Life Coaching for Smart People

In my experience, the more successful and intelligent the client, the more difficult it is for them to open up to life coaching.

There are many reasons that this could be true. Here here are three reasons why life coaching can be challenging when working with smart people.

I’ll Figure Things Out – Resistance to Life Coaching

These types of clients have always been able to figure things out when a problem is thrown their way. They have confidence in their intellect and aren’t afraid of new or complex problems. That works great for when it comes to applying logic or rational thinking. However, it’s a completely different story when it comes to personal and professional relationships. It’s also unhelpful when working to find next career path during a life coaching engagement.

These are not things you can simply “figure out.” Most of these have more to do with what you let go of than what you can think through.

I’ll Lose My Drive If I’m More Self-Compassionate

For some, the success in your life was achieved through blood, sweat and tears, or by mentally beating yourself into submission. You may be afraid to let go of the very things that “got you there.” Here’s what I’ve observed: when you learn to let go of these negative motivators, you significantly lighten your load. You can achieve at an even higher level than before.

All you have to do is try on the new, kinder perspective. If you want to go back to the older, more painful perspective, then be my guest!

With new awareness, I certainly cannot guarantee that you will go in the same direction. You may very well discover another path to be much more rewarding than the one you’re on. This is what I love about the coaching conversation.

Everything’s Fine

Intelligent people are great at denial. Especially when faced with situations they don’t know how to handle (which is why you sought out life coaching in the first place, right?). They’re used to being the go-tos; the experts. And when there’s something they don’t know how to do, their mind can take a short cut and can simply ignore the problem.

To make things even more difficult, many achievers grew up in a household that labeled those who seek help as failures. This belief may keep them from getting help they may desperately need. The good thing is we can question beliefs and even choose new ones if our current set of beliefs aren’t working.

Live Stress-Free or Suffer: Your Choice

Do any of these sound familiar? What if I told you that your success could be stress-free? That you could still have everything you want in your life without a “no pain no gain” attitude? If you’re convinced that suffering is necessary to get what you want, then guess what? You will suffer! (And the payoff will never be enough for what you put yourself through).

p.s. – If you want to end the suffering, book some time with me and let’s see if we’re a fit for working together.