Gambling is unique human behavior. Its premise is based on risking assets against a future outcome, with the hope of gaining instant wealth and respect. We use gambling in many ways for varying reasons, sometimes to challenge others, and sometimes to challenge ourselves. What sets gambling from other actions is that it is based solely on emotions. Facts and reasoning only ruin its experience and defeat the core motivator. Two people can argue over an issue at length, unable to reach an agreement. But if they choose to bet on the point of contention that impasse is set aside. Fresh energy is breathed into the exchange while sending it in a new direction. A person can gamble on the outcome of a sports game or any other future accurate or play the lottery as many do. They do so being fully aware of their odds of winning but still proceed into that risky investments. The real motivator in gambling is not the prize – it is the hope of winning it.
Life coaching has nothing to do with gambling; it is based on planning and acting upon facts and reasons. It is the antithesis to gambling as it works to minimize the emotional component in a decision process and emphasizes the study of possible paths and actions toward the desired outcome. In life coaching the goal (prize?) is not simply hoped for but sought and worked toward. It is not a game of chance but a process of guided work using high intelligence to identify goals and obstructions and plot a path toward the desired success. The only hope I have as a life coach is for my clients to reach out to me on time and start an effective coaching dynamic on time.