Why become a health coach?
Why do people become health coaches?
Many individuals embark on the journey to becoming health and wellness coaches for similar reasons. One common motivation is a deep-seated desire to help others, often stemming from a lifelong passion for health and wellness. Another frequent catalyst is a personal, usually traumatic, experience in which they felt misinformed or neglected by those who they sought care. Having emerged from these challenges, they are committed to helping others navigate similar situations and avoid the pain they once faced.
This profound calling to assist others instills a deep meaning and purpose. However, it is essential to recognize that many aspiring coaches may sometimes become overly eager to help, inadvertently stepping in and disrupting their clients' processes. A key principle in Motivational Interviewing is the continuous self-questioning of whether clients are ready to receive that information at any given moment. Based on our extensive observation of numerous coaching sessions, the answer is often a resounding "no."
The role of a health coach, at first, often leads to confusion and frustration among students, primarily due to a common sentiment of questioning the purpose of their involvement. Many express uncertainty with phrases like, "Aren't I supposed to be helping them do something?" The answer is indeed "yes." Health coaches facilitate a process where individuals can build trust in themselves and work towards their desired life goals. While this concept may seem overly simplistic or even perplexing at first glance, the practice of "holding the space" proves to be both humbling and empowering. It emphasizes the significance of providing emotional support and encouragement, allowing clients to discover their paths to wellness.
The essence of health coaching lies in the understanding that one must engage in ongoing self-reflection and personal development to be an effective coach. This journey is not a one-time event; it requires continuous effort and growth. The fundamental goal of a coach is to empower clients to ultimately become self-sufficient, fostering their ability to coach themselves with self-compassion. It reflects that coaches must consistently support and care for themselves, cultivating a strong inner friendship.
Embracing a mindset of curiosity and patience is essential, as there is always more to discover about oneself. Coaches are challenged to approach their own lives with a beginner's mindset and should apply this same attitude toward their clients. Just because a coach has found their way to a better place does not mean they should rush their clients to join them on that journey. It is crucial to honor each client's unique process and timeline.
EXERCISE
What’s your reason for becoming a health coach?