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What are the top reasons people seek professional coaching services? According to a recent global study of coaching clients commissioned by the International Coach Federation (ICF), the top two motivations are self-esteem/self-confidence and work/life balance.

Participants of the 2009 ICF Global Coaching Client Study were given a series of 15 areas often addressed by different types of professional coaching and were asked how important each area was in their decision to seek out coaching services. In other words, what areas of their life were they trying to improve?

Seventy-nine percent of respondents rated self-esteem/self-confidence as "very" or "somewhat important," followed by 76 percent for work/life balance. Out of the 15 areas assessed, these two categories emerged as core motivations for seeking coaching with at least half of all respondents identifying them as "very important" in their decision to seek coaching.

The study found that while motivations vary somewhat based on the type of coaching sought, self-esteem and work/life balance surface to the top as generally quite important regardless of coaching type, as do the following general motivation factors: relationships, interpersonal skills, communication skills and work performance.

"The Client Study showed coaching has a positive impact in clients' goal areas, as well as other areas that weren't originally identified as primary objectives," said 2009 ICF President Karen Tweedie, PCC. "And ninety percent of participants whose goal was to address self-esteem/self-confidence reported a positive change in this area as a result of coaching." Benefits in self-esteem/self-confidence were also experienced by 52 percent of participants who did not have this area as a primary objective when entering into a coaching agreement.

"Our research shows that those who work with a professional coach not only attain success in the goal areas which initially led them to seek a coach, but, more than likely, find themselves enjoying positive changes in other areas of their life as well. This often means noticeable improvement in their relationships, wellness and other parts of their business or personal lives," Tweedie said.

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Procrastination affects even the best of us. The act of procrastinating can be defined as putting off or delaying or deferring an action to a later time. Sometimes however, this delay becomes a debilitating condition, preventing us from achieving success in our personal and professional lives. Below are some steps to help minimise the negative effects of procrastination.

1. Change the way you view the task

We are more likely to procrastinate if we feel that an action is unpleasant or difficult. For example some people have an aversion to paperwork that is almost a medical condition! Often these tasks are compulsory, but some can be done away with once you examine their validity; some can be delegated or others even automated. The key is to not think the task is unpleasant, but instead to consider creative ways to complete them.

2. Review the task

Is this task really something you need to be doing? If the answer is yes, refer to number one, change the way you view it and apply creative solutions to solve it. What if the answer is no? Perhaps you have left this task so long, it is no longer valid: it no longer fits into your overall objectives or it no longer serves your goals. Review the task so you don't spend any longer procrastinating on it!

3. Reframe you words

Our words are powerful carriers of our intention and can also determine our results. 'I hate paperwork!' 'I should go on a diet!' 'I ought to make that call'. These statements are limiting, words such as ought, should, must, carry negative connotations. Instead use positive and proactive words which will energise and propel you to action.

4.  Plan for action

You have a task that you have applied the first three tips to. You are ready to proceed and you don’t seem able. Well, what does your workspace look like? Just as we need to clear clutter in our minds so we need to clear our work area. Now some people insist that they can only work within chaos, but for the majority of us there is nothing as liberating as a clear space!

5. Do it!

Don’t wait until you feel like it, just do it! Easier said than done? Not really. All it takes is practice and determination. The more we get on with the task the less procrastination has a hold on us. We are more confident, we feel increasingly energised and the results are amazing!

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We have a video of one of our inspirational women - Gee Walker, who has kindly given us a moment. take a look...

Being a business owner could seriously improve your health!

A recent survey conducted by Gallup research, the Gallup- Healthways Wellbeing Index says that Business owners do well both in overall well-being and in many of the six specific Well-Being Sub-Indexes

"Their high well-being, despite working longer hours, supports Gallup research showing that working long hours is only highly detrimental to well-being for those who are less engaged in their work. In terms of income, business owners, on average, make slightly less than professionals and managers/executives, but still eclipse these groups in well-being."

To read more about these findings see http://tinyurl.com/l77gj9

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