What I Wish I Had Known

What I Wish I Had Known

What I Wish I Had Known

As coaches, we often focus on helping others navigate their journey, but today I want to share some hard-earned wisdom from my years in the self-development industry before becoming a coach. These lessons proved invaluable when I started my coaching practice and continue to guide me today.

Trust Your Intuition

Your gut feeling is one of your most powerful tools as a coach. If something feels wrong, even if it seems like something you should do, listen to that inner voice. I've learned that this instinct isn't just random – it's your experience, values, and wisdom speaking to you.

Trusting your intuition not only protects you but also fosters trust and authenticity in your relationships with clients. When you act in alignment with your inner wisdom, you create a safe, supportive space for your clients to do the same.

Boundaries Are Your Foundation

As coaches, we're natural givers, but we must serve ourselves first to serve others effectively. Setting clear boundaries isn't selfish – it's essential. Here's what I've learned:

  • You have the right to say "No" without explanation.
  • Your time and energy are valuable resources that need protection.
  • Clear expectations about appointments, cancellations, and respect are non-negotiable.
  • If a client doesn't respect your boundaries, it's okay to end the relationship.

For example, early in my career, I hesitated to enforce a cancellation policy, and this led to frequent last-minute no-shows. Once I implemented a clear policy, not only did clients respect my time more, but I felt less stressed and more focused on serving them effectively.

Boundaries don’t just benefit you—they create a professional framework where clients feel secure, respected, and empowered to honor their own commitments.

Start Now, Build Later

Many new coaches feel they need everything perfect before beginning – the signature program, the book, the online course, perfectly crafted coaching packages, a professional website, consistent social media content, lead magnets, a newsletter, a podcast, beautifully designed worksheets, and a complete client portal.

Here's the truth: you can start coaching now and build these assets along the way. Yes, building while working will take longer, but that's perfectly fine. The experience you gain from working with clients will actually make your programs and materials better.

When you take imperfect action, you not only help people today, but you also model for your clients the courage to start before feeling ready.

Navigate Partnerships Carefully

Partnerships can be both powerful and problematic. Before entering any partnership, consider:

  • How payments will be tracked and shared.
  • Who gets to make which decisions.
  • Growth potential versus independence.
  • Transparency and record-keeping.

If a partnership requires blind trust for payment or compromises your ability to make decisions, proceed with extreme caution. Sometimes slower, independent growth is better than faster growth with complications. Remember, the way you approach partnerships sets an example for your clients about healthy collaboration and self-reliance.

Align With Your Values

Perhaps the most crucial advice: stay true to your values, ethics, and morals. In the coaching industry, you'll see many approaches and tactics that others claim are "the way it's done." But if these methods don't align with your values, don't adopt them.

Your integrity is your brand, especially as a coach. Quality over quantity, always. When you are your brand, maintaining integrity isn't just about ethics – it's about sustainable business practice. Clients work with you because of who you are and what you stand for. Compromising your values might bring short-term gains but will ultimately undermine your practice.

Set Clear Financial Policies

Establish and communicate clear policies about:

  • Payment terms and methods.
  • Cancellation policies and fees.
  • Package terms and expiration dates.
  • Refund policies.

Having these policies in writing and reviewing them with clients prevents misunderstandings and protects both parties. Clear financial policies also build trust, demonstrating to clients that you are organized, fair, and professional.

Invest in Continuous Growth

While helping others grow, don't forget to invest in your own development. This includes:

  • Regular supervision or mentoring.
  • Continuing education.
  • Personal therapy or coaching.
  • Professional networking.

When you prioritize your own growth, you model lifelong learning for your clients and bring fresh insights into your sessions.

Remember Your Worth

Finally, remember that your experience, insights, and approach have unique value. Don't undercharge or over-accommodate out of fear or insecurity. Your pricing should reflect your expertise and the transformation you provide.

When you value yourself, you teach your clients to value themselves, too. Your confidence in your worth becomes a mirror for their own self-worth.

Which of these lessons resonates most with you? Take a moment to reflect on how you can implement it in your practice today. By embracing these principles, you’ll not only build a sustainable coaching business but also create meaningful, transformational relationships with your clients.

The journey of a coach is both challenging and rewarding. Trust in your journey, and know that every challenge you face helps you become a better guide for others.