Do You Have What It Takes To Work In Paradise, Get Paid and Change the World?

Learn if you got the right stuff for living a coaching lifestyle.

By Merci Miglino

It’s easier than you think to live the “vida de un entrenadora” (That’s Spanish for the life of a coach!)

Let’s be clear about this… I do not come from a long line of self-made folks. The most entrepreneurial relative I had was the grandfather who gambled his way from Italy to America in the 20s at the tender age of 7. But even he gave in to the lure of the steady job (and regular winnings i.e. pay check).

So when I decided to quit my day job (which was more like a day-into-night job), I had little confidence I could actually work when and how I wanted AND do some good in the world at the same time.

I remember looking at professional coaches living this life style and thinking what magical dust did they sprinkle on themselves to have it this GOOD?

They work from their homes, cars or beach rentals. They travel around the world. They care for children and aging parents while working. And they are helping others live with purpose, less stress, and more personal power. They are happy. Really happy.

Sounds like a fantasy, right? But once I break it down, you can see how it can actually happen. Even to people like us.

In doing this, I learned a lot about myself. I learned I wanted to be a coach. To help others. And I learned that what it takes to live this lifestyle it ALSO what it takes to be a masterful coach.

Here’s what it really takes to live the coaching life:

1.  An unrelenting, cannot-be-denied, been-doing-it-most-of-my-life passion for helping others reach their full potential. You are never as happy as when you are supporting someone to reach a goal or a dream.
2.  Persistence even in the face of those negative vibe merchants who say you can’t make a living doing something you love, something you would do for free if blessed with a winning lottery ticket.
3. Willingness to be a dummy, a beginner, to let go of having to know everything without kicking and screaming but with the playful mindset of a child.
4. A rigorous honesty about your strengths and weakness and the capacity to focus on your strengths and let others help with the weak bits.
5. Warmly welcome any and all feedback and THEN do what your heart and/or gut tells you to do.
6. Fully understanding that achievement never happens in a straight line. We weeble, we wobble but we don’t really go down unless we choose to. And you don’t choose to.
7. The ability to ask for help. Unapologetically, with no shame. And to take your own advice and hire a coach.