The world is a very uncertain place right now - countries in conflict, the cost of living crisis and redundancies being made left, right and centre.

It’s also very noisy, with insecurities at a high, and confidence at an all time low.

What is a Coach?

For those that don’t know Coaching is a developmental process, to enhance an individual's performance, helping them achieve their professional or personal goals more effectively and efficiently, than if they had sought out to achieve them themselves.

My own journey with Coaching began in 2021, when I was at a crossroads with my career. I sought out a Career Coach to aid with my next steps and the promise of a 3 month programme to help me seek out what that looked like, filled me with excitement.

Since then, investments in a Coaching qualification myself, a Business Coach, membership and further Coaching Accreditations have ensued.

For those that don’t know, Coaching remains an unregulated industry, and having met hundreds of people in the last 18 months, many of whom call themselves a ‘coach,’ this remains an issue. Especially for those of us who have invested both our time and money, in gaining recognised qualifications, such as the one I took two years to gain, from The Coaching Academy, which is recognised by the International Coaching Federation.

The Coaches that stand out are those that specialise in a particular area, be that career, time management, wellness or communication, like myself. I’ve also seen new areas of specialism, such as ADHD, make an appearance. This ‘niching’ down makes it easier to find a Coach who can support you with your specific goals.

Why work with a Coach in 2026

Clarity, focus, and support right now, aren’t luxuries - they are essentials. Working with a coach in 2026 isn’t about someone handing you something on a plate; it’s about understanding your strengths, raising your awareness and discovering new tools and strategies to help you move forward with intention. In an unpredictable world, investing time and money in coaching can create long-term gains that extend far beyond the immediate outcome.

Accountability

When everything feels noisy and a bit overwhelming, it’s easy to procrastinate, stay stuck in 'planning' or 'research' mode or continue to wait for the ‘right’ time. A coach provides gentle but consistent accountability - someone who can keep you on track and helps you follow through and commit to your goals. Knowing the Coach will be checking in regularly, creates momentum and keeps you moving forwards, even on the days when your motivation is at its lowest.

Clarity

Clarity is not to be underestimated at times like these. When you feel like you’re in limbo, you become indecisive, stuck and struggle to see the light through the trees. A Coach helps you to cut through the overwhelm, quiet the outside noise and reconnect with what matters to you. They provide a safe space, where you can be heard and understood, without judgement and interruption, to pause, reflect and discover what’s next - something increasingly valuable in this distracted world. That clarity then brings confidence and the courage to take action and saves much time and energy in the long run.

Responsibility

No one is responsible for where you are right now other than you. Not your parents, your partner, nor your friends. Your choices have led you to where you are and working with a Coach helps you take your own responsibility for your growth, decisions and the direction you are heading. A Coach won’t tell you what to do next, but they will remain curious and ask the right questions to help you think more clearly and make choices that will truly serve you as you work towards your personal and professional goals.

Whether it’s accountability to keep you moving, clarity to cut through the noise, or responsibility to take ownership of your next chapter, coaching offers something many of us are missing right now: the chance to pause, reflect, and choose our direction consciously.

That kind of investment rarely pays off just once - it continues to shape how you think, act, and show up long after the coaching programme, or series of sessions, has ended.

How to find the right Coach for you

1. Where to look - You can search social media, professional directories, websites or explore recommendations and referrals from within your network.

2. What to look for - Seek out the coaches that talk about the transformation you are after or goal you’re looking to achieve.

3. Get to know them first - Follow them on social media, read their blogs and listen to their podcasts - this will give you a great feel as to whether they are a right fit for you.

4. Book a call - When you have your short list, book a call to see if your energy aligns. Be sure to ask for credentials, experience and any testimonials they might have.

Finally, let me leave you with a Coaching question - It's December 2026 - what Coaching have you invested in, to help you achieve your goals?

Need support from a Communication Coach? You can find out more about me and my services here: Sarah Collins - Communication Coaching & Media Training

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash