How to be the Perfect Client

‘It’s the Age of the Coach.’

Have you heard that one too, recently? Does it strike a chord with you? Not surprisingly, I like it (a lot!), it fills me with hope as well as the affirmation that- things really are changing.
The world is becoming more sensitive and nurturing; feminine.

I love holding onto the belief that soon, ‘coaching’ will be such an understood and socially accepted profession, and that hopefully, more and more people will start seeking out coaches, fuelled by a fire that craves more peace and power. (Let it be known that I myself am on the hunt for a coach too!)

I’ll tell you what else I’m looking forward to- introducing myself as a ‘Life Coach’ without being on the receiving end of raised eyebrows, lost eyes and an expression that screams ‘and… how old are you?’ Maybe my cocktail line needs a little work. Note to self: create a compelling and self-assured cocktail line, and own the shit of it.

In celebration of this revolution, I wanted to share with you a list I created with both of us in mind: How to be the PERFECT Client. This list is just as much for myself as is it for you, and here’s hoping that we become all-the-better clients because of it!

I haven’t dived into the realm of face to face coaching too much (yet!); The Skype is my coaching kingdom of choice (at this stage). Regardless, be present for your session. Sign into Skype, close all your other tabs, boil the kettle and spend a few moments calming your mind, so as not to bring in too much unnecessary stuff. Your coach is holding time and space for you, make it your mission to hold space too, by honouring agreed upon times.

You can download software for about $20 that will allow you to record Skype conversations (e-camm). My advice would be to hop, skip and jump onto that and swiftly add this tool to your personal development arsenal. Taking notes is great, but recording is far more supreme, and ensures you won’t miss out on any nuggets of wisdom while you’re hastily scratching pen across paper. Also- if you are recording, let your coach know. That way, if you’re not taking notes, she understands why.

Make notes. What’s come up for you in the last week/fortnight/month that you’d love your coach to shed light on? Keeping a log of your experiences, questions, a-ha’s and epiphanies will ensure that your next session is relevant and quality-filled. Which brings me to the next point: keep it relevant. Time is so, so precious. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly a 60 minute session whizzes by with my own clients. So, post-session, become a note taking ninja, because this won’t go unnoticed. Your coach will appreciate and celebrate your attention to detail.

I can’t stress how important this is. Marie Forleo talks about this a lot in her line of work, and I agree wholeheartedly. When you’re learning something, at all costs, avoid this mantra: I already know that, or this is nothing new, I’ve heard all this before. Those attitudes won’t serve you, in fact, they’ll glue you down. Show up to your session with an open heart and an open mind, and pretend you’re a child. Instead of defaulting to the mantras mentioned above, become self-curious and perhaps think: Yeah, I did know about XYZ, but I’m not implementing it in my life at the moment. Time to walk my talk! :)

This step is cousins with the previous one. Remain open. Endeavour to be up for anything. Develop tremendous trust. As soon as the ‘Yeah… but’s‘ start creeping in, I automatically think: Resistance. Take the path of least resistance. Be a ‘Yep, I’ll give it a go!’ kinda gal.

Implement, sweet potato! If your coach sets you assignments, or soul-homework, strive to be the best student you can be. It’s time to become the investigator of your own reality. Launch into your assignments with enthusiasm and hope, and then, just notice how your life changes. Honour the love, time and energy that your coach puts into your relationship by wearing a CAN-DO attitude. You’ll be the teachers pet in no time. (Side note: I’m totally still ticking to-do’s off my list from my private coaching retreat with Leonie Dawson. I value that woman SO much, and I trust her, so you bet your ass I continue working through my homework!)

Again, this ties in with ‘Do your homework’. Trust your coach. Trust the cosmic force that brought the two of you together, and trust that you are going to receive exactly the guidance you need.

Really. I mean it. You’re so freaking awesome, and there’s a very good chance that your coach might be able to see your light a lot clearer than you can. Believe it.

How do you want your next coaching session to make you feel? What area of your life REALLY needs some clarity? What do you need to let go of? Set a gorgeous, brand new intention for each and every session, and share this intention with your coach.

Kinesiology session. A new lemurian crystal. Hypoxi sessions. Two smoking hot yoga shirts. Those are the things that are on my celebration list once I reach December’s goals. Become very aware at the rapid rate at which you’re changing, and celebrate that change, always.

One of the most powerful questions you can ask your coach. Danielle LaPorte dedicated a whole blog post to this question. Give her permission to go there. Take stock of her answer.

This is huge, and like many other things, I learnt this off Leonie. Coaching occurs in the allotted and agreed upon times. Your coach is not available 24/7. This just comes down to basic manners and common sense. If, out of your coaching relationship, a friendship evolves, that’s fantastic. But, it’s not a given. Respect the professionalism of the arrangement and you’ll earn gold stars!

A big, virtual cheers to being ‘that’ client that our future coaches are dying to hang out with!

What do you think? Do you have anything to add to this list? Are you considering investing in a coach in the new year? I’d love to hear from you!

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PS: Have you heard? I’ve extended my super-crazy-ridiculous deal on one of my coaching packages, 30 Days of Bliss. Essentially, you get 6 (I repeat, SIX) sessions for 400 bucks. It’s bonkers, but time is running out. Hop on over here to learn more!