What coaching is NOT

Coaching has become like riding waves 🌊—a popular and powerful way to navigate personal and professional growth. But to truly ride these waves effectively, it’s important to clearly see what coaching is not, so you don’t get swept into the wrong currents.

First off, coaching is not therapy 🧠. Therapy dives deep into past storms—addressing emotional wounds and healing old injuries. Coaching, instead, keeps eyes forward, helping you catch the next wave toward your future goals, dreams, and improvements. Rather than resolving past struggles, coaching guides you to new horizons.

Next, coaching is not mentoring 🧭. A mentor might teach you exactly how to surf, sharing wisdom from their personal rides. Coaches, however, empower you to discover your own style, asking powerful questions that help you unlock your unique strengths and strategies, letting you carve your own path across the ocean.

Also, coaching is not consulting 🔍. Consultants come aboard to diagnose problems and suggest specific solutions, much like an ocean navigator plotting a course. Coaches, however, trust you to find your own bearings. They encourage independence, giving you the confidence to set your sail and chart your own route.

Moreover, coaching is not training 📚. Training provides direct lessons—showing step-by-step how to paddle out or balance on a surfboard. Coaching is different: it’s about helping you reflect, adjust, and grow from within, improving your own leadership, goal-setting, and teamwork, as you surf life’s bigger waves.

Finally, coaching is not friendship 🤝. Coaches are supportive and caring but keep professional boundaries clear. Like an experienced surf guide, they’re there to help you reach your goals—not just hang out on the beach. The relationship is structured, focused, and goal-oriented.

Clearly understanding what coaching is not helps you ride the waves of life better. 🌊🏄‍♂️ It keeps your expectations clear, boundaries strong, and your growth steady. With this clarity, coaching becomes a powerful tool to surf confidently toward your dreams.