Top 3 Life Coaching Myths Debunked: What Life Coaches Really Do (and Don’t Do)

Ever caught yourself thinking, “What even is a life coach? Is it real, or just a fancy term for someone who tells you to ‘live, laugh, love’?” Maybe you've thought about hiring one, but you’re still on the fence, wondering if it’s legit or just hype.

Well, you’re in the right place!

In this blog, I'm breaking down the biggest myths about life coaching, spilling the truth on what coaches really do (and definitely don’t), so you can decide if it’s the magic touch you need—or just a hard pass.

Let’s dive in & get real about the world of life coaching!

Life coaching is a thing now !

In this blog, I’m breaking down the 3 biggest myths about life coaching—what it actually offers, how to tell if it’s for you (or not), and how to make sure you get the most from the experience if you decide to dive in. Most importantly, if you have the right Coach or not. 

Therapy is becoming a more open conversation these days, but now there's also this thing called life coaching—and it can get a little confusing. Many assume life coaches are just high-priced business gurus in fancy suits who can help you navigate your career or business. But that’s not the whole picture—not by a long shot.

Let’s break down what life coaching really is and why it might just be the game-changer you didn’t know you needed.

Myth 01: Life Coaches Only Focus on Careers

It’s a common myth that life coaching is just about career advice—but there’s so much more to it! Life coaching is all about helping you grow in every area of life. It's a holistic approach to help you gain self-awareness, set meaningful goals, navigate life's transitions with confidence, and become your future dream self.

A good coach can support you in everything from healthy living & work-life balance to finding your purpose, managing stress, and boosting emotional well-being. Think of it as having a guide to help you build the future you you’ve always dreamed of!

Here’s how a life coach can help beyond your career:

  1. Relationships: Build healthier, more fulfilling connections—romantic, familial, & social.

  2. Self-Confidence: Break limiting beliefs and boost your self-worth.

  3. Health & Well-being: Improve physical, mental, & emotional wellness.

  4. Emotional Balance: Manage stress, find resilience, and cultivate inner harmony.

  5. Work-Life Balance: Create balance between personal & professional life, avoiding burnout.

Life coaching is about aligning your life with your personal values & aspirations, building & maintaining a strong bond with yourself —not just your career. Having a life coach can help you identify if your goals are driven by external noise or internal joy and help you create a life that aligns with your definition of happiness. 

Myth 02: A Coach Tells You Exactly What to Do

Here’s the real deal: a great coach isn’t here to hand you a playbook on “How to Live Your Best Life” or claim they’ve cracked the secret code to eternal happiness. Nope! A true coach is right there alongside you, meeting you at your own pace & honoring your perspective, also challenging you at times. They listen deeply, ask questions that make you think, and help you see things in ways you hadn’t considered. They’re not here to tell you what to do—they’re here to help you uncover your path and add fresh perspective to the mix. Throughout the process, they may offer recommendations, leaving it up to you to decide if you’d like to give them a try.

A coach works with you to create a plan that makes sense, keeps you accountable, and cheers you on as you explore new ways of thinking & living.

The truth? You already have the answers within you. Coaching just helps bring them to the surface.

Everything shifts when you believe you matter. Coaching helps you unlock that belief, aligning your life with your own worth & values—not just what others expect. And that’s where the real transformation begins.

She remembered who she was & the game changed
— Lalah

Myth 03: Coaches Can Guarantee Results

Alright, I get it—it’s a tough pill to swallow. Why invest your hard-earned money just to do the heavy lifting yourself, right? Naturally, you want to know that the time, energy, & cash you’re putting in will actually pay off. Here’s the honest truth, though: no coach can guarantee results. Coaching is always client directed. Coaching is all about you—your effort, your commitment, and your willingness to show up for yourself, put in the work & be open to change.

My role as a coach? I’m here to create a safe, judgment-free space for you to be you & process what you need to process and to support you every step of the way.

Think of it like working with a personal trainer. They’ll guide you, but to see real results, you’ve got to show up, sweat it out, and push yourself each session. To tell you the truth, this journey won’t be a walk in the park! But let’s be honest—you’re not here for the easy way out. I have a feeling you must have tried the easy way out and it didn’t work for you. You’re here to discover something truly worthwhile, and that’s where the real adventure begins!

