How to Coach Yourself!

Some people are not in a position to work with a coach right now. Some are stretched financially, while some are still using the "lone ranger" method. Other people might be uncertain about trying something new.

So here is a brief, simple process I often use with clients that you can apply to you own situation i.e. coach yourself! And at the end of the article I will mention how you can go even further than this using a professional coach.

STEP 1) Clarify your goal

Some of us are not moving forward simply because we have not set a goal that inspires us! Make it specific e.g. 20% increase in income by January 1. And you can stretch yourself, but keep it realistic. If you're blocked, schedule creative time to play with ideas. Dream, cry, challenge. Ask someone. Create it! Don't get hung up on the 'right' goal, just pick something exciting that takes your fancy ? then trust yourself, and move to Step 2).

STEP 2) Plan

What overall strategy(s) will you use? For example, to lose weight, will your strategy be dietary, exercise based, or a combination? To increase income will you increase your knowledge, switch employers, network, or improve performance. For this stage you will also set your milestones to achieve along the way, with deadlines attached (say every 3-6 months). Also list the tasks to achieve along the way in between milestones.

STEP 3) Action

Once you have the overall plan in place, it's time to get down to specific action. You might like to list the action steps you will take in the next 7 days, or the next 30. When you have completed these actions, it's time to evaluate, celebrate, and write the next list of action steps.

STEP 4) Structure

Having an idea, or desire is one thing. But many of these do not get achieved. This is probably one reason you are reading this article ? because there is something in your life you would like to achieve or change, but it hasn't happened yet. Change rarely occurs without a "structure" in place to support you. For example, if you want to be a public speaker, surround yourself with speakers. Talk a friend into doing your goal with you. Ask someone to check in on you once a fortnight to ask how you're going. Set constant diary reminders for the next month, and/or encouraging visual displays on the wall. Announcing your commitment to the world (all your friends) is also a great structure.

And if you're really serious about your goal, it's hard to find a more powerful structure than hiring a coach. Does speaking to someone once a week, and taking time out each week to focus on what's important to you, sound like it might make a difference? You bet!

David Wood is a personal and business coach, and an original founder of the International Coach Academy - a global coach training school.

Looking to become a life coach? Get your free copy of '50 Power Questions' to use with your life coaching clients, and to take charge of your own life. Download here: http://www.solutionbox.com/freedownload.htm

And find out how these ordinary life coaches are making $30,000 to $1.4 million per year! Finally they share their secrets: http://www.10SuperCoaches.com

---

The Benefits of Coaching

When I was first introduced to the profession of personal... Read More

4 Amazing Tips To Successfully Persuade Anyone

Having excellent persuasion skills is one of the most important... Read More

Attitude is Contagious - Would Anybody Want Yours?

Are you using the Life Potential you have been given?... Read More

How to Choose the Right Coach for You

So you want to hire a coach but with so... Read More

Negotiating Difficult Life Transitions

Life is a process of beginnings and endings. In both... Read More

What The Buddha Says About Coaches

There is a Buddhist saying that goes like this: "If... Read More

Dealing Effectively with Midlife Issues

In this article we would like to help you explore... Read More

Friends?

I met my friend when we were in graduate school,... Read More

Personal Strategic Planning

I have a few questions for you ---What if we... Read More

Let Go of Your Past

People have a difficult time letting go of the past... Read More

How Not Letting Go of Your Past can Hurt Your Future

Experiences, whether good or bad, are sometimes all we have,... Read More

Media Underload! The Stress Reducing Psych-Diet

The war, taxes, the economy, increased health problems, crime on... Read More

Living In The Now

I hope you are sitting down as you read this!... Read More

Building a Strong Coaching Practice

As a person who has been around the coaching profession... Read More

Priorities: Are You Living Yours?

In the Charles Dickens classic, "The Christmas Story", Scrooge is... Read More

Different New-Years Resolution - Pass-It-Forward

Every 12 months, as the New-Year rolls around, we all... Read More

Could You and Your Business Benefit from a Business Coach or a Consultant?

The surprising answer is "probably". Most individuals don't realize that... Read More

Transitions: Moving Through Change With Grace

MOVING THROUGH CHANGECreating any major change in our lives can... Read More

Build Your People Skills

How would you like to get along even better with... Read More

Do You See Clearly?

"I don't see how I can just make up my... Read More

Action NOT Reaction

Do you feel you are in charge of your life... Read More

Resolving Conflicts Effectively

Every relationship has conflicts. In some relationships, conflict is a... Read More

Coaching May Be For You

Are you looking for someone who will hold you accountable... Read More

New Definition of Retirement

A new definition of retirement is evolving. It's one that's... Read More

The Joy of Learning!

"Part of what motivates me to write this book is... Read More

Is Coaching Everything That It Is Cracked Up To Be?

Personal or business coaching has helped thousands change their lives... Read More

What Is Executive Presence?

Often our clients refer someone to us for Executive Coaching... Read More

Finding a Mentor in the 21st Century

Traditionally, mentors volunteer the wisdom of their experiences to help... Read More

Taking The Coach Approach

When you use what you go through to grow through,... Read More

4 Steps to Successful Goal-Setting

Successful people have always had clear, focused goals that guide... Read More

Seeing Your Energy At Work

Our bodies are made of pure energy. With Quantum physics... Read More

Why a Coach is NOT a Consultant

Often while talking to people about my coaching practice I... Read More

Control, Helplessness, and Love

During my 35 years of counseling individuals, couples, families and... Read More