Benefits of Student Life Coaching

Over the past six years, I have worked as a teacher, designing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students. One of the most profound insights I gained from this experience is that everyone learns differently. In fact, I came to believe that every student—not just those with disabilities—could benefit from having an IEP. These plans set academic and social goals for students while leveraging their unique strengths to achieve those goals. Imagine if every student had clearly written goals and a system to monitor their progress. This approach could transform education by making it more personalized and meaningful for each learner.

When I transitioned into life coaching, I realized I could provide immense value to young people, drawing from my background as a high school teacher and football coach. I have extensive experience with this age group and excel at relating to students from diverse backgrounds. Countless times, I’ve heard students express that they don’t like school, don’t know what they want to do after high school, and feel like their time is being wasted. I’ve personally felt that way, too. There is often a disconnect between students and the content, the format of education, or both.

Looking back, I wish I had someone dedicated solely to supporting my growth—someone who wasn’t a teacher but could help me navigate life’s challenges. Without an IEP or an intervention specialist to guide me, I lacked the structure and support to identify my values and plan my future. It wasn’t until the end of my senior year that I grasped the reality of entering the “real world.” My life felt unorganized and purposeless. With little direction and limited family support, I had to figure everything out on my own. From enlisting in the Army to applying for college, I navigated these life-changing decisions alone. While these experiences taught me valuable lessons, many were unnecessarily difficult. Having a coach could have made a world of difference, helping me set goals, hold myself accountable, and providing the stability I desperately needed to support my mental health.

Even now, I occasionally feel overwhelmed by chaotic and unorganized periods in my life. Sometimes, I struggle with conflicting values. When these feelings arise, having trusted individuals to help me process my thoughts and regain focus is invaluable. With their support, I can organize my day more efficiently, fulfill my responsibilities, and still be fully present with my daughter. The clarity and stability that come from working through these challenges directly benefit my mental health and my ability to be the parent I strive to be.

Life coaching has the potential to be a game-changer for anyone who feels their life is unorganized, chaotic, or lacking purpose. Studies show that accountability significantly increases the likelihood of growth in areas of focus. Having an accountability partner not only fosters progress but also instills a sense of purpose and intentionality. When growth is at the forefront of your mind, it transforms the way you approach life.

Moreover, having someone to talk to about internal conflicts creates mental capacity to address other aspects of life. Processing deep-seated issues during dedicated sessions frees up mental space, allowing you to be more present and engaged. For me, this manifests most clearly when I’m with my daughter. I’m not distracted by intrusive thoughts or preoccupied with planning. Instead, I’m fully present, able to savor our time together because I’ve already dedicated time to work through my internal challenges.

Life coaching can help you take control of your life, providing clarity, direction, and accountability. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unorganized, or purposeless, this could be the key to unlocking your potential and living with intention.