It’s said that change is the only constant. Whether it's a shift in career, a new team leader, or an unexpected twist in life’s plot, managing change can be tough. Yet, there’s a secret weapon that can turn the tides in your favour—coaching.

Why Change Can Be Hard

First, let’s acknowledge why change can feel like climbing a mountain. Humans are creatures of habit. Our brains love predictability and routine because they make us feel safe. When faced with change and the unknown, we often experience resistance, fear, and even stress.

Enter the Coach

Imagine having a personal guide who helps you navigate through the storm of change. That’s what a coach does. Think of them as a blend of a cheerleader, a GPS, and a reality check, all rolled into one.

1. The Cheerleader: Coaches provide encouragement and support. They remind you of your strengths and help you see the potential in new situations.

2. The GPS: When you’re lost in the chaos of change, a coach helps you find your way. They assist in setting goals, creating action plans, and keeping you on track.

3. The Reality Check: Coaches also provide a dose of reality. They challenge your assumptions, help you reveal your blind spots, push you out of your comfort zone, and help you see things from different perspectives.

Coaching in Action

Let’s break down how coaching can transform your approach to change.

1. Clarifying the Vision: Often, change can be overwhelming because we’re not sure what we want the outcome to be. A coach helps you define a clear vision of what success looks like.

2. Setting Achievable Goals: Big changes require big steps, right? Not necessarily. Coaches help you break down your vision into manageable, achievable goals. This makes the change process less daunting and more structured.

3. Building Resilience: Coaches equip you with tools to handle setbacks. They teach you how to bounce back from failures and maintain a positive mindset, even when the going gets tough.

4. Accountability: Let’s face it, sticking to new habits or goals can be challenging. Coaches hold you accountable. They check in on your progress, celebrate your wins, and give you a nudge when you’re slacking off.

We move forward and progress in our careers and life through making and handling change; whether through managing or adapting our behaviours, thoughts or feelings. A coach can be the critical friend to help you achieve this.