What is Wellbeing?
The meaning of wellbeing, according to the dictionary, is being comfortable, healthy, or happy. However, there is a deeper layer to this definition. Individuals have varying strengths and weaknesses, leading to different levels of contentment, health, and happiness in different aspects of their lives. Areas where one feels inadequate can negatively affect other areas and overall wellbeing, whether this perception or reality. Enhancing personal well-being is a personalized journey that involves targeting specific areas for improvement. The ultimate goal is to achieve outcomes tailored to each individual's needs.
For instance, you might excel in your job and have financial stability, yet struggle with your relationship with your children, affecting your home life negatively. Alternatively, you could be dealing with a loss, impacting your mental well-being, physical fitness, and focus. Your aim might be to enhance your contribution to society or pursue a more fulfilling career. The results will vary for each individual.
Living in a state of wellbeing means:
- You will have a sense of purpose
- You feel your life has meaning
- Your stress levels will be low
- You are a productive contributing member of society
- You will be physically and mentally healthy and strong
Recognizing that you are not where you want to be is a starting point to begin changing your life.
What is a Wellbeing Coach?
A wellbeing coach is a professional who adopts a comprehensive approach to help clients lead healthy and satisfying lives. Rather than concentrating on a single issue, the coach works together with clients to tackle challenges in all areas of their lives.
In this role, the coach doesn't dictate actions but works closely with clients to pinpoint difficulties and areas needing attention. By helping clients clarify their core values, establish priorities, and envision the future, the coach guides them towards actions that align with their goals, fostering personal growth. Together, achievable goals with measurable outcomes and timelines are set.
Think of a wellbeing coach as a mentor or guide rather than someone who can "fix" you. The coach equips clients with tools to empower them to work on themselves. Through active listening, thought-provoking questions, and introspection, clients are encouraged to take charge of their lives and address their stressors effectively.
As a wellbeing coach, the focus is on developing and implementing a comprehensive wellbeing program. The coach ensures clients stay motivated, energized, and inspired to execute the necessary steps. While guidance and support are provided, the onus lies on the client to commit and follow through with the program to achieve the desired results.
Ultimately, the success of the program hinges on the client's engagement and willingness to take action.
What Areas Can a Wellbeing Coach Help With?
Remember that well-being covers all areas, striving to be aligned and healthy across every aspect of your life is the ultimate goal. I can assist you in quieting that inner voice that repeatedly focuses on things you "can't do" and support you in replacing those thoughts with positivity and self-confidence.
Career issues – Is it time to look for a new direction?
Relationships – Are you unhappy in your current relationship?
Health – Do you need to look at implementing exercise and healthy eating? Do you know you need to lose some weight?
Mental health – Are you lacking in self-confidence? Or are there other areas of concern?
Empowerment – Do you need to ‘take control’ of your life on your terms?
Lack of focus and/or direction – Do you feel ‘stuck’? Do you feel that you have somehow ‘lost your way’?
The above areas are typically addressed separately, with the hope that resolving one problem will positively impact others. While improvements in one area may lead to enhancements in other aspects, it is akin to repairing a car – fixing the brakes will not influence the engine, just like focusing solely on a relationship matter may not address an underlying desire for a career change, which could be the root cause of other issues.
The unique skill of a wellbeing coach is their ability to understand the interconnectedness of all aspects of their client's life. They assist in developing personalized programs and lifestyles that promote positivity and happiness.
Who Has Wellbeing Coaches?
The answer is, likely more individuals than you realize!
Over the past fifty years, the majority of the UK population has experienced an increase in wealth. Nevertheless, data from population surveys suggests that we are currently experiencing higher levels of stress, reduced happiness, and decreased fulfillment compared to previous times. In essence, our WELLBEING has not improved proportionately to our prosperity.
Due to funding and staffing challenges impacting waiting times in the NHS, individuals are starting to explore alternative ways to efficiently seek help and support themselves within a shorter period, which also more personally tailored to what they want or need. The higher awareness of the gap of discontent in our personal well-being has led to a rise in the wellness industry. We now understand that being well involves more than just physical health. As a result, many are seeking support from well-being and lifestyle coaches to enhance their lives. Seeking coaching or counseling is now more widely accepted, as it is seen as a positive step towards improving our well-being and aligning our lives.
Many well-known people talk openly about engaging coaches, Oprah Winfrey, Leonardo DiCaprio, Bill Clinton, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, Hugh Jackman to name but a few. But coaching is not just for the rich and famous! It has become more socially acceptable to admit we are not always happy and as coaching has become more mainstream and accessible (in no small part due to the internet) more of us are engaging the services of a wellbeing coach. I would like to see in the future that wellbeing coaching is the norm and available to everyone, in all walks of life.
Is a Wellbeing Coach Right for You?
Life is full of challenges, and how we respond varies from person to person. While some handle difficulties effortlessly, others need time and support to navigate through them. Offering a helping hand, guidance, and support can make a significant difference.
If you aim to enhance your life, become a better version of yourself, unlock your full potential, boost your confidence, build resilience, accomplish specific goals, tackle obstacles, nurture relationships, or advance your career, wellbeing coaching could be the perfect fit for you.
Why not reach out to me via phone or message to explore if coaching aligns with your needs? I'm easy to talk to, and we can delve into your personal aspirations.
How Long Does Coaching Take?
As with all things ‘coaching’ there is no definitive answer to how long an individual will require coaching assistance. It depends on several things, including:
- What the issues are
- The client’s motivation
- How ready the client is to make changes
To get the best out of their service, a coach will expect you to fully commit to learning the tools required to improve your life, otherwise nothing will change!
If you are considering coaching take a look at this list, can you make (and keep) these promises in order to improve your wellbeing?
- Are you prepared to allow yourself to make your health and wellbeing a priority?
- Are you able to be totally honest with your coach and, more importantly, yourself?
- Will you promise to focus on the positives in your journey to wellbeing, leaving any negativity behind?
- Are you prepared to take full control of your own life?
- Will you commit to getting rid of any harmful habits (smoking for example)?
- Will you allow yourself to fully enjoy all the good things in your life?
- Are you willing to accept that you are a unique individual and not a clone or carbon copy of someone else?
- Will you try new things?
What Are the Outcomes?
The goal of wellbeing coaching is to help individuals achieve contentment and good physical health. This might require significant changes, which can be broken down into smaller steps, along with a continuous dedication to sustain new lifestyle choices and habits. Periodic coaching sessions may be necessary in the future to ensure continued progress.
What Next?
If you are prepared to improve your life, get in touch with me to start this transformative journey. Changing your life doesn't happen overnight, but striving to be the best version of yourself is definitely a goal worth pursuing.