Finding Your Courage: Why the First Step in Coaching Is Always the Hardest
29 Mar 2025
“Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.” - Japanese Proverb
Beginning on a path of change—personal or professional—is the hardest part. Maybe you want to shift professions, develop your capacity to lead, or simply learn more about yourself. Coaching is frequently a means of learning more about yourself and finding your courage to grow. However, even so, many hesitate to even begin coaching. They may feel frightened, uncertain, or question themselves. So why is taking that first step so difficult? And how can you muster the courage to do it? This blog digs into the mind blocks that make starting coaching seem scary. And we’ll share some practical strategies to help you get ahead with greater confidence.
Why Change Scares Us
The hesitation to begin coaching often stems from a deep-seated fear of change. Even when such situations do not benefit them, people struggle to abandon what they already know. This reluctance to change has its roots in several factors:
Fear of the Unknown—Coaching takes you on a journey to explore yourself. Not knowing what you might find out about yourself can scare you.
Fear of Failure—Many are afraid that they’ll invest time and energy into coaching and not get the results they are looking for.
Fear of Judgement—Getting to coach can make people feel exposed as they show their problems, doubts, or goals.
Fear of Commitment—Coaching needs you to commit to finding your courage and working on yourself, which can seem tough when you think about all your daily tasks.
When you witness these fears, you can begin to understand that they're normal ways of responding to the moment you go beyond what feels safe and familiar.
The Mental Roadblocks to Making the First Move
Fear isn't the only thing that stops people from getting a coach. Several other mental hurdles play a part:
1. The Pull of the Usual
We're creatures of habit. Even at times of stagnation or unhappiness, we tend to stick to the discomfort of familiar habits as opposed to the uncertainty of change. Coaching shakes up these comfort zones, pushing us to think and change.
2. The "I'm a Fraud" Feeling
Most people believe they are not “good enough” to pursue their dreams. They question whether they should invest in themselves, or fret that they will not measure up to their own dreams. This lack of confidence can make them put off or avoid reaching out to a coach.
3. The "Too Much" Factor
Embarking on a coaching journey can seem daunting. Individuals worry about where to begin, how much time it will take, and whether they are ready to change. This perceived difficulty leads many to put it off.
4. The Myth of Going It Alone
Some people think they should tackle their issues by themselves. They view coaching as a sign of weakness instead of a chance to grow.
Spotting and tackling these mental roadblocks is key to taking that first step toward change.
Ways to Push Past Fear and Make the Leap
The good news? Bravery isn't about getting rid of fear but acting in spite of it. Here's how you can move beyond doubt and embrace coaching:
1. See Fear as a Chance to Grow
Don't think of fear as a stop sign. Look at it as a signal that you're about to change in a big way. When you feel scared, it often means what's coming next matters and is worth going after.
2. Take Baby Steps
You don't need to make a huge move right away. Start by finding your courage, looking up coaches, reading the reviews, or even trying a free chat to see what's out there.
3. Keep Your "Why" in Mind
Think about the reason you want coaching. Do you hope to feel more sure of yourself, succeed at work, or find a better mix in life? Remembering why you're doing this helps push past doubt.
4. Think About Getting Help
Coaching isn't about admitting you're weak—it's about finding your courage and growing faster. The top performers, from sports stars to business leaders, get coaching to reach their full potential.
5. Picture Your Future Self
Think about the person you want to be. How would they feel? What would they have achieved? Having this mental image can provide that little incentive you need to get going.
Real Stories: Bravery in Action
Many individuals who started coaching at first had the same fears and doubts.
Lisa's Story: Lisa, a corporate professional, felt unhappy in her job. She worried that coaching might reveal she needed to switch careers, which scared her. But when she decided to try it, she learnt about her real talents and found work that matched her interests.
David's Transformation: David was a middle manager without much confidence assumed that coaching was reserved for the top bosses. After a couple of meetings, he could see what he was capable of doing, he felt more confident, and before it was long, he got a big job he never believed he could do.
These examples show how facing your fears and finding your courage can change your life and work in big ways.
Final Thoughts: Take the Leap with Gillian McMichael
If you're thinking about coaching but haven't started yet, you're not the only one. Finding your courage means seeing fear, thinking of it as growth, and moving forward anyway. Your journey to learn about yourself and change begins when you decide to start.
Gillian McMichael, a leading transformational coach, has helped many people do just this. Her coaching aims to help you find what you're capable of, get past what's holding you back, and live the life you want.
If you are you ready to begin your journey towards a better tomorrow, get in touch with Gillian McMichael now and start your journey to become more confident, clear, and successful.