When someone comes to me to work on self-image or confidence, I’m upfront: I can’t promise they’ll be the most confident person in every room by the end of it. What I can promise is that I’ll bring my all—my experience, skills, & unwavering support. Together, we’ll get to the root of what’s holding them back, dive deep into beliefs, build steps to grow, create routines, and tackle any obstacles head-on. I’ll keep them accountable and equip them with all the tools they need to thrive.

But here’s the key: the success is in your hands. Coaching is a partnership, & the real transformation happens when you step up for yourself.

A Good Life Coach will NOT:

  • guilt trip you into signing up for their services

  • tell you that your life will fall apart if you don’t work with them

  • tell you that their life is PERFECT and they have figured out this thing called “happy life”

  • Offer any form of Medical advice or ask you to get off any medication you might be on - A Life Coach is not a Medical professional

  • judge you for where you are in your life

However, they will:

  • Encourage you to take the time to think about your decision and commitment to the process

  • Ask questions to better understand you and your story, and listen attentively

  • Say no if you're in financial hardship and they think paying for their services could further aggravate your situation

  • Say no if they're not a good fit or can't provide the best support you need

How do you tell if a coach is actually a good fit for you?

Life's too short for the wrong kind of 'fit,' isn't it?

Remember, you are unique. The coach or program that worked wonders for a friend may not necessarily be the perfect match for you. One of the best ways to find out if a coach truly aligns with you is by scheduling a clarity call. Most coaches offer these consultations for free—typically between 20 to 45 minutes long (sometimes under different names)—to explore if it’s the right fit for both of you.

Approach this call with honesty. Share openly about your goals, insecurities or any uncertainties. Even if you’re not entirely sure what you’re looking for, let the coach know! This isn’t a sales pitch; it’s a chance to gather insights, do a "vibe check," and see if you genuinely connect with them.

Notice how they make you feel—do they see you, do you feel heard? Pay attention to the questions they ask; it reveals a lot about their approach. Ultimately, trust your gut. A good coach is doing the same—they’re also evaluating if they have the tools & perspective to help you reach your goals.

This brief call can provide unexpected clarity. It’s your chance to find a coach who speaks your language, makes you feel safe to open up, and aligns with you & your journey.

Ultimately, A good coach will tell you if they don’t think they’re the Best Fit for you

A truly great coach is as invested in your journey as you are. They'll be upfront if they don’t believe they're the right match for you—and often, they’ll even help you find a better-suited resource or refer you to someone who aligns more closely with your specific goals.

For instance, I help people uncover their true, high self-worth & develop a strong, confident self-image so they can show up authentically in all areas of life, aligning their actions with their values to create a deeply joyful, fulfilling life. But if someone approaches me with a primary focus on becoming an investment banker, I’d refer them elsewhere. Not because I couldn’t support parts of their journey, but because it wouldn’t serve them to work with someone outside that expertise.

In any meaningful coaching relationship, you are at the center.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of a clarity call & assess if a coach is the right fit for you:

  1. Share Your Goals Openly: Describe where you want to go and what’s worked or not worked for you in the past. Being candid helps the coach understand your needs.

  2. Be Honest if You’re Unsure: Not clear on what you want? That’s okay! This is often the first thing you’ll work on together, so honesty is key.

  3. Ask About Their Approach: Find out how they’d tackle your situation and what kind of work you might be doing together. Their response can reveal a lot about their style.

  4. Check for Relevant Experience: Ask if they’ve worked with people in similar situations, and get them to share relevant experiences. It’s reassuring to know they’ve helped others like you.


The Bottom Line?

Trust yourself. Only you can decide if a coach feels like the right fit. Go with your gut, and remember: the right coach respects that finding the best match is essential, and they’ll encourage you to explore other options if that’s what’s best for you.

I hope this gives you some clarity in finding a Life Coach who genuinely fits your unique needs.

If you've been feeling the weight of low self-worth—the sense that you don’t deserve a fulfilling life or meaningful relationships—it can affect many areas of your life.

Low self-worth might look like this:

  • Holding back from asking for a raise, promotion, or even support when you need it

  • Choosing unhealthy options or neglecting self-care

  • Avoiding honest communication about your needs in relationships

  • Holding back on pursuing a career or business idea out of fear of failure

  • Feeling the need to please others at the expense of your true self

  • Consistently putting yourself last on the priority list

If any of these resonate with you, I’d love to help you build a stronger sense of worth & start creating a life you feel excited about.

Feel free to book a FREE 30 Min Clarity Call below, and let’s explore what’s possible together!

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