Call it hokey, call it science. But this may be the most important factor you consider. Choose someone whose energy is such that you like the way you feel about yourself when in their presence. This is where growth can most quickly occur.

How well does your coach know themselves? You’ll feel it in their authenticity and comfort in their own skin. Only when they understand themselves well can they begin to understand you. The more they understand you, the better they can serve you.

Choose someone that you feel in your gut has your best interest in mind. Such that you can be as real and transparent as possible without fear of judgment.

Pay attention to this. Transformation often hinges on the questions we ask ourselves. Ask the same questions, get the same answers. Change the questions, change your perspective. While there are powerful exercises and best practices that can be universally applied, each of us is unique in our makeup of experiences, personality traits and guiding values. It’s important to honor that in order to unlock your individual potential.

Sometimes there are hard things that need to be said and uncomfortable moments that need to be had in order to break through patterns and get better results. Choose someone who can give it to you straight— in a way you can receive.