‘Un’stuck Yourself in 7 Steps

 

 

Starting your coaching business can feel like you’re wading through quicksand, every step feels risky, and hard.

If it’s not self-doubt whispering in your ear, telling you you’re not good enough and not ready yet, it’s the feeling of making the “wrong” choice which is paralysing you. There are a million-and-one questions in your head…

• Who am I called to serve?
• What is my niche?
• How do I narrow my focus?
• What do I charge?
• What should I call myself?
• Can I even do this… really?

You’re watching all the videos, and trying all the things, but you just feel like you’re going a round in circles until eventually you feel… stuck, and that stuckness has held you back for weeks now.

The frustration is real. The feeling of being stuck can really knock you back, making it seem like you’re losing control of your own future. Then, of course, the late-night googling which ends up with you getting lost down the research rabbit hole and the constant comparison to others who seem to have it all figured out – it’s enough to make you want to throw in the towel.

 

But here’s the thing, coach: You’re not stuck. You’re just afraid to make the decision based on the options that are in front of you.

 

When starting a business, everything you need to do is brand new, which naturally can feel overwhelming. It’s normal to feel fearful; this feeling is expected and even a part of the journey. 

Fear has a sneaky way of disguising itself as indecision. It makes you feel like you’re trapped, but in reality, you’re simply hesitating to make a move because the options in front of you seem daunting. Every choice carries with it the possibility of change, and change can be intimidating. But remember, growth happens outside your comfort zone.

When you feel “stuck,” it’s often because you’re on the brink of a significant breakthrough. You’re on the edge of stepping into something new and potentially life-changing. The discomfort you’re feeling is a sign that you’re about to embark on a new journey, one that will push you to evolve and grow.

 

Recognizing these feelings of ‘stuckness’, where every choice feels daunting, is the first step toward your breakthrough. 

Having personally navigated through years of stuckness that delayed the start of my business for over a decade, I’ve developed a series of actionable steps now used to help countless others create a forward momentum, with confidence.

 

In the following sections, I’ll guide you through clear, actionable strategies not only to manage these fears but to decisively move forward and reclaim your power.

Step 1: Acknowledge Your Fear

“Do not let your fears choose your destiny.” — Unknown

 

Fear is a natural response to the unknown. It’s an instinctive reaction designed to protect us from potential harm. However, in the context of decision-making, fear often manifests as indecision. Recognizing this fear is the first step to overcoming it. By acknowledging that it’s okay to be afraid, you begin to take away its power over you.

Tip: Write down what you’re afraid of. Seeing your fears on paper can help demystify them and reduce their emotional impact. Learn more by watching this short video explaining the “5 Truths About Fear“, one of the tools from my Feel the Fear & THRIVE coaching programs. Note; I am a Certified International Feel the Fear and do it Anyway, Coach and Trainer with the Susan Jeffers Corporation

 

 Step 2: Evaluate Your Options Objectively

“Decision is the spark that ignites action. Until a decision is made, nothing happens.” — Wilferd Peterson

 

The next step is to objectively evaluate your options. Take a step back and systematically assess the choices available to you. Write them down, and list the pros and cons of each, considering how well they align with your lifestyle goals, financial ambitions, and personal values. Also, consider the needs of the market and the demands of your potential clients. This methodical approach helps you transition from an emotional to a rational mindset, providing the clarity and direction needed to make informed decisions.

Tip: Use a decision matrix to systematically weigh your options. Assign values to each based on the criteria most important to you. For a guided approach, access my free PVP training, (adapted from Alan Dib’s book, The One-Page Marketing Plan). This training is a powerful tool to streamline your decision-making process, ensuring you choose paths that not only meet your objectives but also deeply resonate with your personal and business aspirations.

 

 Step 3: Decide Who You Want to Be

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Before you can visualize success, it’s crucial to decide who you want to ‘be’ in this moment. Factoring in your identity in your decision-making process changes everything, but most of all, it changes you. This step includes intentionality and focus, positioning you to be courageous and take the reins of your life. By leading yourself with conviction, you set the foundation for leading others effectively.

