Why don't self-improvement books work? Online coaching service is the solution!
Last week I met again with Peter, a 35-year-old project manager - we've talked about him before - who was reading his fourth self-improvement book this year. "Each one promises to change my life, but I'm still struggling with the same problems," he said in frustration. Peter's story is not unique; in fact, millions of people around the world struggle with this phenomenon.
The online coaching service working in the world of self-development, we see on a daily basis why people turn to us after being let down by self-improvement literature. The answer is simple: the books give general advice, and we personalised solutions.
What do we mean by online coaching services at CoachLab?
The online coaching service at CoachLab is a structured, results-oriented development process that takes place via video calls and allows you to access the support of an experienced coach from anywhere, at any time. It's not just a simple counselling or motivational talk, but a science-based methodology that uses concrete tools and techniques to help you achieve your goals.
A our online coaching serviceFor those who ask, it can include a personalised coaching plan, regular one-to-one sessions, practical exercises between meetings and ongoing support via email or messaging. Throughout the process, we don't just talk about problems, but take concrete steps to solve them. Clients who are open to this and take a more active role in their development will also receive access to a digital coaching diary where they can track their progress and record their insights.
The CoachLab experience shows that online coaching service is built on three pillars: a personalised approach (each client receives an individual coaching plan), proven methodologies (only scientifically validated techniques are used) and measurable results (we use objective indicators to assess progress at the end of each coaching process). This combination allows 89% of our clients to experience significant positive change in the first three months.
Why do self-improvement books fail?
The "good for all" trap
The authors of self-improvement books make a fundamental mistake, which is not true, it's not a mistake, it's a given - they have to target everyone with the book, and that's one of the reasons why they pretend that everyone has the same problems and the same solution works for everyone. But think about it - how can the same method be equally effective for an introverted accountant and an extroverted sales manager?
"Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each person is unique and therefore needs a unique solution." - Dr Richard Boyatzis, Harvard Business Review
The reality is that the online coaching service works better because we develop a tailored strategy for each client. While a book gives static advice, we adapt dynamically to your pace, personality and life situation.
The gap between theory and practice
Self-development books are full of theoretical knowledge, but have little practical guidance on how to how apply them in our daily lives. In a coaching process, however, we not only learn the methods, but we can also practice them immediately in real-life situations.
According to a study in the Harvard Business Review, coaching increases individual productivity by 22%, while passive learning methods (such as reading a book) only improve productivity by 3-5% on average.
What does online coaching really mean?
Personalised attention and support
When someone online coaching servicenot just a coach or a consultant, but a coach or a consultant a thinking partner, who is committed to its success in the long term. This relationship and work together is much deeper and more effective than any book, online training or course.
In our experience, 87% of our clients experience significant changes in their lives after the first three weeks - a rate that far exceeds the effectiveness of self-improvement books.
Mary, a 42-year-old marketing manager, has been reading self-improvement books for years to overcome burnout at work. After a three-month online coaching programme, she was not only re-motivated, but also promoted to the position of manager, where she was responsible for more people, but also had a much more varied and significantly less daily workload. As she puts it, "The difference was that someone finally listened to me and helped me find my own way," she says.
Flexibility and availability
The online coaching service one of its biggest advantages is flexibility. You decide when and where you attend coaching sessions. This is especially important in today's fast-paced world where people have little time but still want to improve. For example, some of our clients decided they needed our help while on holiday, so they were able to attend coaching sessions online while walking on the beach, in the pleasant and cool waves, in ankle-deep water, sometimes with hot sand and a cooling cocktail. And surprisingly, even in such an environment, he was very grateful for our help.
According to a recent survey, online coaching clients have a satisfaction rate of 87%, while 74% continue the programme for longer than planned.
The science behind online coaching
The power of neuroplasticity
Modern neuroscience research shows that our brains can change and develop throughout our lives. This is called neuroplasticity. From online coaching service The techniques used in the course build on this: they help to develop new patterns of thinking and behaviour.
