Life coaching is not really a new concept — people know that coaches are out there to help others realize their dreams, start and build businesses, lose weight, or whatever it may be. Most coaches work via the telephone or even in person (sort of like a therapist). But how does an online coaching relationship work? And, how can an online life coach help you find purpose in your life? Life purpose is a big deal, and it seems rather elusive, sort of like “finding happiness” … so how is that accomplished? And — how can you find purpose in life simply by simplifying and minimizing your current lifestyle? It is possible. Very possible indeed.

First and foremost, living amongst too much stuff is a pervasive problem that so many people have that most people don’t even realize it’s a problem. They do not realize it is affecting their energy levels, emotions and daily life. Having too much stuff that you don’t care for, need or use just takes up physical and mental space until you use the “block out” technique to try and forget that it exists; but instead, there’s always that “nagging” feeling in the back of your mind reminding you that you are not taking care of it as it grows bigger and bigger until things are literally busting out of your closets.

Stuff is huge. It affects everything else in our lives, including things like: weight, job or career motivation, energy levels, finances, major decisions, mental health (depression, anxiety, etc.), school … and even your dreams and aspirations. The good news is: IT DOESN’T HAVE TO! My coaching philosophy is that we must get back down to the basics of who we are and what we have in order to move forward and develop into the great person we are meant to be. There’s an old belief that says you will not be successful or happy until you’ve lost everything at least once. And although you never have to get to that extreme to be happy and successful, learning to let go of what no longer suits you is HUGE in terms of finding your bliss.

So where does an online life coach come in? And how can corresponding with someone over email or instant messaging help fix these issues? What are the BENEFITS of hiring an online coach as opposed to a traditional phone or in-person coach?

Benefit #1.) The answer to that is easy. So many of the answers come from YOU … the CLIENT. The beauty of email coaching is that you develop a stream of communication between you and your coach, save the emails and then go back and re-read things over and over until they really sink in. When you are talking on the phone to someone, or even in person, it’s so easy to get off the subject, ramble and forget about more than half of the things you discussed.

Benefit #2.) With email coaching, you also get a chance to write out your emotions. With my clients, I ask specific open-ended questions and assign “homework” each day (or every few days) to allow you to think, write, reflect and write some more, and then send me your responses. After you have had a chance to really get your guts out on paper (well, on computer screen), you can re-read your own answers and learn so much about yourself. After I respond to your emails, you will get even more insight and a fresh perspective on things you once thought had no other way to be viewed. Writing down your ideas, thoughts & feelings is therapeutic in itself.

Benefit #3.) With email coaching, you have 100% complete confidentiality and anonymity. The only thing I ever have to see with my clients is their email address and at least their first name so we can correspond in a friendly manner. Most times, it is so much easier to open up to someone when you are writing in an almost anonymous manner. The very nature of me and my business is non-judgemental, open-minded and friendly … the necessary ingredients needed to pull out the most pertinent information from the bottom your soul — all in order to guide you in the direction of your bliss … a life with less mind-boggling information, commitments & stuff and a life with more time, peace, happiness and motivation.

Benefit #4.) With online coaching, you can go for as little or as long as you need. Unlike therapy (which coaching is not), coaching is completely directed by the client and is designed to be “used” however you see fit. You take what you need and discard the rest. You go for as long as you need. I offer my clients weekly or monthly packages at very reasonable rates. Signing up is so simple, and renewing is just as easy. I believe that investing in yourself and your long term goals & happiness are worth the price of your daily Starbucks!

Benefit #5.) Getting good email is fun! The feeling of getting too much email is overwhelming to say the least. Your email inbox is probably bombarded DAILY with junk, junk and more junk. It is so refreshing to see a “goodie” in your email inbox — something with substance that is ALL ABOUT YOU. It’s so much fun to write about none other than YOU … and not having to feel guilty that you don’t have to ask how your coach is doing or try to solve her problems. Does it get any better than having your own personal coach in your corner cheering you on, listening to your issues and helping you iron them out little by little? Constant and consistent motivation and “pep talks” await you every day when you sign on with an online coach … a good online coach that is!

So — through self-exploration, a simplify-your-life approach, confidentiality, anonymity and fun — an online coach can help you achieve your goals while helping you pare down your over-abundant lifestyle. Give up the rat race. Do something that jives your soul. Pick up a pen (or a computer keyboard) and start hammering out your thoughts and feelings. Start to think about what hiring an online coach can do for your life and those dreams that you thought you gave up on so long ago. You may just surprise yourself.

Author's Bio: 

Jen Burmeister is a life purpose & simplify-your-life coach, freelance writer and soon-to-be mommy in Troy, Michigan. To read more articles of this nature & find out more information about how to simplify your life or find more purpose & meaning in your life, please visit thezenplicitycoach.wordpress.com.