I dedicate this blog entry for those of you who are interested in the health care field but are not sure which direction to choose...or for those of you who are already in the field and in search for "something different". Choosing a career is always very difficult, especially when you're not really sure what you want to do. If you enjoy talking to people, have a positive attitude and are passionate about making this world a better place by strategically approaching one health care problem at a time...becoming a Health Coach just might be the thing for you!Health Nutty Profile
Name: Michelle O.
Age: 28 years old
Occupation: Health Coach
What exactly do you do?
"I speak to people across the country looking to find some help with health related goals like increasing exercise, eating well, quitting smoking."
What type of educational background do you need for this job?
"Educational background can vary from Bachelor in Nutritition, Psychology, Exercise Physiology, Health Education, Nursing."
What is your favorite part of your day?
"My favorite part of the day is anytime I get off the phones and "it" clicks for people. When they realize that eating right or exercising can help them live longer, be stronger, avoid disease...you get off the calls and can't help but smile because it doesn't necessarily have to do with any one thing you said during the call, it's the sum of their life experiences combined with the nudging and information you give them a little at a time and then they come to the conclusion that they actually have the choice whether they quit smoking or lose weight or run that triathlon and that they control whether it happens or not...what we do is only hold them accountable for dreaming their dreams and helping them see it through."
"My favorite part of the day is anytime I get off the phones and "it" clicks for people. When they realize that eating right or exercising can help them live longer, be stronger, avoid disease...you get off the calls and can't help but smile because it doesn't necessarily have to do with any one thing you said during the call, it's the sum of their life experiences combined with the nudging and information you give them a little at a time and then they come to the conclusion that they actually have the choice whether they quit smoking or lose weight or run that triathlon and that they control whether it happens or not...what we do is only hold them accountable for dreaming their dreams and helping them see it through."
What is the most challenging part of your day?
"The most challenging part of the day can be one where you just feel off your game...when you wonder if you inspired or allowed someone to believe in themselves enough to dare to step out on the ledge. Sometimes we talk to people that feel like "they have to" participate in our program. It's exciting when they allow themselves to look beyond their 4 call obligation....it's also frustrating when they don't. We're not supposed to be so caught up...it's supposed to be all on them whatever they choose to do but it's hard not wanting to help them see their potential."
"The most challenging part of the day can be one where you just feel off your game...when you wonder if you inspired or allowed someone to believe in themselves enough to dare to step out on the ledge. Sometimes we talk to people that feel like "they have to" participate in our program. It's exciting when they allow themselves to look beyond their 4 call obligation....it's also frustrating when they don't. We're not supposed to be so caught up...it's supposed to be all on them whatever they choose to do but it's hard not wanting to help them see their potential."
Word of Advice?
"Overall, as a word of advice in any profession you seek out...look for ways to stand out and become involved. Be vocal about how you'd like to share what you can bring to the table because no one else may know how amazing you are at something until they know. Putting yourself out there to do things that go above and beyond can be fulfilling and allow others to respect that you care more than what your job description reads."
"Overall, as a word of advice in any profession you seek out...look for ways to stand out and become involved. Be vocal about how you'd like to share what you can bring to the table because no one else may know how amazing you are at something until they know. Putting yourself out there to do things that go above and beyond can be fulfilling and allow others to respect that you care more than what your job description reads."
A special thank you goes out to Michelle O., my fellow NIU Nutrition & Dietetics alumni, for participating!
Interested in an occupation you'd like me to do a "Healthy Nutty for..." entry on? Or do you have other questions regarding this health coach job you would like me to ask Michelle? Leave a comment!
Health Nuts' Quote of the Week:
"Don't be afraid to give up the good and go for the great." -Kenny Rogers
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