Deciding to return to school after many years away can feel both nerve-racking and exciting. However, whether you’re yearning for a career change or want to enhance your current path by taking life coach training, learning as an adult can also be an empowering and glorifying experience.
Lisa Sanson’s unique career path took her from waitressing to acting to a successful career teaching yoga. Feeling happy with where she was in her career, but wanting to stimulate her personal growth, she enrolled in counsellor training at Rhodes Wellness College where she still studies today. (Sanson, 2016)
Lindsay Robertson is a part-time life coach instructor at Rhodes College in addition to being a program and student services manager. Lindsay observes firsthand how older students thrive when returning to the classroom. (Robertson, 2016)
Both Lindsay and Lisa offer unique perspectives on how adults can flourish inside the classroom and beyond. Read on to discover three strategies they suggest to help you prosper in life coach training.
1. During Life Coaching Courses, Identify Your Strengths by Examining Your Life Experiences
A unique asset that adult learners have is a life of personal and professional experiences. Not only is this beneficial to helping others once you are finished becoming a life coach, but it helps you identify how you learn best and what you want from your training.
As Rhodes College instructor Lindsay shares, “Adult learners bring all of their previous life experience into their new training.” (Robertson, 2016)
When Lisa first began her studies at Rhodes College, she and her classmates took part in an activity where they recorded their past jobs and what skills they gained from them. In addition, they took inventory of past accomplishments that could translate into transferable skills.
“Reflect on the life you’ve lived thus far and recognize that it is full of experiences that have helped shape you into the person you are today,” Lisa explains. She adds that, “Building my awareness of past experiences helped me recognize the lessons available from both the growth and the struggles.” (Sanson, 2016)
For example, maybe you have trained for marathons throughout your entire adult life, or started your own business. This would make you experienced in what it takes to be disciplined and goal orientated—two fantastic skills that could take you far during your life coaching career.
2. During Certified Life Coach Training, Connect with Your Classmates
When she began her counselling training, Lisa was nervous that as an older student she would have trouble fitting in with her classmates. However, plenty of Rhodes students are adults returning back to school. Regardless of a student’s age, every person has a unique story and point of view they can bring to the classroom.
Rhodes College instructor Lindsay suggests connecting with other students and asking for help if you feel like you need extra support: “Connect with your classmates. You won’t be the only adult learner! Most of our students are adult learners and are looking for others to connect with and share their experience.” (Robertson, 2016) By connecting with your peers, you’ll develop a supportive network that will expose you to different perspectives, encourage you to reach your goals, and help you develop your own unique voice. (Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation, 2016)
3. Plan a Schedule That Creates Balance in Your Life
Adults returning to learning may have an entirely different set of responsibilities than younger learners. Oftentimes, they have families, jobs, and other obligations to consider. Finding balance while attending life coaching courses can help you succeed, because once you’re in the classroom you’ll be able to focus on your personal and professional growth.
Before starting classes, Lisa explains it’s best to: “Figure out how your routine will look and factor in enough hours for sleep and quality free time.” Lisa tries her best to balance her time at Rhodes College with eating healthy, exercising, spending time with her loved ones, and working part-time as a yoga instructor. (Sanson, 2016)
In addition to Lisa’s tip, Lindsay suggests looking to the future during your training so you can plan your studies accordingly. “Have a look at your program schedule to see what’s coming in the future,” she suggests, “and plan other activities and responsibilities with that in mind.” (Robertson, 2016) By planning ahead and carefully budgeting your time, you’ll be primed for success during your training and beyond!
Do you want to begin your studies?
Contact Rhodes Wellness College to learn more about our certified life coach training!
Works Cited
Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation. (2016, December 7). What are the benefits of group work? Retrieved from https://www.cmu.edu/teaching/designteach/design/instructionalstrategies/groupprojects/benefits.html
Robertson, L. (2016, 12 5). Returning to learning as an adult. (J. Stafford, Interviewer)
Sanson, L. (2016, 12 5). Returning to learning as an adult. (J. Stafford, Interviewer)
