I don't mean to scare you but the face of coaching has changed drastically since I started coaching more than nine years ago. I've spent the last three weeks or so talking to coaches, doing research about coaching with the goal of understanding what's actually happening in the coaching industry today. I wanted to know how the future of coaching looks.

Overall, I'm delighted to say the future looks so bright for coaching, as coaches we can get ready to wear sunglasses. Of course, there are a few valuable discoveries you have to consider if you plan to be in the coaching industry in the future:

• Marketing is significantly more important to having a thriving coaching business than ever. In this sluggish economy, it's become increasingly necessary to demonstrate the value of coaching and the return on the investment in coaching. (If you ever question the value of knowing how to market yourself as a coach, there it is!)
• Technology has helped move coaching from local markets to a broader, more global reach. This is especially noteworthy because there are far more coaches in the industry - some highly qualified and others not so much. What this means for you as a coach is that you must place a greater emphasis on distinguishing yourself from the crowd. It's what I preach all of time — you MUST carve out a niche and it all begins with knowing your ideal client intimately well!
• Certification and Training is a controversial issue in the coaching community. With the influx of people calling themselves coaches without benefit of training or certification, clients are interested in working with experts (despite what they call themselves) who can help them find and attract clients. As a coach, it's crucial to have the right mentor to lend her expertise to elevate your coaching abilities and strengths. You also want an expert who can teach you a repeatable process for creating sustainable income. Now, that's ROI!

I'm sharing more trends, myths and opportunities on a free call for coaches I'm calling, The Future of Coaching: Get Ahead of the Trends, Dispel the Myths and Guarantee Your Staying Power In Coaching.

Are you really ready for the future of coaching?

How do these insights resonate with your experience as a coach?

Are you living the lifestyle you’ve dreamed about OR still allowing yourself to make decisions that take you farther and farther away from your dream.

I’m reminded of the story of the scorpion begging the frog for a ride across the lake.  The frog answered, “I’ll not give you a ride because you will sting me.”

“I’d be so grateful that you saved me from drowning and I’d never sting you” said the scorpion.

The frog agreed and gave the scorpion a ride on her back.  No sooner than they reached dry land, the scorpion stung the frog.

“Why’d you sting me cried the frog as she lay dying?”

“That’s what scorpions do” replied the scorpion as she crawled away.

The frog clearly had a choice; she could have left the scorpion behind and lived.  The scorpion thought she didn’t have a choice because she believed she had to sting.

As humans we have choices too.  The power to choose empowers you to effect change in your behavior.  Understanding the choices you have are important to creating the life you dream about and therein lie your power.

What choices are driving your behavior?  AND Are you ready to step into your power?

Inez Bracy, Certified Group Coach

Inez Bracy is a masterful coach, NLP Practitioner, engaging keynote speaker, trainer and seminar presenter. She combines more than twenty years of experience working with others, helping them to really understand who they are and who they intend to be.  Using a unique and grounded approach in strategic planning, motivation, negotiation and leadership development women over 50 step confidently into the life they desire and deserve. Inez keeps groups enthusiastically engaged, designing and co-designing learning that deepens understanding and encourages people to experience life fully.  More about Inez

How often do you find yourself making mistakes when you energy level is as low as the frigid temperatures in the Antarctic?

Continually feeling fatigued, distracted, unfocused and just plain out of sorts is a recipe for burnout, anxiety and depression. Yet, many women are living this life of quiet desperation everyday depleting more and more of the energy needed to thrive.

According to a study done by the American College of Physicians, in the United States, 24% of the general adult population has had fatigue lasting 2 weeks or longer; 59%-64% of these persons report that their fatigue has no medical cause.

I don’t know if there is data on the percentage of women in this study but I would guess the numbers for women would be a lot higher because of the things you allow to zap your energy.

Let’s take a look at some energy drainers and what you can do about them:

1. Rushing - You are prone to make mistakes when you move too fast. Rushing simply wastes bucket loads of energy unnecessarily. When you rush, you forget things, skip meals, and are more likely to be distracted and ultimately even more rushed. Slow down.
2. Lack of a system - Create a system so you won’t likely forget things. Trying to remember your shopping list, to-do list, soccer schedules, doctors' appointments eats away your mental energy that you could use elsewhere to create a greater impact on your life. Use an electronic or paper scheduler to stay on top of things.
3. Meeting everyone’s needs before your own. While taking care of loved ones provides a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, it also requires precious energy. In worse cases, it can even breed resentment – another huge source of energy drain. Carve out some “me time” and learn to say no to things you are not comfortable taking on.
4. Painting yourself into a corner.  Making promises you are unable to keep, taking on that extra assignment at work and holding down a part time job may feel like you have painted yourself into a corner. You do have a choice.  Make only promises and commitments you are able to keep and always have an exit strategy if needed.

Glady Anderson - Certified Group Coach Candidate

Gladys Anderson, founder of Coach for YOUR Dreams, is a certified life coach, licensed marriage and family therapist, writer and speaker. Gladys helps nurses, therapists, social workers and other caregivers balance the many demands on your time and energy so you can shift from overwhelm to high energy and live life with courage, confidence and clarity.  For more tips, subscribe to Insightful Living.  Gladys previews her newest group coaching program, Passport to Freedom: Create Breathing Space in Your Busy Life on Group Coaching Mastery Interactive TV (on Facebook).