The life coaching industry has exploded recently, with an expected market value of 6.25 billion in 2024. It’s one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States – for good reason.
In an era of uncertainty, life coaches help people navigate their biggest challenges, set goals, overcome obstacles, and achieve their dreams.
Life Coaching Industry
Though people have been coaching others since the dawn of civilization, the industry formally began in 1995, when professional coach Thomas Leonard started the International Coach Federation (ICF) as a professional network of coaches.
Over the past 30 years, the industry has morphed into a global giant, with nearly 150,000 active life coaches helping clients achieve their goals.
People from all walks of life hire coaches to guide them. Coaches can help clients find their purpose, live their values, and accomplish their goals.
Corrie Duffy, owner of Corrie Cooks, sought guidance from a life coach when he felt stuck in both his personal and professional life. “I knew I wanted change but wasn’t sure how to move forward or even what direction to take,” he shared.
Benefits of Coaching
Life coaching offers clients immeasurable benefits, from motivation to mentorship and clarity to action plans.
Clients get a cheerleader who is on their team and will motivate them to succeed. They also get a trusted professional to help them clarify their goals, see problems from fresh perspectives, define their strengths, and develop their weaknesses.
Richard Mattingley, founder of Share the Struggle, hired a coach to improve his leadership skills and problem-solving abilities. “Given my background in project management and mental health, I felt the need to integrate a more holistic approach to leadership,” he shared. “The life coach helped me connect my professional goals with personal values, fostering better alignment in my work and interactions.”
Duffy says his coach helped him gain clarity in what he wanted and design an action plan to achieve it. “My coach helped me identify limiting beliefs, create a clear vision, and develop a roadmap for success. The accountability and encouragement made a huge difference in staying on track.”
John Wilson, owner of Wilson Plumbing and Heating, says he used a life coach to improve his leadership skills and manage the stress of owning a small business.
“Life coaching has been transformative, helping me grow both personally and professionally,” he shared. “Regular check-ins kept me accountable and motivated, while stress management techniques improved my decision-making and overall well-being.”
Coaching All Areas of Life
Life coaches can assist with many aspects of your life, including relationships, career, finance, wellness, life skills, leadership, business, recovery, or spirituality. They can help you find or become a better partner, write a killer resume and discover your dream job, develop healthier lifestyle habits, enhance your leadership skills, or learn to be more empathetic.
Some offer holistic services, focusing on the big picture, while others specialize in specific niches. However, despite everything a life coach can do, it’s essential to understand that they are not therapists. Most do not have a background in psychology, and they can’t assist with mental health problems or trauma.
Life coaches look forward, not back.
How To Find a Life Coach
Many people find their coaches via family, friends, and colleagues. Ask your network for recommendations; you may be surprised to learn how many people you know have secretly benefited from coaching.
However, you can also find a coach on your own. Life coach offerings abound on professional networking sites like LinkedIn and Bark, while a simple internet search can help you find a coach near you.
Before hiring a coach, you must decide what you hope to gain from the experience so you can find someone who best suits your needs.
“I specifically chose a coach specializing in career and spiritual growth, reflecting the approach we use at Share The Struggle, which combines professional development with faith-based insights,” shared Mattingly.
In addition, you should interview multiple coaches to ensure the person you hire is the right fit.
Andrew Pickett, trial attorney and founder of Andrew Picket Law, agrees and shares his process for finding the right coach.
“For me, it started with researching professionals who aligned with my values and goals. I paid attention to their credentials, client testimonials, and general approach to coaching. After a few consultations, I chose someone who truly understood my needs and could hold me accountable in a way that motivated me.”
Ultimately, coaching can improve your life. “A good coach can help you unlock your potential,” says Duffy. “I discovered strengths I hadn’t fully recognized and learned how to lean into them.”
You can achieve your full potential, too. Consider coaching, and embark upon a journey of self-improvement you didn’t even realize was possible.