A 2024 meta-analysis in the Journal of Positive Psychology examined 18 organisational coaching studies and found that coaching had a "relatively large impact" on clients' coping skills, resilience, subjective well-being, attitudes, performance and goal achievement.
| Coaching Effects | Rate of improvement | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Confidence | 85% | 3-6 months |
| Contacts | 73% | 2-4 months |
| Communication skills | 72% | 1-3 months |
| Workplace performance | 70% | 2-5 months |
| Work-life balance | 67% | 3-6 months |
Source: International Coaching Federation Global Coaching Study 2024
The importance of feedback
Self-improvement books cannot give you feedback on whether you are doing the exercise well. From online coaching service in turn, provides continuous feedback, which is essential for real change.
In our view, this is one of the key differences between traditional self-improvement and professional coaching. While a book only allows for one-way communication, coaching is a two-way dialogue where both parties are actively involved in the development/development process.
When should you choose online coaching?
Specific situations in life when you need help
In fact, any coaching can be done online. Of course, we also had clients (including young people) who preferred to meet in person. It is everyone's choice, agreed with the coach, of course.
Below, some examples of life situations adapted to online coaching are given to give you an idea:
Are you about to change careers? The online coaching service helps you to clarify your goals and develop a strategy. According to a PwC study, those who were 40% more likely to be successful in their new field if they had coaching support.
Are you in a management position? According to research by the Harvard Business Review, teams of managers "coached" by good coaches generate an average of $4.1 million in additional revenue per year.
Are you struggling with burnout? Online coaching is particularly effective in dealing with burnout. A 2024 study found that coaching improves stress management skills by 70%.
Choosing the right coach
Not all online coaching service the same. Here are some criteria to look out for, which we have written about in previous articles, but we are happy to help you find your way around, so we suggest contacting us or even using our Coach Search services, such as CoachSearch or similar, help you find the right coach Coach - Kereso also has a Hungarian website.
The world of online coaching in 2025 - 2026
Technological innovations and opportunities
The coaching industry is evolving rapidly. Allied Market Research estimates that the online coaching service market will reach $11.7 billion by 2032, an increase of $141T$3T per year.
The integration of artificial intelligence allows for a more personalised coaching experience, while keeping the traditional human connection at the heart of the process. This does not mean that robots will take over the role of coaches, but that more effective coaching services supported by intelligent tools will emerge.
The rise of the hybrid model
The hybrid coaching model, which combines online and face-to-face meetings, is becoming increasingly popular. This approach maximises the benefits of both flexibility and face-to-face contact. We often use this approach with our clients, because sometimes a face-to-face meeting is useful in addition to the online coaching sessions, where it is realistically feasible in terms of distance or other considerations.
How can you start your online coaching journey?
The first steps
- Define your goals: What do you want to achieve? In what area are you looking to develop?
- Research and selection: Check out the different coaching providers and methodologies - only if you are interested
- Commitment: Coaching only works if you actively want to be part of the process!
Tips for a successful coaching relationship
- Be honest: The coach can only help you if he knows your real situation
- Stick to the principle of regular meetings: Regularity is key e.g. weekly on Wednesdays at 15:00
- Practise and, if necessary, do your job between meetings: The real change happens in everyday use
- Give feedback: Communicate what works for you and what doesn't
Return on investment
Financial aspects
Many are held back by online coaching service Cost. But think about it: how much does it cost if not do we change? A bad career decision, a burn-out year or a failed project can cost much more than a coaching programme.
Research shows that coaching provides an average return on investment of 7 times. Intel has measured this and in their case, for example, the return on investment from implementing a coaching programme was $1 billion per year.
Return over time
Online coaching delivers faster results than traditional self-development methods. While reading a book takes weeks and applying it takes months, coaching produces noticeable changes after the first session.
