Life Coaching: Erm...what's that?

Oh no...the Monopoly is coming out!

Ever done something and then thought, Well, there’s three hours of my life I’ll never get back? I know that feeling well. I’m surrounded by people who love playing board games—but not just any games, the epic ones that drag on forever. Me? I’m all about a quick game of Kerplunk. Sure, it takes a while to set up, but it’s fast, simple, and over before you start questioning your life choices.

In my family, I’m the one who always wants to change the game. Whenever Monopoly comes out, I find myself diving in slow motion like Tom Cruise in a Mission Impossible film for the Battleships box, desperate to avoid another long night of watching my money disappear while sitting in jail.

But there’s one thing in life that is a total game-changer (and no, I’m not being dramatic):

Life Coaching.

When people ask what I do, I usually just say, “I’m a Coach”—mainly because the term Life Coach sometimes triggers a mix of awkward pauses, polite nods, or curious squints. The most common response I hear is: Erm… What exactly is that?

So let’s unpack it.

Imagine you’re sitting in a coffee shop. You’re someone who’s trying to do life well. You care about growing, being a good human, living with purpose. You’re ticking all the boxes, showing up, working hard, being there for others, but something still feels off. You feel a bit stuck. Maybe you wrestle with self-doubt, lack direction, or just feel overwhelmed by the busyness of everything. You know something needs to change, but you’re not quite sure where to begin.

Now, picture someone sitting across from you. They’re not there to give you advice or tell you what to do. Instead, they’re asking thoughtful, challenging questions. They’re really listening and helping you dig deep, uncover your own answers, and get clarity on what’s next. That’s coaching.

And yes, it really is a game-changer.

1. Life Coaching Encourages Ownership of Your Journey

A coach doesn’t give you a to-do list or five-step plan. They help you take ownership of your own growth. The best coaches ask questions that cut through the noise and get to the heart of what really matters.

It’s about shifting from passively going through the motions to actively shaping your own life. It’s about pressing pause and asking: What’s holding me back? What do I want more of? What small, intentional step could I take today to move forward?

Stephen Covey put it well: “The key is not in spending time, but in investing it.” Coaching is all about helping you invest wisely. In your time, your energy, and your potential.

2. Coaching Is Rooted in Growth and Self-Awareness

Coaching is transformation in action. It’s about rewiring the way you think, breaking free from unhelpful habits, and building better ones. Think of it like updating the software in your brain. Less glitchy loops, more conscious choices.

Books like Atomic Habits by James Clear highlight this idea beautifully: “Every action you take is a vote for the person you want to become.” Coaching helps you decide who that person is and how to get there.

Coaching creates a space where you can become more self-aware, challenge your inner critic, and uncover the values and patterns that are shaping your life, often without you even realising it.

3. Coaching Helps You Face Fear and Move Forward

Most of us have things we’d love to do, but fear gets in the way. We wait for clarity before making a move, not realising that clarity often comes after we’ve taken the first step.

Coaching helps you face fear without shame. It’s not about “fixing” yourself, it’s about learning how to move forward with fear, rather than letting it call the shots.

As Susan Jeffers famously said, “Feel the fear and do it anyway.” Coaching gives you the tools and confidence to do just that.

4. Coaching Builds Accountability and Momentum

Let’s be honest, we all need someone who checks in, champions us, and gently nudges us when we’re tempted to drift. That’s where a coach comes in.

Coaching creates a space that’s supportive, structured, and safe. It’s free from judgment, power dynamics, or pressure. Just a real person, walking alongside you, helping you stay committed to the things you say matter most.

Whether it’s your health, career, relationships, or mindset—coaching keeps you moving forward, even when life gets messy.

5. Coaching Bridges the Gap Between Ideas and Action

We all have ideas about the life we want to live. But turning those ideas into reality? That’s where most of us get stuck.

Coaching helps you take abstract hopes and turn them into real-world action. Whether you're navigating a career crossroads, setting boundaries in relationships, or just trying to live with more intention, coaching helps you bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

And the beauty of it is: the answers don’t come from the coach. They come from you. Coaching simply helps you discover what’s already there and then build the confidence to act on it.

Bringing It Together

Coaching is a space where you get to pause, reflect, recalibrate, and take empowered steps forward.

It doesn’t matter what season you’re in! Whether you feel stuck, lost, overwhelmed, or just ready for something more, coaching meets you right where you are and helps you figure out where you want to go next.

So here’s a few questions to ponder:

What area of your life feels stuck or off-track right now?

What would progress look like?

How could having someone in your corner help you move forward?

Life coaching isn’t just a trendy buzzword. It’s a powerful, practical way to step into greater clarity, ownership, and growth. And if you're still not sure what it's all about, let's chat. 

Or better yet, fancy a game of Buckaroo?