Life Coaches: What They Do and How to Pick One

Hiring a life coach can feel odd at first — paying someone to ask questions and hold you accountable — but the right coach speeds up change. They help set clear goals, build simple plans, and keep you honest when motivation fades. Think of a coach as a guide for action, not a therapist for past trauma.

Life coaches work with people on career moves, daily habits, confidence, time management, and transitions like starting a business or changing cities. Coaches use tools such as goal-setting frameworks, accountability check-ins, journaling prompts, and small weekly tasks. Their job is to make progress measurable and repeatable.

How to choose a life coach

Start with the outcome you want. If you need career clarity, search for career or executive coaches. If you want better habits, look for habit coaches. Specialization matters. Check experience and training — many good coaches are certified by bodies like the ICF (International Coach Federation), but real results often come from track record, not just certificates.

Ask about the coaching format: one-off sessions, monthly packages, or weekly calls. Most people benefit from a 3–6 month plan with weekly or biweekly sessions. Pricing varies: in India, beginner coaches might charge around 1,0003,000 per session, experienced coaches 5,00015,000, and executive coaches can be higher. Look for a trial session or short discovery call to check chemistry before committing.

Questions to ask and red flags

Here are practical questions to ask on a discovery call: What specific results have you helped past clients achieve? How long did it take? What exactly happens in a session? Do you provide homework and tracking? What is your cancellation and refund policy? Can you share client references or case studies?

Watch for red flags: any coach promising instant fixes, guaranteeing outcomes, diagnosing mental health issues, or refusing a simple contract. Also be wary of very high upfront fees with no clear plan. Good coaches set realistic expectations, explain methods, and focus on measurable steps.

Coaching works best when you do the work between sessions. Expect simple action items, accountability, and honest feedback. If a coach only gives pep talks without tools or tracking, you wont get lasting change.

Want to try before you commit? Look for group programs, short workshops, or free webinars where you can sample the coachs style. Online coaching is just as effective for many goals and often cheaper; in-person can help if you prefer face-to-face energy.

Finally, trust your gut. Skills and credentials matter, but chemistry matters more. If a coach makes you feel understood and gives clear next steps, thats a strong sign. Check our posts tagged "life coaches" for tips, real stories, and practical reviews to help you decide.