Coaching often raises eyebrows, especially from pragmatic individuals who value empirical evidence and practical results. So how does a skeptic embrace this powerful tool for personal growth and transformation?
To answer that, we caught up with Paul Strobl, a Master Life and Business Coach, renowned for his evidence-based approach to coaching. This is a candid chat you don't want to miss!
Paul Strobl, Master Life Coach for Skeptics
Paul, what would you say to someone who’s skeptical about life and business coaching?
I think it’s important to be skeptical–to do your due diligence. Even when you’re sure someone is legit, it's normal to question what's unfamiliar. Many think of coaching as some fluffy, esoteric concept (thanks to so many fluff gurus out there). But it's really about tangible, practical strategies for growth. The correct application of modern coaching is about how science meets personal development. And of course, I mean real science - if you hear a self-proclaimed life coach use the word “quantum,” run!
Fascinating! Can you break that down a bit?
Sure. When a friend comes to you with a problem, you can typically see what it is they need to do. If you simply tell them, you may be met with resistance, or even strain the friendship. It’s not so easy to see our own issues. In a coaching engagement, the coach-client relationship allows the coach to go straight for the jugular–to ask the tough questions, because the clients’ success is way more important than the coaching relationship. A coach isn’t paid to be liked. An expert coach knows how to ask questions (without leading) to help you to see your own issues, and then you decisively take the next action. Whether or not it works, you own it - you did this, and it’s very empowering. The coach is the facilitator of your empowerment to take decisive action, to lean into uncertainty, and to minimize future regret.
And what about balance, Paul? How does coaching aid in achieving this elusive balance in life?
Balance is a tough one, and in all honesty, I don’t actually use the term “balance.” I prefer to use “equilibrium.” Equilibrium is more accurate, as it’s the point through which a system passes - that sometimes you’ll be heavier into your work, and other times you’ll focus more on relationships.
The key is to be able to pan out to see if you’re getting all aspects of your life that have meaning for you on a weekly or monthly basis, not necessarily day-to-day. Much like budgeting our finances or caloric intake if we’re not reflecting on how we spend our time and doing enough of what matters, our bodies and minds tell us if we learn how to listen.
As a coach, I help clients identify their priorities and manage their time and resources effectively. This results in more fulfillment and equilibrium in life.
So, it’s about strategic self-improvement?
Absolutely! Imagine having a dedicated guide to help you navigate life's challenges. That's what coaching offers. It’s about reaching your peak performance in life and business, not just surviving and going through the motions, but truly thriving. It’s flourishing vs. languishing.
Fear often holds us back, especially fear of change, fear of failure, and even fear of success. How do you guide clients through this?
Fear is a very human response to uncertainty and risk. And when it comes to major dilemmas, fear tends to be an indicator that we’re on the right path. I use coaching techniques to help clients understand their fears, confront them, and move through them.
The important distinction is to understand where it’s coming from - is it really something to fear, or is it your intuition? Knowing which is which can make a huge difference.
Then we work on reframing their mindset towards fear, viewing it as an opportunity for growth rather than a barrier that holds you back.
Can you share an instance where your coaching made a concrete difference?
Of course! One of my clients was a successful sales professional, but she knew she had more in her (not to mention her issues of getting sidetracked and procrastinating!). Through our coaching, we identified what was truly meaningful for her–what she wanted for herself and her son. Together we connected her financial success (a goal of double what she made the previous year) to a trip of a lifetime that would give her and her son an amazing experience, and an opportunity to help others in a developing country. Using that inspiration, and gaining a few tools to help her focus better and be more productive, she knocked it out of the park that year! She and her son maintain a strong and meaningful connection with the rural community they helped over a decade ago!
That's a remarkable transformation. What makes your coaching approach unique in achieving such outcomes?
I ground my approach in science. My background in Anthropology, human behavior, and the latest in psychology heavily influences my coaching approach. It's not about fostering blind optimism (like many may have you believe); it's about using evidence-based tools and methods to facilitate growth and transformation.
In your coaching journey, you must have encountered clients who were hard to break through. How do you handle that?
Patience and empathy are key. Resistance often indicates fear or discomfort with change. As a coach, I create a safe space for my clients to express themselves and explore their feelings. I remind them that it’s okay to step out of their comfort zone at their own pace. That being said, if they don’t have the humility to at least crack the door open to discomfort, there’s nothing for me to do. I tell them directly why I won’t work with them, and what would need to change to have success.
How do you keep yourself inspired, Paul, in order to inspire others?
I believe in lifelong learning. I continuously explore new knowledge, tools, and techniques in coaching and psychology–I haven’t read a fiction book for over 20 years! I also find inspiration in my clients’ successes – nothing motivates me more than feeling that moment of breakthrough with them, and to see them achieve their goals and transform their relationship with themselves and others.
Additionally, I have to practice what I preach. I’ve created a life that I love, but it’s not perfect by any means. I sometimes struggle with overeating and staying consistent in my habits. I tell my clients that we’re never done working on ourselves, and the same is true for me.
Speaking of tools and methods, how do you approach clients who are more scientifically oriented or pragmatic?
Great question! My goal is always to meet clients where they are. For more scientifically-minded individuals, I focus on presenting the robust evidence supporting the techniques we use. Many of them like to understand how things work before we apply them-the ‘why’ behind the technique. We discuss the latest research and apply strategies proven to foster personal and professional growth. It's all about merging theory with practical application to facilitate tangible change.
Can you talk a bit about your coaching philosophy?
I set my clients on a path of continuous self-improvement that resonates deeply with their core values. I help them to truly see themselves with all of the cultural or familial filters stripped away.
The ultimate goal is a state of peaceful contentment with self and your life’s trajectory.
This is much more about ways of thinking you let go of and tapping into your curiosity than gaining an expansive set of new tools to apply. This is counter to what most of us have experienced in our education.
How would you like to be remembered as a coach?
I would like to be remembered as someone who helped people to see; someone who helps others to rekindle their enthusiasm for life with lightness and intention. I want my legacy to be the ripple effect that transforms the people around my clients by their example of bravely stepping into their authenticity.
Any final insights for our readers, Paul?
Remember, it's your journey, your growth, and your achievements. Coaching is a powerful tool, but it's not a magic wand. It requires your active commitment and stepping straight into discomfort. But the payoff? Well, it can be transformative. If you're ready to explore life coaching and embark on this journey, I extend an invitation for a free trial session available at my website, Trust me; if we have a good connection and you’re ready to be vulnerable, the results are worth it.
Paul Strobl's unique blend of scientific rigor and compassionate coaching is a refreshing take on personal growth. For skeptics and believers alike, his evidence-based approach offers a practical, compelling pathway toward fulfillment and success.
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