Even if you’ve listened to countless self-help podcasts and saved a thousand Oprah quotes, you may still feel stuck, overwhelmed or uncertain at times. The truth is, sometimes we just need to talk things out with a friend or an empathetic, non-judgmental life coach. Still, you might be wondering, “what does a life coach do?” Or “how can a life coach help me?” The nine scenarios below outline how life coaching can help you.

You are the expert of you. That’s why life coaches function as an ally, listening to you and asking questions to help you think through situations so that you can unlock and hear your own thoughts and wisdom. Unlike a mentor who gives advice, a life coach helps you tune into your own values and deal with limiting or negative thoughts so you can work toward a more fulfilling and joyful life. Coaches can also empower you to develop goals and plans, and help you stay accountable to them.

Still unsure whether you need a life coach? Consider whether any of these nine situations apply to you.

1. You’ve totally lost your confidence (or never found it).

So many of my 40+ coaching clients come to me feeling this way. (Perimenopause doesn’t help!) Fortunately, coaching conversations and easy exercises can help you create change, recognize your strengths and celebrate your wins, day by day. It’s true: you can build confidence at any age.

2. You feel stuck in your career.

Whether you’re feeling stagnant in your current role or are between jobs, coaching can help you identify the type of work that lights you up. It can also boost your self-assurance, combat negativity and help you establish next steps to get you where you want to go.

You may feel like you’re treading water personally or emotionally, too. A life coach can help you access new perspectives, strategies, and tools to get unstuck and gain momentum.

3. You’re feeling cynical and exhausted.

Coaching allows you to acknowledge burnout and establish boundaries and habits so you can recharge and reconnect with your values and needs.

If you’re experiencing consistent anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, sleep or weight changes or hopeless thoughts, however, talk to your healthcare practitioner immediately. You may need therapy or other mental health supports rather than coaching. (Read more about the difference between life coaching and therapy here.)

4. You’re afraid to take a chance.

While some coaching clients need help figuring out what they want next, others know what would make them happier – but they’re too scared to go for it. Maybe you’ve always wanted to paint, work at a non-profit or walk the Camino, for instance. A life coach can help you work through potentially misleading thoughts that are holding you back, consider the costs of not taking action, and create a path forward.

5. You’re feeling lonely.

You’re not alone – this is a really common issue for midlife women, especially post-pandemic. Coaching encourages new ways to connect with women in your community. It can also help solopreneurs consider new opportunities to work with others.

6. You can’t turn off the negative soundtrack in your head.

Learning to catch, question and push back on gloomy predictions and harsh self-talk is a skill that you can learn through coaching. It’s a daily practice!

7. You can’t seem to tackle your goals.

When clients start coaching, they often have a lot of vague goals that they’re trying to achieve all at once. That can lead to overwhelm, inertia and self-criticism.

With coaching, though, you can discern which specific goal will make the biggest difference in your life. By starting with that one goal and determining very small daily steps to achieve it, you enhance your chances of success. Your coach also acts as an accountability partner, reminding you why you want this goal so you can stay on track.

8. You’ve put your own needs on hold while caring for others.

Oof! We sandwich generation women can definitely relate. Caregiving, parenting and supporting friends and loved ones can be extremely draining over time – so much so that we can lose our own direction or drive. Coaching can help you reidentify your needs, create boundaries and schedule time and rest for yourself.

9. You’re afraid to retire.

Maybe you’re worried that you’ll feel redundant, old and boring when you’re retired? Coaching can help you overcome this mindset and create a post-work plan packed with engaging activities, connection and growth.

No matter what your specific situation is, having a kind and affordable life coach who can listen to you, empower you to take action and help you feel better is invaluable.

You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from life coaching. It’s for anyone who wants to live more intentionally, courageously, and joyfully via empowering conversations and mindset tools.

If you’re ready to grow and level up your life, working with a life coach like me could be one of the best decisions you ever make.

Learn more by booking a free coaching consultation with me. My clients can confirm that coaching can help you gain confidence, combat negative self talk and achieve goals that truly fulfill you. Learn more in my Frequently Asked Questions About Coaching section.