what it is that we coaches actually do. The word ‘coach’ was first used to mean ‘someone who trains of instructs others’ in University slang of the mid-19th century: coaches were private tutors which ‘carried’ a student through an exam.

According to that original definition, coaching does the following:

• training
• instructing
• ‘carrying’ people through a challenge
• helping them perform and get results

These are all very valid points and regularly part of the coaching process. However, I feel there is one crucial element missing. A good coach does all of the above, and transforms.

In four short weeks time, I have seen mindsets shift, visions and values getting aligned, unhelpful beliefs being questioned and challenged. Clear and attractive goals have been set and personal and professional lives have started being transformed. To quote Brian Tracy: ‘There are no unrealistic goals, only unrealistic deadlines’.

You may have heard (this quote has been attributed to various people, Bill Gates among others) that we typically tend to underestimate what we can achieve in a year, even though we paradoxically tend to overestimate what we can achieve in one day. So we are currently building a bridge between today’s actions and habits and next year’s goals, in order to start creating tomorrow’s results. 

Focus on what you want to achieve in your life, be clear about how it reflects your values and personal identity and if your vision is strong enough, you will figure out the details of ‘how to’ one way or another. Nobody said the journey will be easy; but a goal worth pursuing will make it worthwhile.

PS Do you also sometimes wonder how to transform your vision and goals into positive action and successful daily habits? Do you need more clarity on the difference between setting compelling goals and merely having daydreams? Are you running away from the monsters of stress and overwhelm, but still hear their sinister laugh right behind you? Then I have some idea’s. Grab a slot here and let’s talk!