The search for meaning and purpose in life is as old as humanity itself. In some of his first words to mankind, God gave Adam and Eve a life mission: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it…” Our sense of purpose about life is rooted in the way we were made. How does life coaching fit in with this search?We all have an instinctive yearning to do and be something, to make our lives count, to stand before our Creator and hear the words, “Well done” pronounced over our lives. Even before the Fall, we were made to work, to steward and to shape our world.
When our basic life needs are met, at some point we all turn toward the bigger questions. Who am I? Where can I find joy and fulfillment in life? What is my purpose? What does God want me to do with what he’s given me?
Young people embarking on careers and relationships frequently ask those questions. At mid-life, many find that the old answers no longer work, so they begin anew the search for answers. This reflex to search for meaning in life reveals an important truth: purpose is something that must be discovered. And when we find it, we have to come to the place of conviction that this is the thing to give our life to. The stakes are high, and that means the choices aren’t easy. That’s why people who are asking the big questions often look to life coaching for the tools, perspective and process to help them find that clarity of purpose.
Once discovered, purpose is something we align our lives with. Knowing what 
you are supposed to do with your life isn’t worth a whole lot unless you actually do it. That’s hard work. Realignment means changing habits, taking risks and sacrificing the good to get the best. That’s why people look for a friend and supporter on the journey. A life coach and life coaching helps you take your dreams, convert them into goals and strategies, and cheers you on until you reach them.
Life coaches also help us align the little things in our lives to maximize our contribution. When your environment is draining your energy or your spending habits undermine your calling, a life coach and life coaching can help you realign the way you live with your core values, so your lifestyle supports your purpose instead of undercutting it.
Tony Stoltzfus is a master coach, author and coach trainer and director of the Leadership Metaformation Institute. A presentation of a thorough, practical toolkit for coaching Christian leaders to discover their identity can be found in his book the Christian Life Coaching Handbook.
