Can Coaching Actually Change Lifes?

I first encountered coaching while pursuing my master's degree in Work and Organizational Psychology. I had never heard of it before, but I quickly became captivated by this relatively new method at the time.

With its roots in humanistic, cognitive–behavioral, and positive psychology, coaching felt like an entirely fresh way of diving into the mind and making an impact on individuals.

In one of my coaching classes, our lecturer – who was also a professional coach – decided to demonstrate how the process works. She asked us to think of a personal question we were struggling with. Being the private person that I am, I decided to play it safe and not share my deepest thoughts and concerns with the group. Instead, I chose what I thought was a simple, lighthearted question: Should I get a dog?

It probably sounds funny now, but at the time, I was navigating a new stage of life. I had just moved into my first solo apartment, started my first full–time job, and was experiencing what it was like to be an independent adult – free to make my own choices and shape my life the way I wanted. And what I had always wanted was a dog!

But I had my concerns – my apartment was small, I had work, college, and workouts to juggle. Would I have enough time? Would I be able to handle the financial responsibility? Could I take good care of a dog when I could barely keep a plant alive?

By the end of the session, I had one of the clearest, strongest yeses I had ever experienced in my life.

You might think I rushed out to get a dog after that class, but life doesn’t always work that way. I still needed time – a better income, and at least the peace of knowing I had completed my education so I could fully devote my attention to my future best friend.

So, I waited.

And here’s the interesting part – one by one, year after year, all of my concerns seemed to resolve themselves. I finished my education, freeing up more time to focus on other things. Then, the studio I trained at moved to my neighborhood – just a three–minute walk from my apartment – saving me two hours of commuting twice a week! It was fantastic! Next, I started a new job that I loved, with a better salary, and suddenly, everything fell into place.

And then came the hardest part – the waiting.

I knew exactly what I wanted, and I couldn’t bring myself to compromise. Especially not after a colleague told me about some dogs available for adoption – from my favorite breed! I followed every possible shelter and volunteer Facebook group, turning on notifications so I wouldn’t miss my chance. I was looking for him – a baby male black pit bull. But as the days passed without finding him, my impatience grew.

Then, one completely ordinary day, I saw him. My future dog.

I immediately messaged the girl who had posted about him, only to face a huge disappointment – he was already promised to someone else. She assured me she would keep me in mind if things didn’t work out, but my heart sank.

The next day, I found myself desperately hoping – praying – that the other person wouldn’t show up. And unbelievably, my prayers were answered. The girl reached out, saying that the person had backed out, and the puppy was now available! Even now, I still can’t believe how perfectly everything aligned.

So, there I was, years after making my decision, finally bringing home my first dog. The excitement, the frustration of training him, the overwhelming love – it was all part of the experience.

Did my life change?

Slowly, but surely, it did. I started going outside more, and our daily walks became my escape from stress. They helped me be healthier and have fewer depressive episodes. Through my dog, I met so many people – some whose names I still don’t know, yet we bond over our shared love for our pets. I even found one of my best friends after we decided to take our dogs hiking together, leading to some of the most incredible adventures I’ve had.

A new hobby, new experiences, new friendships – all from one decision.

Of course, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. There are setbacks and challenges along the way. But do I regret my decision? Not for a second.

So, if I had to summarize my experience, I would say this: Coaching can give you clarity and direction. It won’t do the work for you, and you won’t wake up a completely transformed person overnight. And anyone who promises that is lying to you.

Change takes time – just like all good things do. But it’s always worth it. And it’s never too late to create a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life for yourself.