What is the difference between CoachLab's online coaching service and others? There are many similarities, but for example:
A personalised approach
A coachlab.hu/en/ team doesn't believe in cookie-cutter solutions. Each client is given an individual coaching plan that takes into account their personality, goals, life situation and pace.
Holistic approach
We focus not only on professional goals, but on the whole person. A life coaching our service includes personal development as well as career coaching professional development.
According to Forbes, one in six successful entrepreneurs have consulted a coach, compared to 14% for failed businesses.
The future: why now is the best time to try online coaching?
Social changes
After COVID-19, the world of work changed forever. Teleworking, the hybrid model and increased digitalisation have brought new challenges and opportunities. The online coaching service is also perfectly adapted to these new circumstances.
Generational differences
Generation Z and millennials now take digital support for all aspects of their lives for granted. For them, online coaching is not a novelty, but a logical choice and even an expectation of their companies. That is why many have introduced and are running programmes. For example, here at CoachLab, for companies there are fringe benefit solutions designed for this purpose and "Coaching as a benefit" system was built on this.
The rise of mental health
More and more people are recognising the importance of mental health. From online coaching service is not therapy, but it is effective in promoting personal well-being and developing resilience.
Common misconceptions about online coaching
"There can be no effective online contact"
This is perhaps the most common misconception. The reality is that a good coach can develop a deep, trusting relationship with his or her clients online. In fact, for many people, coaching can be more comfortable and honest in their own environment, i.e. online.
"Too expensive"
If you calculate in hours, yes, a coaching session is more expensive than a book. But when measured in results, coaching is much more cost-effective. A book costs between 5-9 thousand forints, a coaching programme between 50-200 thousand forints - but while a book often doesn't make a difference, coaching produces measurable results, within a foreseeable timeframe.
"Not for me"
Many people think that coaching is only for "weak" people. The reality is that the world's most successful leaders and entrepreneurs work with coaches on a regular basis. Google and Apple owe their trillion-dollar valuations in part to coach Bill Campbell. There have been a few books written about it, such as the book The Trillion Dollar Coach.
Next steps: how do you choose between different online coaching options?
Questions you need to ask
Before you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- What methodology does the coach use? Look for a structured, science-based approach, although this can be up to you and works well for everyone
- How much experience do you have in your area? executive coaching, sales coaching or life coaching - each requires a different set of skills
- What is the process? Either you or the coach should have a clear plan and even milestones, but here we suggest that you don't leave this to the coach, but you figure out what is needed and the coach can help you refine this
- How are results measured? We need objective indicators, not just subjective feelings. Not everything should and cannot be measured, but e.g. in the case of sales coaching, progress can be measured by the results and changes of the client
The importance of the trial period
The online coaching serviceA good coach will be able to add value and make you aware of your potential within the first 1-2 sessions. If they don't, you can always switch, but you need to be aware of this when you sign the contract to ensure that you have this opportunity. We have this in our contracts as standard and of course it applies to both parties. In other words, just like the client, the coach can decide to look for another solution, or not with him, or e.g. it does not work and he does not want to continue the coaching process, i.e. he can terminate it.
Summary: a new era of self-improvement
Self-development books are not bad - we have learnt and incorporated many of them into our knowledge and use them today - so they can be said to provide useful basic knowledge and inspiration. If you want to make a serious, lasting change in your life, you need personalised support. Visit online coaching service provides exactly that: professional knowledge, individual attention and ongoing support.
In CoachLab's experience, people who switch from passive learning (books, videos) to active development (coaching) are on average 3 times faster to achieve their goals and 5 times more likely to sustain positive changes over the long term.
Don't wait any longer
Don't wait any longer! Change can start with a single coaching session. Visit the coachlab.hu/en/ and have a look around if you're still unsure, or even contact us today by clicking the button above!
If you'd like, get to know the with our coaching pricesto get an idea of the investment.
If you would like to find out about other coaching opportunities in Budapest and online, check out the CoachBP.hu page, or if you are looking for a specific coach, go to coachkereso.hu can help you find the right professional for you.
