Congratulations, you’ve committed to making some changes in your life and have invested in yourself and your future! Your decision to have a life coach at your side to support you as you move forward was a fantastic one, as it can make all the difference in the world for you. Now, how do you make sure you are getting the most out of coaching?
How to prepare for your first session with a life coach

As you prepare for your first session with your life coach, you should be aware of the possible drama your mind may create for you between the time you said “yes” to life coaching and your actual first coaching session.
If you start to doubt yourself, don’t take this as a sign that something has gone wrong. Just understand that whenever you commit to something new, your primal brain will naturally bring up fearful thoughts and other reservations. Its job is to keep you tucked “safely” inside your comfort zone, and when you make changes, things tend to get uncomfortable for a bit. But that’s why you’re hiring a coach, right?
The best way to manage this challenge is to complete your coaching agreement and make your payment right away. Take advantage of the excitement you felt during the initial coaching consultation, when your coach helped you to visualize all the positive ways your life will be impacted through coaching.
Since excitement has a half-life, you’ll want to do this before you have a chance to talk yourself out of it! Every day that goes by between your “yes” and your first session is an invitation for your brain to create reasons to be fearful, confused, or overwhelmed. Completing the onboarding process will nix that drama and firm up your commitment to change through life coaching!
Another ninja mind-trick your brain might play is to tell you that you’re not ready or prepared for coaching because you don’t have all your specific goals identified. Perhaps you’re not even sure of what you want? But once again, this is one of the reasons you’re hiring a coach, right?
It’s not unusual for people who are unhappy or unfulfilled in an area of their life to also feel uncertain about the things they genuinely want. Creating uncertainty is another way the primal brain keeps us stuck. Keep in mind that your new coach will help you clarify the areas you want to focus on and goal(s) you want to achieve. You don’t have to be crystal clear about this in advance.
Finally, prior to your first coaching session, consider picking up a notebook or journal so you can jot down notes, important insights, and big revelations during your meetings. And, if you are still feeling challenged by thoughts of overwhelm or doubts about your decision to hire a life coach, create a list of your thoughts to share with your new coach at your first session. This will be a terrific way to give your coach a glance into your current mindset and direct the conversation to the blocks you most need to address.
What to expect from a coaching session

You may wonder, “What should I expect from a life coaching session?” Simply put, you can expect a whole new world of possibilities to open up as you uncover beliefs that have limited you and create new beliefs that align with your goals!
Throughout the coaching process, your job is to be honest and open to the new thoughts. ideas and insights that will empower you forward. One single shift in thought can dramatically change your entire life!
“Our thoughts become our words, our words become our beliefs, our beliefs become our actions, our actions become our habits, and our habits become our realities.” – Jen Sincero
Action is where you get the real results

One of the laws of physics states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. This law still stands true within the coaching experience. Without action, there can be no change. This seems obvious, but many people stay stuck in their comfort zone for years.
For most, the thought of taking bold action can feel scary and uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to! This is where your coach comes in. She or he will help you create the thoughts and feelings that excite and inspire you. Your coach will be right by your side, cheering you on, as you courageously achieve more than you ever thought possible!
Don’t be afraid to say how you really feel

Many of us were taught to keep our thoughts and feelings to ourselves, especially when it comes to what we desire. We worry about being thought of as selfish or self-indulgent. This of course can hold us back from creating what we want for our lives, or even knowing what that is.
Your coach will create a space for you that feels safe, so you don’t have to hold back. You will be encouraged to explore your dreams and desires without judgment during your coaching sessions.
What do you discuss in a coaching session? This can vary depending on your unique situation and goals. Many people will tell their life coach things they have never told anyone – even themselves. Every coach has a different process; however, your coach will likely provide exercises and practices to help you learn more about yourself, become empowered, and grow.
Get the most from your sessions

You’ve already taken the most important action step by saying “yes” to life coaching, and therefore, saying “yes” to yourself. If you begin to feel overwhelmed by this thought, just remember, you will do this one step at a time. When you stay committed to the process, new opportunities will come your way, and you will realize your dreams. It’s not always easy to stay open to new thoughts, ideas, and insights, but on the other side of this work is the joyful fulfillment you’ve been searching for! This is your time!