Goals are not the goal of coaching

Today’s blog is a short one, but it’s all the more important because of it. The reason for this particular blog is that we’ve had multiple clients who don’t know the purpose of coaching. 

And that’s okay! It’s not their job to know the ins and outs of coaching from the get-go. But not knowing what executive coaching goals are—what the true purpose of coaching is, and how coaches go about helping their clients achieve it—can stop even the most ambitious clients from getting what they want out of coaching.

So, it’s time to clarify, briefly and succinctly, the REAL goal of coaching. Here it is.

The truth behind coaching goals 

When clients come to us, they usually sign up for coaching because they’re dissatisfied. They’re upset with something in their lives, and they want to change it. Most of all, they have specific and important goals that they want to meet. 

That’s all well and good, but it’s also not the focus of coaching.

See, GOALS are not the GOAL of coaching at all.

Instead of being a goal-oriented process, coaching is a belief-oriented process. Rather than helping clients tick off a bucket list of important life milestones, coaching exists to help clients live life with greater fulfillment, ease, peace, harmony, power, satisfaction and happiness. 

The reason why this is the goal of coaching is twofold: first, most people who sign up for executive coaching already know how to achieve goals. They’re hardworking, excitable, driven people who are often entrepreneurs, company leaders, product designers or similarly talented individuals. 

So, it doesn’t really help to have a coach be a “goal cheerleader.” What good would that do except to serve as an echo chamber for someone who is already skilled and capable?

The second reason why goals are not the goal of coaching is because once clients experience real results from coaching—living life with greater peace, ease and satisfaction—goals become much easier to achieve.

Think of goal acquisition as a byproduct of life satisfaction. When clients are happy, inspired, peaceful, thankful, powerful and empowered, they’re far more likely to succeed at the goals that really matter: becoming close with family, maintaining great friendships, enjoying relationships, succeeding professionally, living creatively, helping others, you name it. 

So, while it’s a subtle distinction, the distinction is still important. Instead of ticking off boxes, executive coaching goals are all about showing clients how to reorient their beliefs in order to live better lives.

And that’s it! Now you know the Frame of Mind Coaching™ secret.  

If you’re interested in learning more about goals vs. beliefs, jump on a call with one of our coaches today.