A Day in the Life of a Life Coach

Michael Dale | 12 Mar 2025
A Day in the Life of a Life Coach

Ever been on a video call in a business shirt and pyjama bottoms? That’s how many of us show up to life—torn between the image we think we need to project and who we truly are underneath. As a life coach, my work is about healing that split by helping people discover the unparalleled joy of living in alignment with their true selves. As Jung put it "The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are".

Here’s a peek into my day. It’s about self-care, presence, and making space for flow and
what truly matters.

Morning Ritual: Setting the Tone

My day starts the night before, planting a seed of intention as I drift off to sleep. For example, if I’m working on self-worth, that seed might be: " I am enough". When I wake, that’s my first thought. Before anything else, I take a moment to feel that truth and let settle in my body.

Then, hydration—warm water with a dash of apple cider vinegar and a pinch of mineral salt. Simple but powerful. It wakes up my system, supports digestion, and tops up my electrolytes.

Next, I step outside barefoot with my warm brew, letting the morning light hit my eyes while I reflect on what I'm grateful for. Five minutes is all it takes to regulate my circadian rhythm, boost my mood, and ground me in the present. It’s a game-changer.

Starting the Day with Self-Compassion and Gratitude

Self-compassion and loving-kindness are my refuge. I recite the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra 108 times. It means "Hail the jewel in the lotus" and reminds me of the Buddha’s victory over his suffering and my potential to do the same.

Then I say my daily prayer:

Hail the jewel in the lotus. I am the lotus, and the jewel is the Buddha seed inside me.
Today I choose to water it with compassion by refraining from the causes of my suffering.

It’s not just words; it’s recalibration—a reminder that pain is inevitable, but suffering is a
choice, and everything I seek is already within me.

Then, loving-kindness:

May I be healthy, happy, peaceful, and prosperous.
May my family, my friends, and all beings be healthy, happy, peaceful, and prosperous.

I follow this with a tarot reading—not for predictions, but to tap into synchronicity, access
my subconscious and interpret my challenges through an archetypal lens.

Then, movement.

Twenty minutes on the exercise bike to loosen my hips and awaken my
body before sitting at my desk.

Breakfast is high protein along with savouring my one and only coffee for the day. After
breakfast, it's lifting some weights and a sauna session at the gym three times a week.

The Work: Holding Space for Transformation

By noon, I’m usually with clients. Each session is different because every person is unique, but one thing remains the same: Our suffering always stems from our inability to see both sides of a situation. No situation is ever entirely good or bad; they are always both. We tend to blame others or ourselves and focus on the downside of an unfortunate event, and that’s what keeps us trapped in a victim mindset. Working with me is about reclaiming your power through coming back into alignment with your authenticity.

This is the path of self-development or individuation, as Jung described it. It unfolds through the four stages of alchemy: integrating shadows, light, wisdom, and embodying your true self. It’s incredibly helpful to have this tangible framework when navigating the intangible realm of our inner world or psyche.

Sometimes a client gets what they need in a single session; other times it takes months, or even a couple of years. Everyone is unique, and we all come to coaching and counselling for different things. Some just need help accessing an insight or shifting a limiting belief; others need ongoing sessions to work through a self-reinforcing pattern or heal their attachment style.

Let’s be real—this work takes energy. I’ve learned that if I don’t take care of myself, I can’t
be present for anyone else. After each session, I pause. Take a breath, a short walk, or a
moment of stillness. It keeps me clear, grounded, and present for the next person.

The difference between coaching and counselling?

There are plenty of opinions on how life coaching and counselling differ, but what truly matters to me is the intention behind seeking support. From my experience, counselling suits those needing a gentler approach to healing and growth, while coaching resonates more if you’re focused on action and progress. I’m trained in both, and neither is better—it’s just about what serves each individual best. The goal isn't to fix people; it's to
meet them where they are and support them in finding their own authentic way forward.

Closing the Day: Letting Go

After work, I take a walk by the river. My brain processes, and I return to myself. No practices, just being. The most profound practice of all. Evening is about restoration: a good meal, stillness, painting or a game of chess, catching
up with family and friends, time to reflect, and the guilty pleasure of a few episodes of my
favourite anime series. Not as a luxury, but as a necessity. If I don’t refill my cup, I have
nothing to give tomorrow.

The Bigger Picture: Living in Alignment

Ram Dass once said, “ We are all just walking each other home.” I agree. For me, life coaching isn’t about giving advice or pushing someone toward a goal—it’s about guiding people back to themselves. Some days, it flows effortlessly; other days, it’s messy. But that’s the work—choosing truth, choosing love, and choosing to keep showing up for ourselves, as ourselves. The alternative? Living on autopilot, disconnected from what truly
matters, trapped in self-destructive patterns. And from experience, we all know—that’s not
truly living.

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About the author

Michael Dale is a distinguished holistic life coach and therapist with over 15 years of experience, dedicated to guiding individuals through profound journeys of healing and self-discovery. His personal transformation began at 18 following a suicide attempt, propelling him into a lifelong commitment to personal growth and understanding. ​

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