How to prepare for your coaching session

It's helpful to consider what you want to achieve through coaching and for each session to have a framework.

You will benefit most from coaching when it is an on-going process over an agreed period of time. For example, after three months take time to review how much you have moved on; how close you are to approaching your goals; what's worked well for you with the coaching sessions and how you'd like to approach the next 3 - 6 months of coaching.

During the first three months you will have taken steps towards your long term goals and will be reaping the benefits of your coaching programme. That will give you the confidence to approach the next 3 - 6 months.

Remember, coaching is for you to benefit from and enjoy; 6 months isn't long and time flies when you're enjoying yourself!

Consider the commitment you are able to make to being coached in order to achieve your desired results.

Beware of the temptation to want to achieve everything in one month - is that realistic or achievable?

The following questions are for you to consider before you start a Coaching Programme and they apply equally to each session.

Make notes of your responses:

• What would you like to achieve as a result of (today's) coaching?
• What is working well in your life or business?
• What would you like to change?
• What would these changes enable you to achieve?
• What do you want to be your FOCUS for the session? Is there something particular you need to resolve before moving on? Your Coach can help to identify your focus if there's too much to tackle!

Before phoning or meeting your Coach, ensure you are in a place, mentally and physically, that is switched off from the rest of the world. This is your time! Spend 10 minutes before the coaching session, reviewing the past week and thinking about what's gone well and why. Come prepared with a focus for coaching.

After the session, e-mail your Coach a short paragraph or bullet points outlining your specific, timed goals for the next session.