Have you ever wondered how to start coaching? You’re not alone. It might seem like there are tons of hoops to jump through before you can become a certified life coach, but don’t worry! We’ve got your back. In this article, we will walk through how to get started as a beginner life coach and some ways to stay motivated.
Tips on how to start coaching
Life coaching is one of those professions that attract people who are passionate about helping others improve their lives, and it’s also one of those professions where it’s easy to start down the path but hard to actually get started doing it. Here are five tips for getting started as a life coach:
Read as much as you can
Reading is the best way to learn. You can learn from books and articles or listen to podcasts and audio courses. The great thing about reading is that it’s a fun activity that will help you expand your knowledge of life coaching, no matter your current experience level.
Get certified
When you’re a beginner, it’s important to get certified. This doesn’t have to be a lengthy process; in fact, many coaches can complete the certification requirements while undergoing training. If you choose not to take advantage of this opportunity, don’t worry! You can always go back later.
The International Coach Federation (ICF) offers coaching certifications ranging from introductory- to advanced-level programs. Each level contains its own requirements for completion and takes between 6–12 months on average for most people who go through them independently or through an ICF-approved coach training program at one of the coach training schools worldwide.
Learn from more experienced coaches
Becoming an excellent life coach is no easy task. However, it takes time and practice! To become an expert at anything, you need to learn from those already great at it. If you want to become an excellent life coach yourself one day, then take these tips from someone who has been there before. It’s also helpful for new coaches to not only just think about their peers’ weaknesses but also to focus on what makes them special.
The best way to become a good coach is to surround yourself with other coaches. Read books and blogs by experts in the field, such as Michael Neill and Rich Litvin, or take courses. In particular, I recommend listening to podcasts that feature interviews with coaches from around the world who discuss their coaching journeys and offer advice on how to start coaching. You can also join a community of fellow life coaches that offers mentorship opportunities for its members through group webinars and one-on-one mentoring arrangements.
Stay humble
As a coach, you need to be open about your own limitations. You should never pretend you know everything. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and admit that you don’t know something. Similarly, it is important for coaches to be humble enough to recognize when they are wrong or have made a mistake in their coaching approach. In these cases, it is often better for them if the coach does not try to justify their actions but rather immediately apologizes and accepts responsibility for the error.
We hope this post has given you some ideas on how to get started in coaching. There are many different ways that people can be a coach and many different reasons why people become coaches. Even if you’re just starting out, you’ll find that there’s something here for everyone interested in the field of life coaching.
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