The thing I love best about business coaching is that it’s a lifestyle business. That is to say, once you’ve got your business firing on all cylinders, you not only bring home significant income, you have time and flexibility to enjoy it. That’s why I always tell my clients that success in business coaching is about a holistic approach to life.
To help my new clients wrap their minds around what this really means, I ask them to do a simple SWOT analysis in each of 10 life categories. Since it’s the new year, which is a fantastic time to reflect and start fresh, I thought I’d share this exercise with everyone!
I developed this exercise based on concepts from Doug and Charlene Fike of Growth Dynamics Resources. Here’s how it works: in each of the 10 categories below, briefly identify the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats that you’re aware of. Then identify one to three goals for each category. Don’t put pressure on yourself! Evaluate each category only to the extent that it feels natural and easy. Don’t force anything. Some categories will have lots of data and some will have little or none.
This exercise is designed to facilitate grateful reflection and deliberate action and improvement. Above all, enjoy!
10 Life Categories SWOT Analysis
Below, you’ll find the 10 important categories in a well-designed, healthy life. It’s so easy to let our definition of success in business coaching be all about the bottom line. The bottom line is important, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not everything. This exercise helps put our work in a broader perspective that will keep us motivated and grounded.
It's so easy to let our definition of success in business coaching be all about the bottom line. The bottom line is important, don't get me wrong, but it's not everything.
You can also download this exercise as a Word file for quick and easy editing.
1. Spiritual
- STRENGTHS:
- WEAKNESSES:
- OPPORTUNITIES:
- THREATS:
- GOAL 1:
- GOAL 2:
- GOAL 3:
2. Marriage
- STRENGTHS:
- WEAKNESSES:
- OPPORTUNITIES:
- THREATS:
- GOAL 1:
- GOAL 2:
- GOAL 3:
3. Family
- STRENGTHS:
- WEAKNESSES:
- OPPORTUNITIES:
- THREATS:
- GOAL 1:
- GOAL 2:
- GOAL 3:
4. Religion
- STRENGTHS:
- WEAKNESSES:
- OPPORTUNITIES:
- THREATS:
- GOAL 1:
- GOAL 2:
- GOAL 3:
5. Financial/Investing
- STRENGTHS:
- WEAKNESSES:
- OPPORTUNITIES:
- THREATS:
- GOAL 1:
- GOAL 2:
- GOAL 3:
6. Business/Career
- STRENGTHS:
- WEAKNESSES:
- OPPORTUNITIES:
- THREATS:
- GOAL 1:
- GOAL 2:
- GOAL 3:
7. Physical Fitness
- STRENGTHS:
- WEAKNESSES:
- OPPORTUNITIES:
- THREATS:
- GOAL 1:
- GOAL 2:
- GOAL 3:
8. Personal Growth
- STRENGTHS:
- WEAKNESSES:
- OPPORTUNITIES:
- THREATS:
- GOAL 1:
- GOAL 2:
- GOAL 3:
9. Hobbies/Recreation
- STRENGTHS:
- WEAKNESSES:
- OPPORTUNITIES:
- THREATS:
- GOAL 1:
- GOAL 2:
- GOAL 3:
10. Social/Relationships
- STRENGTHS:
- WEAKNESSES:
- OPPORTUNITIES:
- THREATS:
- GOAL 1:
- GOAL 2:
- GOAL 3:
New to business coaching? Find more great resources and exercises in our FREE ebook, How to Become a Business Coach.
