It was a time not only of wildness and carefreeness but also of the burden of responsibility, meeting parental expectations, and school demands. It was a time when you were not quite sure which direction to take, as there were many advisors around you, each with their own demands of what you should be. Educated, respected, prosperous… Nowadays, the situation for young people, who are bombarded not only with the ambitions of their surroundings but also with information found on the Internet, has become even more complicated.

• 85% of young people declare the need to organize their emotions and focus on learning and their future.
• 89% of young people express concerns about their future careers.
• Between 2015 and 2020, the number of interventions related to psychological problems among children and teenagers increased fivefold.*

Young people feel lost; their own ambitions as well as the ambitions of others hinder them from finding themselves and developing their natural abilities, for which they should find the time. The external and internal pressure to achieve success can have the opposite effect of what is intended. Instead of motivating, it can limit. Young individuals are seekers of their life path. Turning towards their strengths, focusing on their inner selves, and asking themselves what they enjoy doing and what brings them pleasure allows them to find direction through self-awareness and to discover within themselves what they seek outside. As parents, we work hard and persistently to provide our children with the best start. However, they also need time and conversation, someone who will listen to them with understanding, patience, and without judgment. In many cases, a helpline is the last resort for a child.** A coach can be a support for young people during this difficult time of searching and dilemmas. Choosing the direction of finding/developing their natural abilities brings joy back into a child’s life.

The coaching process is focused on utilizing the strengths of young individuals. It can serve as a motivator for actions aimed at improving their passions and discovering new skills. Conducted with commitment, it provides a valuable ability that lasts a lifetime – belief in one’s own abilities and a sense of agency. Is there anything more valuable?

Justyna Lubańska-Gomez

* Results of research conducted between 2017-2020 on a group of 2186 employees from 37 companies in Poland and a group (458 participants) of young people aged 14 to 28
** Information based on data from the Helpline for Children and Youth.