Below are seven powerful questions to ask yourself before hiring a coach. Think of them as your personal compass. No fancy journal required (unless you love that sort of thing).

By reflecting on these questions, you’ll gain clarity on your intentions and be better equipped to make an informed decision about this powerful partnership.

7 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Hiring a Life Coach:

1. What specific area(s) of my life do I want to improve or focus on?

Life coaching is a broad field, covering everything from relationships and career to health, personal development, and overall well-being. Before you can find a coach who specializes in your area of need, you must first identify that area.

Consider the areas you want to improve, such as relationships or work-life balance. Identify your primary focus to narrow your search for a coach with relevant experience and expertise.

According to life coach Jennifer Clay, ACC “Often, we decide to make changes in our lives because we’ve been told we ‘should’ by media, society, our doctors, etc. But if we don’t have our own reason for the change—if it’s not true for us—we’ll begin to resist at the first sign of discomfort. There’s not enough intrinsic motivation to push through, and it will feel much better to stay in the comfort zone. You need a clear, personal reason for going through the mountains to get to your goal. Change is easier when you know where you’re going and why it’s worth it.”

If you want to explore what you truly want, read this article.

2. What do I hope to achieve by hiring a life coach? (What are my desired outcomes?)

Knowing why you want to work with a life coach and the outcomes you envision is vital. This clarity may be challenging to achieve, but setting clear goals provides a framework for both you and your coach to measure progress and stay focused. Consider what success looks like at the end of your coaching journey, such as overcoming limiting beliefs or building a stronger personal brand. Defining your desired outcomes will help you articulate your needs to potential coaches and ensure you’re on the same page.

For some people, this can be a difficult task that stops them in their tracks. Use a discovery call with a coach to help you get clear. Don’t let this stop you from moving forward.

“Many of my joyriders (clients) come to me thinking that they want a career coach,” according to Joy Coach Christine Kutnick, PCC. “But they quickly figure out that their life doesn’t stop when we enter our office space. The way we show up at work is the same way we show up at home. A life coach is more what they need because they need to address procrastination (which leads to stress at work), self-esteem (which leads to people walking all over them at work), or self-worth (burnout at work).”

3. What qualities and coaching style do I want in a life coach?

The coach/ client relationship is built on trust and compatibility. Trust and comfort are essential to being thought partners. There are coaches who are very formal, and there are others who lean into creativity, as well as some who focus on the spiritual aspects of life. What would be compatible for you?

Reflect on your preferred style. Consider your communication preferences and what kind of support you need to feel motivated and engaged. Scheduling get-to-know-you call with potential coaches can help you assess chemistry and determine if there’s a connection. All coaches on Coach Link Up offer a free get-to-know-you call.

4. What level of time, energy, and financial investment am I willing to make?

Life coaching requires a commitment of time, energy, and financial resources. It’s important to be realistic about what you can commit to the process. According to Netflix host Ramit Sethi, the average cost to work with a coach is between $200-1000+ per month. Coach Link Up has a variety of coaches, ranging from $175 to $500 per session. Some coaches hold group sessions, and this option is usually more affordable.

Think about how much time you can dedicate to coaching sessions and the work you’ll do between sessions, as well as your budget for coaching services. Research the typical cost of life coaching and determine what you can comfortably afford.

Coach Link Up is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to coaching. Because of that, they have many coaches who offer lower-cost coaching services based on application. If you’re interested in this service, email them and they’ll be more than happy to send you an application.

5. How will I measure my progress and success during coaching sessions?

Having benchmarks for success will help you and your coach track your progress and celebrate your achievements.

Know what metrics you want to see. Discuss with potential coaches how they track progress and measure success to ensure their approach aligns with your expectations.

Some coaches have a system to reflect on growth, and some do not. Make sure you talk about this with your coach before finalizing your agreement so that you’re on the same page.

6. Are you willing to grow and change, even when it’s uncomfortable?

Life coaching often involves stepping outside of your comfort zone and challenging limiting beliefs. Be prepared for moments of discomfort and the willingness to embrace change.

Ask yourself if you’re ready to be challenged and make the necessary changes, even when it feels difficult. Coaching is not a passive process; it requires your active participation and dedication.

Sometimes this means getting an accountability partner (in addition to your coach) who you can lean on to keep you accountable through complex changes.

7. What does my intuition tell me about working with a life coach?

Finding the right life coach is a personal decision, and you are the only person who will know if it is a good fit. Listen to your instincts and pay attention to how you feel during initial consultations.

Tune in to see if you feel a sense of connection and excitement about working with a particular coach. Trust your intuition, combined with your research and self-reflection, to guide you towards a coach who is the right fit for you.

Coaching can help you, but you have to know that you’re ready. Here’s a great article from Ashley Pitt that discusses what she learned from working with a coach.

Conclusion: Asking Good Questions when Looking for Your Next Life Coach Will Get You to Your Next You Quicker. 

Hiring a life coach is an empowering step towards taking control of your life and moving towards where you want to be.

By asking yourself these seven questions, you’re not only getting clear on your intentions but are also preparing yourself for a transformative coaching experience. Choosing to work with a life coach is an investment in your well-being and a commitment to unlocking your full potential.

As you embark on your search for a life coach, approach the process with intention and honesty. With clarity and self-awareness, you can find a life coach who will guide you towards the fulfilling life you desire.

If you’re feeling confused or need personal support to find the right coach, we can make it easy for you to hire the right life coach for your goals.  Consider a free coach matching session with a Coach Link Up team member.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring A  Life Coach?

What is a Life Coach?

This is a question and a valid one if you are thinking that a life coach is the answer. Here is a blog that talks about what a life coach really does. 

How much does a Life Coach cost?

Many people worry that money is going to prevent them from working with a coach since it is not covered by insurance.  Life Coaches are typically less expensive than Executive Coaches or some other coaches. 

At Coach Link Up, we believe that everyone should have access to coaching and that is why we have a special program where you can share your goals and your situation, and we will try to find a coach who will provide low-cost coaching to you 

How long do you typically work with a Life Coach?

That really depends on what goal you are working on and how the coach runs their programs.  Find a coach and tell them what you want to work on, and they can typically estimate how long it will take to get you where you want to be.