5 Things You Didn't Know About Coaching

Everybody knows about coaching these days, but despite its popularity, there are still consistent misconceptions surrounding the concept of coaching—what it is, how it works, and who it’s for. 

As coaches, we want to clear that up. Here are five common misconceptions and little-known facts about the process of coaching professionals. 

5 things you didn’t know about coaching 

1. Not all coaching programs are built the same

There are hundreds of coaching programs out there, but here’s the thing: no two coaching programs are exactly alike. From life coaching to executive coaching, every program is different, and not everyone will get the same things out of each. What might be right for you will not necessarily be right for someone else—it depends on how you respond to certain kinds of coaching and coaches. 

The best coaching programs are those that understand the importance of tailoring their approach based on your needs. Finding the right fit means finding a coaching program that’s aligned with your deeper beliefs—and you shouldn’t settle for anything less. 

2. Coaching is not about achieving goals 

While setting and achieving goals might be part of the coaching journey, coaching can be about so much more. Great coaching goes deeper: instead of just focusing on goals themselves, it’s about uncovering and challenging the beliefs that are getting in the way of achieving said goals.

In other words, by gaining a deeper understanding of your thought patterns, you can identify the underlying factors driving your actions, and whether or not those actions are truly aligned with your goals. Through this process of self-discovery, you can then enact meaningful and sustainable changes to how you live. 

3. Coaching is not the same as mentorship or therapy 

It's really important to distinguish coaching from mentorship and therapy. While mentorship involves learning from a seasoned professional in your industry, and therapy focuses on exploring past experiences to create change, coaching occupies a distinct space. Unlike therapy, which may delve extensively into past traumas, coaching is more future-focused, geared towards helping clients live their best lives. Similarly, coaching differs from mentorship in its broader scope and emphasis on personal growth rather than solely on professional development.

4. Coaching can be shorter and more impactful than therapy

Unlike traditional therapy, which may span several months or even years, coaching often operates on a shorter timeline. High-impact coaching programs prioritize frequent and intense communication, fostering rapid progress and tangible results. Through techniques such as journaling and daily check-ins, clients receive personalized support and guidance tailored to their specific needs. The emphasis on efficiency and immediacy distinguishes coaching from therapy. 

5. Coaching is for those ready to move quickly through challenges 

While you may already have the determination to tackle challenges on your own, coaching offers a faster and more efficient path to growth. By partnering with a skilled coach, clients benefit from expert guidance, support and connection. Whether navigating career transitions, overcoming personal obstacles, or striving for peak performance, coaching empowers individuals to unlock their full potential and achieve their aspirations with greater ease and speed—much faster than if you were to attempt to do so alone. 

The best way to find out about coaching? Try it

When done right, coaching can be a life-changing experience. Not only does it help you “level up” in life, but it also helps you decide what leveling up really  looks like for you. 

Coaching uncovers the answers to questions like:

• Are your actions actually leading you towards what you really, really want? 
• What are the beliefs that are holding you back from living a more enjoyable life?
• How can you experience a life of consistent ease, peace, exhilaration and fulfillment?
• What are your personal roadblocks, and how can we tackle them?
• What does the BEST version of you look like?

If these are the kinds of questions you’re curious to explore, the best way to do so is by trying out coaching for yourself! Get in touch with us—we LOVE meeting new people, and we’d love to see if we’re a good fit for each other.