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You may have never spent a moment considering the science of life coaching, but thanks to technological advances and continuous research in almost every field, we live in an unprecedented era of knowledge. Therefore, people are much more mentally aware than in the past. Consequently, they do not blindly believe in theories without proof or a solid base.
The same is the case in the life coaching field. People just do not want to follow any rule or coaching blindly. Instead, they want to make sure that the coaching session they take has a solid scientific base or is at least supported by science. In simple terms, they want coaching sessions to be as effective as possible through the use of research and support of science.
They just don’t want to waste their time on something that has no tangible base or support. Therefore, in this article, we will shed light on the science of life coaching.
Also, read this Article on Holistic Health Coaching
The Science of Life Coaching
When we use the term science of life coaching or coaching science, it points out the scientific foundation that supports the work of all professional coaches. Thus keeping this statement in mind, the science of coaching involves the use of coaching technologies, coaching models, and tools to predict and control training and performance.
The main goal of the science of life coaching is to reduce the complexities of human movements and technologies, therefore turning complex decisions into critical indicators. Besides, most of the time, the science of coaching deals with numbers, stats, and tangible measures. It is based on evidence and proof to attract clients.
The science of coaching does not require you to become a researcher. The world already had numerous researchers. But it means to improve your coaching and make it more useful and reliable. So, you can find numerous excellent science-based coaching courses to enhance your skills.
Coaching Science Resources
From the definition of the science of coaching, we concluded that it defines the use of scientific methods in coaching to make it more effective. Therefore, to inform and support coaching, the deep scientific foundation involves applying applied research, theories, and models.
Therefore, the primary sources of the science of life coaching are the following:
· Coaching Theories and Models:
One of the primary scientific sources in coaching is the use of effective coaching models and theories. Not only can they provide a solid base for your coaching, but they can also help you gain your clients’ trust. There are numerous theories and models of coaching in literature. Which you can learn and improve your coaching skills.
Some of the most valuable theories and models in coaching organized by coaches include:
- Self-determination theory
- Transtheoretical model
- Coaching for compassion
- Subjective-objective theory
- Motivational intervening
Taking help from these can bring positive changes in your coaching methodology as well as in its effectiveness. Besides, you can also take help from coaching models like the GROW model.
· Coaching Research:
Another way to provide a scientific base to your coaching is through research. It requires you to study research protocols and outcomes. In the past few years, we have seen remarkable growth in the coaching field; however, it is not in correlation with coaching research. Thus, there are numerous areas with a question mark that requires an answer.
One of the main reasons is that coaches are torn between spending their time as a coach or a researcher. However, to make improvements in your way of coaching, you should have to explore these black areas. Therefore, try to indulge in research no matter if it is at a small level to find answers to what, why, and how questions. Thus, it can provide you with a tangible base to motivate your clients.
· Human Performance Science:
As its name indicates, human performance science helps achieve balance and optimal performance in work and life. It is a distinctive approach to the sport and experience science. Usually, it is based on four main pillars, including exercise physiology, strength and conditioning, biomechanics and injury prevention, and finally, psychology.
Its scope extends beyond high-performance sport and includes nutrition, movement-related professions like transition in the job, general population and nutrition, and health. Therefore, providing material and the authentic basis for your coaching makes it useful and gains clients’ trust. Moreover, it can make you able to help your clients achieve a striking balance in their work and life, or you can say sports and academics. Finally, it involves the use of evidence-based research to have a positive impact on human performance.
· The Neuroscience of Coaching:
There is a reliable and undeniable link between neuroscience and coaching. Several studies have shown that both neuroscience and coaching are good bedfellows and have much to offer to the other disciplines. We all know that our emotions, behavior, and thoughts are a result of our brains’ activity. Therefore, when coaching results in changes in our brain, it can result in changes in our emotions and thoughts.
Neuroscience shows positive results in enhancing coaching. When you use a positive coaching style, it can help people to visualize a better future for themselves. Thus, providing them social-emotional tools to turn their dreams into reality. Moreover, positive coaching can activate important neural-circuits and stress reduction systems to encourage clients to work for their desired future.
· Mental and Physical Health:
Although there is a clear distinction between mind and body, in a coaching session, they should not be treated as separate. For example, poor physical health can lead to mental health problems. In the same way, poor mental health can result in numerous health conditions. Therefore, coaches need to have a solid base for holistic life coaching to impact the client’s life positively.
Moreover, now it becomes evident from several studies that our lifestyle had a robust impact on our physical and mental well-being. This robust relationship between mental and physical health can significantly impact people’s quality of life and the demand for health care. Therefore, as a coach, you should understand this connection to help people in a better way.
Takeaway
The science of life coaching involves the use of scientific tools and techniques to make coaching effective. We have explained five primary sources of coaching science.