Do I need a Life Coach? Is it legit?

My father is one of the most important people in my life. He has helped me not only because of his unwavering support of who I am and what I do, but because he brings special skills to the table and I would like to share some of those with you.

Many people ask me about Life Coaching. The main reason is because my father, Ely Zimmerman is a Certified Life Coach, and being a little biased, one of the best.

For my generation, and yes, I am about to use the M word, Millennials, more of my friends are looking to take the next step in their career, or, just about to start one. And for people that are not Millennials, well, this also applies to you. These are big steps and as I have learned, it is important to not only get advice from family and friends, but also from someone that is completely unbiased and professionally trained.

Unlike a friend or even a spouse, a Certified Life Coach is not involved in any other aspect of your life. They have no agenda other than to help you with. And, they are bound by professional confidentiality.

Is Life Coaching Legit? Yes. However, not just anyone can be a Life Coach.

“The profession of Life Coaching is regulated by the International Coach Federation, (ICF) which certifies Life Coaching Institutes and graduates who have passed the academic, skills and supervised clinical requirements with at least 125 hours of certified graduate level academic knowledge and clinical training.”

MAKE SURE THAT YOUR LIFE COACH IS CERTIFIED

So many people can benefit from having a Certified Life Coach, but not a lot of people know that, and furthermore are a little lost when it comes to what they would talk about. Here are 5 major categories that, again, being biased, my father specializes in when it comes to your goals, whatever they may be:

I. Stage of Life Challenges:

These can also be called adult developmental challenges. The intensity to address these tend to progress by age. A completed challenge moves to the background while incomplete ones keep emerging to the forefront.

For example:

• For young adults: autonomy, finding career and mate…

• For midlife: Balancing personal, work and family demands…

• Establishing and maintaining a long-term relationship…

• Being in the “sandwich” generation”…

• End of life issues…

II. Work and Career Challenges:

• Short term job challenges with tasks, or work relationships.

• Crafting a better job fit.

• Navigating medium to long term career goals.

• Sabbatical or even summer vacation planning.

• Retirement. What could be more important than crafting your new life?

III. Personal Challenges:

This is a broad category that includes short, medium and long term goals related to:

• Past experiences, patterns, anxieties, stuck or fearful places.

• Ambitions.

• Life plans.

IV. Consults:

These are typically very short-term, well-defined creative problem solving meetings.

V. Transitions:

Transitions are core to all change. They require time and close attention to do gracefully and effectively.

Any successful change must be consistent with both your goals and your values. Having someone who knows you, who you can trust and will support your goals makes change easier. My father’s clients have found the discussions on these topics to be a worthwhile use of their time. You needn’t decide which of the above best characterize your interest. Your focus will emerge as you begin to describe your situation.

If any of the above resonates with you, head on over to www.elyzimmerman.com to learn more about if having a Certified Life Coach is for you. If it is, reach out to him and mention this article for a discount on your first three sessions.

In the end, you don’t have anything to lose. But you have much to gain.