So, you’re about to, or have already booked your coaching session—yay for you!
You’re about to embark on an exciting personal growth journey.
Just like planning a vacation, there are a few things you can do to prepare for the process and speed up success. Let’s look at some simple steps to get started!
Adding a Touch of Travel
Coaching can be an amazing adventure: setting your destination (oaching goal), preparing for the journey, discovering new perspectives, and often ending up changed for the better.
As a life coach, I bring a touch of travel to each session—because travel has shaped my life in countless ways. From growing up with parents in the tourism industry, spending four years in Africa, working in Costa Rica, studying international business and tourism abroad, to embracing the digital nomad lifestyle for years 🌍
These experiences showed me how both external and internal journeys can lead to profound transformation. How about you, ready to board, I mean, find out more?
1. Determining Your Destination
When you’re planning a vacation, one of the first things you’ll usually decide on is your destination. Similarly, in coaching, you’ll want to think about your destination in life. What would success look like for you? Allowing yourself to dream, as you ask yourself:
- What is my “why” for embarking on this coaching journey?
- Which changes would I like to see in my life and myself?
- What would I like to get out of this session?
- How would my ideal life look and feel?
You can think of it as setting your intention for the journey ahead. Clarifying your vision can give you a sense of direction.
2. The Preparation Phase
After you’ve decided on your destination, it’s time to get practical.
For a vacation, that might mean searching for a suitable time period, hotel, flight, etc. For coaching, this is where we narrow our focus.
Life can feel overwhelming with so many things to work on. But no worries—we’re going to keep it simple. I recommend focusing on just 1–3 areas of your life that feel most pressing right now. This will give you a sense of control and clarity, making it easier to get started. Here are some life areas to consider:
- Purpose & Direction
- Rest & Relaxation
- Work & Finances
- Friendship & Family
- Fun & Hobbies
- Love & Marriage
As you take a look at each, notice which one (or two, or max three!) may stir the strongest emotions or feel most important to you right now: Trust your gut. Or if you’re a Christian: Trust your God! That’s where we’ll start.
3. Booking Your Trip
Now that you’ve decided on your destination and narrowed down your focus, it’s time to book your ticket. Or in coaching terms, it’s time to book your Free Clarity Call or session if you haven’t already!
When you do, you’ll receive a form that will help guide you through the process. It’s short and sweet, designed to help you think about your goals and focus. Think of it as getting your “boarding pass”—you’re officially on your way!
If you have booked your session, make sure you’ve marked it in your calendar, along with some time afterward to rest, reflect or take some notes.
4. Your Itinerary
Not that you’ve booked your trip—the anticipation can begin! In the same way you’d research activities for your vacation, this is where you get clear on what you want to focus on during our session.
Try formulating your goal with the same excitement and positivity you would when planning a fun trip.
So for instance, instead of saying, “I don’t want to feel stressed,” make it, “I want to feel calm and balanced every day.” If you’re unsure of your goal, no worries! We’ll refine it together in your first session.
5. Packing Your Suitcase
Your session is coming up, and it’s time to pack! Thankfully, you don’t need to worry about weight limits or space restrictions with coaching. All you need is a few key items:
Curiousity: Be ready to look at your life and yourself from a fresh perspective. Courage: Sometimes, coaching means facing tough things.
Courage isn’t about being fearless—it’s about being willing to open your heart and be honest with yourself and your coach.
Commitment: Coaching works best when you make yourself a priority. If there’s “homework,” trust that it will help you get closer to your goals. The more committed you are, the faster you’ll reach your destination!
6. Day Of Departure: Double-Check Your Hand Luggage
Okay, I’m taking this vacation metaphor a bit far, but we’ve almost arrived 😉
The final step is double-checking your hand luggage before the trip. The day of your session, make sure you’re prepared by:
- Charging your phone or computer
- Making sure the lighting is good so I can actually see you! 😉
- Having your favorite drink nearby
Then all that’s left is to sit back, relax, and get ready for takeoff…
7. Bonus Tip: Creating a Journal of Your Journey
Each coaching session can feel like a mini-vacation for your mind, where you make new memories, even literally, reframing old patterns into positive and constructive ways of thinking. Along the way, you’ll gather valuable “souvenirs”, little life-changing insights and inspiration.
After a vacation you might make a photo album to keep the memories alive. When you return to everyday life after a coaching session, you could track your transformation by creating a journal of your journey. After each session, jot down key takeaways, aha-moments, and any new perspectives you’ve gained.
This journal can help you reflect on your progress, remind you of your growth, and reignite your inspiration whenever you need it.
Let The Journey Begin
Preparing by means of these seven small steps will help you dive deeper and travel faster toward your goals, while of course enjoying the ride along the way. No worries if you haven’t had the chance to prepare perfectly—we’ll work through these steps together, keeping it sweet and simple.
Coaching is a safe space to explore, dream, and discover new perspectives without pressure. Your coaching journey isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, it’s an adventure as unique as you are. I’d be honored to travel alongside you for a while, accompanying you in creating clarity and taking inspired action toward a life that lights you up!
What are your thoughts? Which step in the preparation process stood out for you? Or is there something you’d add to feel more ready for your coaching journey? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
Wishing you an amazing and adventurous rest of your day!
Image source: Saltinourhair.com
Book Your FREE Clarity Call
In this mini-coaching and Q&A session, we’ll get to know eachother and see if we ‘click’ as we start clarifying your coaching theme.
Schedule this 30 minute video call to ignite your inspiration. I look forward to meeting you!