Life Coach Speak: What It Really Means (and How to Use It in Your Life)

Let’s be real, “life coach speak” sometimes gets a bad rap. People hear phrases like “own your truth” or “raise your vibration” and roll their eyes. I get it. Even I cringe at some of the fluff floating around out there.

But here’s the thing: behind the buzzwords, there’s real power; if you know how to translate the language into actual, practical tools you can use.

So today, I want to break down some of the most common life coach phrases and show you exactly how to apply them in your real life. No fluff. Just clear, grounded advice that works.

1. “Take Stock” = Get Honest With Yourself

When I tell a client to “take stock of where you are,” I’m not suggesting they light candles and journal under a full moon (unless that’s your thing).

What I am saying is: pause and get radically honest. What’s working? What isn’t? Where are you thriving? Where are you stuck?

Try this: Draw a simple pie chart and divide it into 6 parts:

• Work

• Health

• Relationships

• Finances

• Personal Growth

• Fun/Leisure

Give each one a score from 1 to 10. You’ll quickly see where you’re pouring energy, and where you’re running on empty.

This isn’t about judgment. It’s about clarity. You can’t change what you’re not willing to look at.

2. “Shift Your Mindset” = Challenge the Voice in Your Head

We all have that inner voice that says “You’re not good enough,” or “This always happens to you.” When I say “shift your mindset,” I’m talking about rewriting that script.

Mindset isn’t magic, it’s a habit. The thoughts you feed yourself every day shape your actions, your energy, your relationships, and your outcomes.

Try this: Notice one limiting belief you tell yourself regularly, like “I’m terrible with money. ”Then flip it: “I’m learning to manage my money better.”

It seems small. It’s not. That shift gives you permission to grow instead of staying stuck.

3. “Practice Gratitude” = Train Your Brain to See the Good

No, I’m not telling you to ignore hard things. I’d never ask you to fake happiness. But when I talk about gratitude, I’m talking about building mental resilience.

Your brain is hardwired to spot problems, it’s a survival mechanism. Gratitude trains it to also notice what’s working.

Try this: Each night before bed, write down 3 specific things you’re grateful for. Not generic stuff like “family” or “my health”, get detailed:

• “The way my daughter laughed at dinner.”

• “How I nailed that presentation after over-preparing.”

• “My morning coffee hit just right.”

This rewires your focus. Over time, you’ll start seeing more of what lifts you up, not just what drags you down.

4. “Set Intentions” = Choose Your Focus

Intentions are different from goals. Goals are future-oriented. Intentions are about how you show up today.

When I ask a client to “set an intention,” I want them to anchor into a way of being. It’s about choosing where your focus and energy go, even in the middle of chaos.

Try this: Every morning, ask yourself: How do I want to feel today? Then act in alignment with that.

Example:

• Intention: “I want to feel present.”

• Action: Put your phone away when you’re with people. Slow down. Breathe between tasks.

It’s a small shift that changes everything.

5. “Manifest Your Best Life” = Know What You Want and Go After It

Let’s demystify this word. Manifestation is not about vision boards and wishing on stars. It’s about clarity + belief + action.

Try this:

• Clarity: What do you actually want? A new job? More peace? A better relationship with yourself?

• Belief: Do you believe it’s possible for you? If not, that’s the first thing to work on.

• Action: What’s one step you can take today to move in that direction?

Manifestation without action is just daydreaming. But when you start aligning your actions with what you say you want, that’s when real momentum builds.

Final Thought: Use the Language, But Don’t Get Lost in It

I use these phrases with clients not because they sound good, but because they work when you back them with action. The key is not just to say these things, but to live them.

So the next time you hear some life coach-y phrase and want to roll your eyes, pause. Ask yourself:

• What’s the message underneath this?

• How can I apply it to my life today?

  
  

That’s where the growth is. That’s where change happens.

Now It’s Your Turn.

If any part of this spoke to you, don’t just nod and scroll on. Pick one idea, just one, from this post and actually try it today. Maybe you’ll do a life audit with that pie chart. Maybe you’ll reframe a negative thought. Maybe you’ll write down three real things you’re grateful for before bed.

Don’t overthink it. Start small. Start real. And if it feels awkward or clunky at first? That’s normal. Growth usually does.

This stuff isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being intentional.

With love,

Cathryn Benjamin-Brodt

Mindset & Life Coach | Yoga Teacher | Wellness Advocate

Helping you come home to yourself, one breath, one belief, one breakthrough at a time.

Follow me on Instagram for more tips on living authentically, embracing wellness, and transforming your mindset.