If you are gregarious and have the desire to motivate others, you might consider becoming a life coach. Life coaching is one of the fastest-growing professions in the world, and is both a flexible and financially rewarding career, says one expert.

Christine Morris, life coach specialist in Jamaica, told The Gleaner that persons interested in the profession should have problem-solving skills and have a passion for helping people lift standards in their business, academic, professional and personal life.

"Life coaches need to be centred in themselves to be able to help others, and have to be extremely professional, which includes being able to keep information given to them by the client strictly confidential, non-judgemental of the client, and have a positive mindset," stressed Morris.

Philosophical outlook

She said the philosophical outlook of life coaches should be positive, as they provide a reservoir of motivation and inspiration from which individuals draw strength.

Life coaches should be multi-talented, but there are specialist streams - personal coach, success coach, motivational coach, wealth coach, etc. Morris told The Gleaner that life coaching is client -focused and goal-oriented, geared towards projecting a better future by learning from past mistakes.

Interested persons can become accredited life coaches by doing requisite courses through a number of local and overseas coaching organisations, which host seminars and other training sessions.

Overcome obstacles

The work of a life coach involves getting clients to overcome obstacles they are facing, to achieve their goals quickly. Many individuals have great ideas but need professional support to get them across the finish line.

"It is good to have a life coach because they are highly skilled in helping you solve so many different issues. They give you the space to be yourself, and air any concerns you have without you feeling judged," said Morris. "The coach empowers you to achieve your goals with results beyond your expectations."

Hire a life coach:

Life coaching is holistic, dealing with mind, body and spirit. Someone can hire a life coach at any stage of their life. Below are some of the reasons or conditions for hiring a life coach:

You lack confidence in yourself and have low self-esteem.

You are not doing well academically, fail exams, and get nervous sitting exams.

You are very successful and want to move to the next level.

You want to improve your performance in business, sports and exams.

You are at a crossroads in your career, relationships, and spirituality.

You want to improve your health and well-being, for example, lose weight, stop smoking, lower blood pressure, get over anger, get over being stressed, get over emotional issues.

You want to manage your time effectively.

You want to be able to manage your children better.