Since retiring from the women’s pro tour five years ago, I turned my attention to coaching in the industries that I love and have been a part of for the last 25 years; fitness, nutrition and racquetball. 

I just returned from Guatemala where I travel a couple times a year to coach the Guatemalan National Racquetball Team. I also work with the U.S. Team as well as committed individuals who want to make a difference in their fitness level and/or their sports performance. 

However, coaching is not just for athletes. Today, personal coaching is a growing profession and coaches work in many fields, from business to sports. Having a coach dramatically accelerates the process of achieving your goals. Here are 10 reasons to think about working with one, in any area of life or sport.

• 1. A coach assists you in creating strong goals and developing a clear plan of action.
  
• 2. A coach keeps you motivated through validation and encouragement.
  
• 3. A coach ‘sees’ what you can’t. They are an objective set of eyes and ears.
  
• 4. A coach provides support and a check-in structure.
  
• 5. A coach trains you in specific skills.
  
• 6. A coach shares appropriate knowledge, opinions, and wisdom.
  
• 7. A coach will help you develop the finer points of the game like strategy and mental toughness.
  
• 8. A coach is a resource and refers you to experts, tools, books, and assessments.
  
• 9. A coach challenges you to ‘stretch’ for a goal or make a change.
  
• 10. A coach cares and offers honest insights, observations, and valuable feedback.

You no longer need to struggle through your challenges alone. The key is to find a coach you ‘click’ with. Make sure you interview them to determine a fit and you’ll be on your way to achieving extraordinary goals! 

Marcy is a personal coach specializing in racquetball, fitness, and sports performance. She currently coaches the Guatemalan National Racquetball Team and consults for the U.S. National Racquetball Team. Send an e-mail for Marcy’s free on-line newsletter to marcy@marcylynch.com and visit the web page at www.marcylynch.com. Copyright, Marcy Lynch 2003.