If you are reading this, I'm guessing you are at least somewhat interested in the idea of coaching. You may read these Tune-Ups monthly looking for low-key, easy ideas around your personal growth and development. And, perhaps over these past months you have opted to do the enriching challenges at the end of each Tune-Up which serve to deepen your learning on whatever issue it happens to be that month.

Through these Tune-Ups, I have given you a glimpse at some of the topics that come up in a coaching relationship. If you're a regular reader, you've most likely noticed the wide range of possibilities - anything from career development to nurturing your creativity to improving communication with family members.

Doing quick exercises or reading about personal growth are great ways to spark some initial energy around these and other important areas, but how do you know if you are ready to really kick start your forward motion by working one-on-one with a coach? If you have considered hiring a coach like me but are unsure what is involved, read on. I'll break it down for you!

• A coach is a skilled listener and is intuitive about your particular life situation. Your coach knows the right questions to ask and helps you ask important questions of yourself as well. 
    
• A coach keeps you on target and on task as you travel your path toward what is most important to you. 
   
• A coach is very encouraging, but doesn't let you off the hook! Your coach promises to be direct and honest while working to bring out your best self.

What is important to know about being a coaching client?  

• First of all, be ready to make positive changes in your life. Readiness means you have been thinking about these changes long enough and you now are ready for action. It can be be at your own pace, but it is action nonetheless.
   
• Choose a coach you really click with. A pre-coaching conversation or a sample session can help you determine that. Or, to see whether you and I might click for coaching, try out this online questionnaire. 
   
• Know that there will be work involved for you during the coaching relationship. The work will be co-created by you and your coach and will be customized for your needs. Some work is introspective and some work is action oriented - either way, it is the fuel for your progress!
   
• Be sure to tell your coach how best to work with you and what motivates you the most. You are the expert on yourself so you can direct your coach on how to help you. And if your coach is off track, she wants to know that. 

Your challenge for this month: Take an hour or so out of your week to think and write about your important goals for the coming six or twelve months. If you find that your goals seem somewhat stalled or stuck in place, consider what you might want to do about that. Talk it over with a friend or close family member for another perspective on what might help.  

If you'd like to, contact me and try out a sample coaching session with no cost to you and no obligation to continue. Coaching often helps move folks forward, even after only one or two sessions.