Tip: Take a moment to identify our your core values and how they influence your decisions. What do you stand for? Who do you aspire to be, and how can this decision help you become that person?

 

 Step 4: Visualize Success

“Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” — Napoleon Hill

 

Now, imagine the best possible outcome of each decision. Visualizing success can reduce fear and boost your confidence. It creates a mental image of what you’re working towards, making the path forward clearer and more attainable.

Tip: Create a vision board or a mind map of your desired outcomes and the habits you need to introduce into your life to acheive them. This visual representation can keep you motivated and focused.

 

 Step 5: Take Small Steps

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” — Lao Tzu

Break down the decision into smaller, manageable steps. Taking action, even in small increments, can help reduce anxiety and build momentum. Each small step is a victory that moves you closer to your goal, making the larger task feel less daunting.

Tip: Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for each step. Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small.

 

 Step 6: Seek Support

“Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.” — Oprah Winfrey

 

Talk to someone you trust about your options. Sometimes an outside perspective can provide clarity and encouragement. As new coaches, it’s vital to remember that even though we guide others, we too need guidance. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Tip: Engage actively in our Purpose-Driven Coach community. For further and faster development, consider joining The Momentum level of the Purpose-Driven Coach Collective. This tier offers additional support such as, a mastermind book club with hotseat mentoring, and weekly content & co-working sessions, where you have maximum support at each stage of your journey. 

 

 Step 7: Embrace the Possibility of Failure

“I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” — Thomas Edison

 

Instead of playing avoidance with failure, understand that failure is a part of the journey. It’s the tax you pay for success. Every misstep is a learning opportunity that brings you closer to success. Embracing failure as a teacher helps you to reframe setbacks as valuable experiences rather than obstacles.

Tip: Keep a growth journal. Document what went wrong, what you learned, and how you’ll apply those lessons moving forward.

 

 Reflective Self-Coaching Questions

Deep reflection and potentially reframing your thoughts can transform feelings of stuckness. Use these self-coaching questions to guide your introspection:

– What is the worst-case scenario of making this decision, and how likely is it to happen?

– What is the best-case scenario, and what steps can I take to make it more likely?

– What past experiences have I had with making tough decisions, and what were the outcomes?

– How will making this decision align with my long-term goals and values?

– Who do I need to become to make this decision and follow through with it?

 

 Staying in Your Power

As coaches, we lead others to their breakthroughs, but it’s equally important to prioritize self-leadership. Feelings of stuckness and overwhelm diminish our power, but we are not powerless. Staying in our power means claiming it actively, guiding ourselves just as we guide our clients.

Self-coaching is a vital habit for new coaches. Even if you have a coach of your own, maintaining the practice of self-coaching ensures continuous personal growth and resilience. This habit keeps you aligned with your purpose and helps you navigate challenges with confidence and clarity.

Remember, the only way to truly become “unstuck” is to face your fears head-on and make a decision. You have the power within you to choose a path that leads to growth, fulfillment, and success. Don’t let fear keep you in place. Take that step forward today.

By embracing self-leadership and the power of self-coaching, you not only empower yourself but also enhance your ability to lead and guide others effectively. This journey is as much about your growth as it is about the growth of those you coach. 

Stay intentional, stay focused, and claim your power. Stuck’ness’ ain’t got nothing on you!

 

It’s  Time To Unlock Your Coaching Potential

As we wrap up today’s insights on creating transformative content, I hope you feel a surge of inspiration and a readiness to push beyond your comfort zone. And why stop here? If these strategies have ignited a spark within you, imagine what diving deeper could do for your coaching career.

At the Purpose-Driven Coach Academy, we delve into the nitty-gritty of building a coaching business that resonates deeply with who you are at your core, and the clients you are called to serve.

Our doors are still open, but only for a limited time, why not take the step today?

Apply for a spot in the exclusive Academy and join a community that’s as passionate about growth and authenticity as you are.

Don’t just dream about success—create it with us at the Academy. Apply now, and let’s make your coach calling a living, breathing reality and unlock purpose, passion and profit.

We can’t wait to welcome you aboard!