Many of us have experienced moments in our lives when we feel stuck, unmotivated, or unsure of how to move forward. It could be a challenging project at work, a personal goal we've been struggling to achieve, or a general sense of dissatisfaction with our lives. In these moments, we often turn to coaches or motivational speakers for guidance and inspiration. However, in his book "The Motivation Myth," Jeff Haden argues that hiring a professional, rather than a coach, is the best way to achieve long-term success and fulfilment.
I thought this would be a good opportunity to dive into a bit of what he means by this and how it might help you to select the right form of advice for your endeavours!
Haden explains that coaches, while well-intentioned, may not have the necessary expertise or qualifications to provide specific solutions to complex problems. For example, a life coach may be able to offer general advice on how to improve your relationships or career, but they may not have the specialised knowledge required to address issues like mental health concerns or systemic barriers.
On the other hand, professionals have the necessary training and experience to offer concrete strategies and solutions to achieve desired outcomes. For instance, if you're struggling with anxiety or depression, a mental health professional can offer evidence-based treatments and techniques to help manage your symptoms. Similarly, if you're facing challenges in your career, a qualified career counsellor can provide targeted advice on how to improve your skills or navigate difficult workplace dynamics.
One of the key benefits of working with a professional, according to Haden, is that they can help you identify and address underlying issues that may be hindering your progress. For example, if you're struggling to lose weight despite your best efforts, a nutritionist can help you identify potential health issues or dietary habits that may be contributing to the problem. Similarly, if you're having trouble managing your time, a productivity expert can help you identify the root cause of your procrastination and provide tailored strategies to improve your habits.
I know first-hand that being a professional requires you to have to learn a lot of these techniques, resulting in acquiring a ton of skills in and around different areas that can enable better execution within your day-to-day life! After all... it's all about improving at the quickest, smartest, and most effective way possible.
Of course, working with a professional may require more time, effort, and financial investment than hiring a coach. However, as Haden emphasises, the long-term benefits of working with a qualified expert can far outweigh the costs. By addressing underlying issues and providing specific, evidence-based solutions, professionals can help you achieve your goals and improve your overall quality of life.
While coaches can be a helpful source of motivation and inspiration, they may not always have the expertise or qualifications required to address complex problems, so you do have to value a true Coach with coaching qualifications. By working with a professional, you can receive tailored solutions and strategies to help you overcome obstacles and achieve long-term success, but just be sure that they are the right professional for you, with prior experience of coaching at the very least. So, the next time you're feeling stuck or unmotivated, consider hiring a qualified expert to help guide you towards a more fulfilling and rewarding life.
What are the Benefits of working with a Triathlon Coach?
While there are certainly benefits to working with a pro, there are also advantages to choosing a coach. Here are a few benefits of working with a coach:
Coaches can provide valuable emotional support: One of the primary roles of a coach is to provide emotional support and motivation. They can help you stay focused and accountable, even when things get tough. Coaches can also offer a fresh perspective on challenges and can provide encouragement and guidance to help you stay on track.
Coaches can help you develop new skills: While a pro may be an expert in a specific area, coaches can help you develop a wide range of skills. For example, a coach can help you improve your communication skills, leadership skills, or time management skills. Coaches can provide guidance and feedback to help you develop these skills and apply them in your personal or professional life.
Coaches can help you clarify your goals: Coaches can help you identify your values, priorities, and goals. They can work with you to create a clear roadmap for achieving those goals and can provide guidance and support along the way. Coaches can also help you break down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
Overall, while there are certainly benefits to working with a pro, coaches can provide valuable emotional support, help you develop new skills, clarify your goals, and navigate career transitions.
How do I choose a Triathlon coach or professional?
Deciding whether to work with a pro or a coach ultimately depends on your specific needs and goals. If you're looking to develop a specific skill or achieve a specific outcome, working with a pro may be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you're looking for emotional support, guidance in clarifying your goals, or help to navigate career transitions, working with a coach may be a better fit.
It's important to consider your personal preferences and learning style as well. Some people may prefer to work with a professional who can provide a more structured and technical approach, while others may prefer the more open-ended and emotionally supportive approach of a coach.
Why not both? Is there such a thing as a Pro Triathlon Coach?!
Ultimately, the best way to make the decision is to do some research, talk to professionals and coaches in your desired field, and carefully consider your needs and goals. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and be sure to choose someone who has the expertise, experience, and approach that is best suited to your individual needs.
Fortunately, there are a fair few coaches that used to be professionals, whether that be in the triathlon circles or otherwise, so it may be worth looking into their history to see if it inspires, or convinces you of their expertise. It's worth noting, that not all professionals make good coaches, and it's definitely worth looking around, talking through your options, and being sure of the decision you make.
If you're in the market for a Pro Coach... we have a few ourselves at Entire and pride ourselves on our expertise, communication and history in the sport, but above all, our results from the athletes we work with. Please do drop us a message and we can see how we can help you achieve your goals!