The next steps as a new coach can feel like an exhilarating experience filled with anticipation, hope, and the desire to make a meaningful impact.
But for many new coaches, the leap from learning in the classroom to practising in the real world can feel scary.
This stage is more than just a professional shift; it’s a personal transformation that challenges you to step into your identity as a coach, trust your skills, and find your authentic voice.
In this article, we’ll explore the challenges new coaches face, offer practical advice for building confidence, and highlight ways to embrace the inevitable ups and downs of the coaching journey.
The Leap from Student to Practitioner
The moment you complete your coaching training, a new reality sets in.
The safe, structured environment of learning gives way to the dynamic, often unpredictable world of real-life coaching sessions.
It’s normal to feel a mix of excitement and anxiety; this transition is not just about applying techniques but about embodying the essence of a coach—being fully present, deeply listening, and facilitating transformation.
This shift can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to second-guess your readiness.
But it’s essential to recognise that every coach, no matter how experienced, started exactly where you are now. The key is to see this phase as a continuation of your learning, where each session, client, and experience becomes a teacher.
Key Challenges New Coaches Face
Imposter Syndrome:
One of the most common hurdles new coaches encounter is imposter syndrome—the persistent feeling that you’re not “good enough” or that you’re somehow faking it.
It’s a voice that questions your abilities and whispers that you don’t belong. This self-doubt is particularly potent for new coaches who may feel the weight of responsibility that comes with guiding others. Remember, imposter syndrome is not a reflection of your capabilities; it’s a sign that you’re stretching into new, uncharted territory.
Setting Up Your Coaching Practice:
Launching your coaching practice can feel like standing at the base of a mountain.
From defining your niche and setting up your business operations to figuring out your marketing strategy, the practicalities can be overwhelming.
But it’s important to approach this as a gradual process rather than something that needs to be perfect from day one.
Start small, focus on the essentials, and build your practice step by step.
Finding Your Unique Coaching Voice:
In a world filled with different coaching styles and methodologies, it’s easy to feel pressured to conform to a particular way of being.
But transformative coaching thrives on authenticity—your clients are drawn to you because of who you are, not because you fit a particular mould.
Spend time reflecting on your own experiences, values, and strengths. What makes your approach distinct? Embrace that uniqueness; it’s your superpower.
From Knowing to Doing: Bridging the Gap
Applied Learning:
There’s a significant difference between understanding coaching concepts in theory and applying them in practice.
The principles of transformative coaching, such as the phenomenological approach of meeting the client in their experience or the systemic view of seeing the client within their broader context, come alive when used flexibly in real conversations.
Start with foundational techniques, like active listening, powerful questioning, and presence. Let these be the bedrock upon which you build your unique approach.
Dealing with the Unexpected:
Clients rarely present their challenges in neatly packaged scenarios that fit the coaching models you’ve studied. This is where your intuition and adaptability come into play.
If you feel unsure, it’s okay to take a moment, breathe, and trust your instincts.
Coaching is a dynamic dance between structure and spontaneity; your ability to stay present and responsive is often more impactful than any single technique.
Building Confidence and Overcoming Self-Doubt
Practice, Practice, Practice:
Confidence in coaching doesn’t come from reading another book or attending another course—it comes from doing the work.
The more you coach, the more you learn about yourself and the process. Seek opportunities to practise, whether with peers, volunteers, or early clients.
Each session is a chance to refine your skills and build your self-assurance.
Embrace Feedback and Supervision:
Supervision isn’t just for when things go wrong; it’s an invaluable space for reflection, growth, and support. Engaging with a supervisor helps you explore your coaching experiences, gain new insights, and feel less isolated.
Feedback—both from clients and peers—is a goldmine for learning. Approach it with curiosity rather than defensiveness, and use it to fine-tune your practice.
Celebrate Small Wins:
It’s easy to overlook your progress when you’re focused on becoming the best coach you can be. Take time to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
Did you handle a difficult moment well? Did a client have a breakthrough? These are the moments that build your confidence and remind you why you started coaching in the first place.
Connecting with Your First Clients
Offer Pro-Bono or Low-Cost Sessions:
In the early stages, consider offering your services for free or at a reduced rate to gain experience and build confidence.
These sessions aren’t just practice; they’re valuable opportunities to refine your approach and build your reputation.
Network and Build Relationships:
Coaching is a relationship-driven business. Attend events, join coaching communities, and connect with other coaches and professionals in related fields.
Word of mouth is powerful—when people experience your coaching, they become your best advocates.
Leverage Social Media and Online Presence:
Share your insights, reflections, and learnings online. It not only positions you as a thoughtful coach but also allows potential clients to connect with you on a personal level.
Your voice matters, and sharing it helps others see the value you bring.
Sustaining Your Growth: The Lifelong Learning Mindset
Coaching is not a destination; it’s a lifelong journey of growth. Each client, each session, and each challenge is an invitation to deepen your practice.
Stay curious, seek out supervision, attend workshops, and keep learning. The best coaches are those who remain students of the craft, continually evolving alongside their clients.
Conclusion: Embracing the Journey
Stepping into your role as a coach is both a personal and professional evolution. It’s perfectly normal to feel uncertain, to question your abilities, and to stumble along the way.
But every challenge, every awkward moment, and every breakthrough is part of your unique journey.
Remember, coaching is not about perfection; it’s about connection, presence, and a commitment to growth—for both you and your clients.
Embrace the journey with curiosity and compassion, and trust that with each session, you are becoming the coach you are meant to be.
Nick is the founder and CEO of Animas Centre for Coaching and the International Centre for Coaching Supervision. Nick is an existentially oriented coach and supervisor with a passion for the ideas, principles and philosophy that sits behind coaching.