When we think about a GPS, we envision a device that guides us to our destination using a map. A life coach, on the other hand, is someone who guides us toward our goals and helps us navigate through the challenges of life. Although they may seem like two very different things, there are many similarities between a GPS and a life coach.
Recognizing the similarities between the two can help us truly grasp the operation of life coaching, especially if we’ve never embarked on that journey before. So, let’s look at a tool we’ve all used to better understand life coaching.
Consider these 5 similarities between a GPS and life coaching
1. They help us determine our destinations
Just like a GPS, a life coach helps us identify our destinations. A GPS can only guide us if we know where we want to go. Similarly, a life coach can only help us if we have a clear idea of what we want to achieve. Whether it’s personal growth, career advancement, or relationship improvement, a life coach can help us define our goals and create a roadmap to reach them. With a clear destination in mind, a life coach can help us stay focused and motivated.
2. Both offer feedback along the way
Both a GPS and a life coach provide us with feedback. A GPS tells us if we’re on the right track and how far we are from our intended destination. Similarly, a life coach provides us with feedback on our progress and helps us identify areas where we need to improve. They can help us see things from a different perspective, challenge our limiting beliefs, and provide us with constructive criticism. With a life coach’s guidance, we can become more self-aware and make better decisions.
3. They direct us through obstacles
A GPS and a life coach both help us navigate through obstacles. A GPS can help us find an alternate route if we encounter roadblocks or traffic jams. Similarly, a life coach can help us overcome obstacles that stand in the way of our goals. They can help us identify the root cause of the problem, develop a plan to overcome it, and provide us with the support we need to stay on track. With their help, we can learn from our mistakes and move forward.
4. Both offer security
Both a GPS and a life coach provide us with a sense of security. When we’re lost, a GPS can help us feel more confident and less anxious. In the same way, a life coach can help us feel more secure in our decisions and less uncertain about the future. They can help us develop a sense of self-trust and self-confidence, which can help us overcome our fears and take risks.
5. They maximize our time
Finally, a GPS and a life coach both help us save time! A GPS can help us find the fastest, most direct route to our destination and avoid traffic. Similarly, a life coach can help us save time by providing us with the tools and strategies we need to achieve our goals more efficiently. It’s not a matter of taking shortcuts, but a life coach can guide us on the most direct route, just like a GPS. A life coach can help us prioritize our tasks, manage our time more effectively, and eliminate distractions.
While life coaching and a GPS may, at first, seem like two very different things, they carry many similarities. Both provide us with guidance, feedback, and support; both help us overcome obstacles, provide us with a sense of security, and help us save time. Whether we’re trying to navigate through the twists and turns of life or the streets of a new city, having a coach or a GPS alongside can make the noticeable difference in arriving at our desired destination versus wandering aimlessly.
To me, a GPS has always served as a strong visual example of life coaching. I started GPS Coaching to help people identify their destinations and navigate the many challenges along the way.
If you’ve never collaborated with a life coach but are curious, please reach out. You can also chat with me now! I’d love to share more about the tangible ways life coaching can serve as your GPS in life.
