Let’s face it: life coaching’s got an image problem.
You’ve probably heard the jokes — “Is that even a real job?” or “So you’re like a paid friend?” It's partly because a few bad apples spoil the bunch, and partly because it's a bit of a Wild West out there, with everyone and their dog calling themselves a 'coach'.
But can we please set the record straight? A good life coach is not a snake oil salesman. In fact, when done right, life coaching is one of the best investments you can make in yourself.
If you’re a life coach—or thinking about becoming one—it’s time to ditch the imposter syndrome and get clear on what coaching is all about. It’s not about being someone’s cheerleader or a therapist (though a little encouragement never hurts). It's about helping people get unstuck, find their purpose, and live a life that lights them up.
Life coaches who feel like frauds are often struggling with imposter syndrome because they haven’t defined what they truly offer.
As a coach, your job isn’t to be someone’s buddy or to provide surface-level advice. Your responsibility is much deeper—you’re guiding your clients toward a life that has meaning. And that’s no small task.
So, what does it mean to deliver meaning?
According to Viktor Frankl, the legendary psychologist and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, people are driven by purpose, not pleasure. When people can’t find meaning in their lives, they’re hurting and they distract themselves with pleasure. They eat too much, they drink too much, they buy too much, they do drugs—all the things that are fun at the time but leave you feeling empty.
Your job as a coach is to help them break that distraction cycle and create a life that aligns with their core values and aspirations. Your job is to help them have a purpose.
Let’s look at the best ways to make that happen.
Frankl’s philosophy is just as relevant today as it was when he developed it over half a century ago. In fact, it gives us a powerful framework for coaching. He laid out 3 essential pillars–a roadmap, if you will—that lead people to a life overflowing with meaning. It’s the kind of stuff that makes Tony Robbins jealous.
1. A purposeful project
This doesn’t have to be a traditional job or career. It might be raising a family, starting a nonprofit, or even pursuing a creative hobby. What matters is that the project aligns with your client’s values and gives them a sense of accomplishment.
2. Strong community connections
People thrive in community: family, friends, colleagues, churches, adult kickball leagues. Nurturing these relationships gives us support and purpose. As a coach, you can help your clients build and maintain these meaningful connections that often get put on the backburner.
3. A redemptive perspective on suffering
Life is full of unexpected challenges, suffering, and hardships. No one gets to escape it. But a good life coach helps their clients develop a mindset that finds growth and learning in adversity. That doesn’t mean minimizing pain—it means helping them see how their struggles can shape them into stronger, more resilient people.
So, where do you fit into all of this as a life coach? Your first responsibility is to guide your clients through these 3 pillars. You’re helping them find their passion project. You’re nudging them towards deeper connections with their tribe, their community. And when life throws them a curveball, you’re there to help them see the lesson and the silver lining—the redemptive power of their struggles.
But that’s just the beginning. Your real work begins when you help them map out a plan of attack, a strategy to turn their newfound clarity into a life they love.
Here’s what that process might look like:
1. Clarify Their Vision
Sit down with your clients and help them create a vision for their life that touches on every major area—career, health, relationships, spirituality, and community. This is a collaborative process, not something you dictate. You’re there to facilitate self-discovery.
2. Develop a Strategy
Once they have a clear vision, it’s time to break it down into actionable steps. Help them set realistic goals and map out the path forward. A vision without a plan is just a dream — your job is to make it real.
3. Hold Them Accountable
The hardest part of personal growth is often sticking to the plan. That’s what the vast majority of clients are going to be paying you for. Regular check-ins, encouragement, and honest feedback are all essential to keeping your clients on track. A little tough love goes a long way.
A craftsman is only as good as their tools, right? Same goes for coaches. You bring the expertise, but the right tools help your clients stay on track and turn big dreams into reality.
One of the best tools is the Full Focus Planner by Michael Hyatt. It helps clients break down those big, audacious goals into doable daily tasks. It’s perfect for keeping them on track and making sure they’re moving toward their vision every day.
Another great option is the free Hero on a Mission Planner. This one's all about finding and pursuing purpose, based on the wisdom of Viktor Frankl. It's for clients who want a life that's more than just a to-do list.
For fitness-focused clients, the Salt Wrap Planner is like a personal trainer in their pocket. It tracks workouts, meals, the whole deal. Simple and effective.
And finally, the power tools of project management! Platforms like Trello or Asana are great for helping your clients stay organized, keep priorities straight, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
With the right tools, you’re not just helping clients plan—you’re helping them build the life they want.
We partnered with Michael Hyatt -- one of the world's best coaches -- to create a free guide called How to Become a Life Coach.
This guide is packed with actionable insights to help you land your first client in just weeks and start impacting lives as a coach.