This is one of the first blog posts that I’m writing for my coaching website, and if I’m being absolutely honest, I feel vulnerable admitting that I’m such a newbie in this arena.
It’s a struggle for me to accept and admit that my coaching business is brand spanking new. I want to already possess the confidence and experiences of someone who has been running their coaching practice for years.
The reality is that I share more in common with my seven-year-old toothless grinning daughter than I realize: She’s seven wishing that she were already a sophisticated teenager whipping out her iPhone to text with friends.
Similarly, I’m a new coach who wishes that I could already point to a roster of deeply satisfied coaching clients and a ginormous waiting list filled with word-of-mouth referrals. As Kermit the frog from Sesame Street sings, it’s not easy being green.
I wish I were two years ahead of where I am in my business so that I could know for sure that things will go okay. The fact that I can’t guarantee my business’s success makes me feel really uncomfortable and vulnerable. Because if I’m being really honest, there is a part of me that worries that if my business fails, that means I will be a failure too. Realistically, I know that this isn’t true, but sometimes it’s hard for me to hold onto this.
The truth is that I don’t know how successful my business will be, and maybe that’s okay.
So, here is the letter that I want to read to myself when I’m feeling like I need comfort. My hope is that when you are feeling this way, you will find comfort in it as well.
Dear Sylvia,
You’re exactly where you need to be. I know it’s hard for you to integrate, but trust that you will be okay no matter what.
Trust that there is a process bigger than yourself, pulling you forward.
Trust that you are resourceful and that you will make things happen as they need to happen.
Lean in and listen to your intuition.
Allow yourself to also make mistakes and learn from them.
Try not to worry about being perfect. Perfection is a mirage. It’s not real. Things grow and change with time. Be willing to accept change.
Focus on taking action.
One step at a time.
Let go of comparing yourself to others.
Instead, focus on making small consistent progress every single day.
I know that you wish you were further along, but the reality is that you’re not.
Accept how far you’ve come.
Allow yourself the possibility of being present to enjoy this journey.
You are unique, and this is your journey.
Be present for it.
It’s a gift.
Open your eyes and your heart so that you can fully receive it.
