Why Everyone Needs a Coach in Life: A Future-Focused Approach to Achieving Your Goals
Imagine yourself two years from now, having reached the goal you're working on today. How does that feel?
Instead of focusing on how your past shaped who you are, think about how your future can shape your present actions.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-white-top-looking-at-corkboard-6931974/
Dr. Benjamin Hardy, an expert in future-focused psychology, offers a powerful concept: work backward from the future you want. Instead of letting your past dictate who you are, coaching encourages you to act as the future version of yourself—right now.
What would your future self need you to do today to get there?
It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to make a career shift, lose weight, or start a passion project—having a coach provides clarity, accountability, and insight.
Coaches help you move beyond the surface goals and tap into the deeper “why” behind what you want. You’re not just tackling tasks, you’re shaping the person you need to be to achieve success.
Try this exercise:
✔️ Close your eyes and picture your future self in two years. You’ve achieved the goal you’re currently working on—what advice would this version of you give to your current self? How can you start living that way today?
Video by cottonbro studio: https://www.pexels.com/video/an-exhausted-woman-leaning-on-her-work-desk-9063503/
Humans naturally perform better when someone is holding them accountable. Without deadlines or external check-ins, procrastination and distraction often take over.
Coaches keep you focused and on track, making sure your goals don’t just sit on a wish list but turn into action plans with consistent progress.
Let’s dig deeper into your motivation by asking five times why you want to achieve your current goal:
1️⃣ Why do I want to achieve this?
- To grow in my career.
2️⃣ Why do I want to grow in my career?
- To have more financial stability.
3️⃣ Why is financial stability important to me?
- So I can live more freely.
4️⃣ Why do I want to live more freely?
- To spend time on things that matter to me.
5️⃣ Why does that matter?
- Because joy and fulfillment are what truly drives me.
Now, your goal isn't just about career growth. It’s about finding joy and fulfillment—and a coach will help you keep this at the forefront of your journey.
Everyone Can Benefit from a Coach
Whether it’s a business project, a personal goal, or simply self-improvement, coaching is the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be. It’s not just about giving you tasks—it’s about guiding you to become the future version of yourself, one step at a time.
So, what kind of future do you want to create for yourself? And how can a coach help you start living that future today? Let’s start creating the future you deserve. Take the first step toward your goals today!
References:
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2000). The "what" and "why" of goal pursuits: Human needs and the self-determination of behavior. Psychological Inquiry, 11(4), 227-268. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15327965PLI1104_01
Grant, A. M., & O’Connor, S. A. (2019). The impact of life coaching on goal attainment, metacognition, and mental health. Social Behavior and Personality: An International Journal, 47(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.8106
Kane, S. (2023). Why life coaching works: The science behind achieving goals. Retrieved from https://positivepsychology.com
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705–717. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.57.9.705
Neenan, M. (2008). Life coaching: A cognitive behavioural approach. Routledge.
Stober, D. R., & Grant, A. M. (2006). Evidence-based coaching handbook: Putting best practices to work for your clients. Wiley.
Wilson, C. (2011). Best practice in performance coaching: A handbook for leaders, coaches, HR professionals, and organizations. Kogan Page.
Forbes Coaches Council. (2019). Why coaching matters: The science and benefits of professional coaching. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com
Harvard Business Review. (2019). What can coaches do for you? Retrieved from https://hbr.org
International Coach Federation. (2024). Global coaching study. Retrieved from https://coachingfederation.org
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