If you’re a coach passionate about helping others achieve their goals and dreams, you know how fulfilling it can be to run a successful coaching business. However, building and growing a coaching business can be challenging. With so much competition in the industry, it’s easy to fall into self-sabotaging beliefs that can hinder your progress and prevent you from achieving your goals.
This blog will explore the five most common self-sabotaging beliefs coaches may unknowingly follow when building their businesses. We’ll delve into why these beliefs are harmful and provide actionable solutions to help you overcome them and grow your coaching business in 2023.
By avoiding these pitfalls and adopting a growth mindset, you can take your coaching business to the next level and achieve your desired success.
5 Mindset Barriers That Stop You From Becoming a Successful Coach
False Belief #1: Don’t Fix What’s Not Broken
It’s tempting to keep doing what’s worked in the past, especially if you’ve seen some success. But in today’s fast-paced business environment, staying stagnant is a surefire way to stay caught up in the competition. To grow your coaching business in 2023, you must be open to change and adapt to new trends and technologies.

Additionally, staying up-to-date on industry trends and incorporating new strategies into your business can help you stay ahead of the competition. This may include attending industry events and conferences, participating in webinars and online courses, and networking with other coaches and industry influencers. By adopting a growth mindset and staying current with industry trends, you can position yourself as a thought leader and remain competitive in the ever-changing coaching landscape.
Solution:
Embrace a growth mindset and continually evaluate your self-sabotage coaching business for areas for improvement. Keep up with industry trends and incorporate new strategies that align with your goals. Remember, just because something has worked in the past doesn’t mean it will continue to work in the future.
False Belief #2: Business Is About Strategy
While having a solid business strategy is important, it’s not the only factor determining success. Many coaches need to focus more on the technical aspects of their business, paying attention to the importance of relationships and networking.
In addition, leveraging social media platforms can help you build relationships and gain visibility in your industry. When you ask “how to grow your coaching business”, social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram can provide an excellent platform for sharing your expertise, connecting with potential clients and industry influencers, and building your brand. When using social media, being consistent and engaging with your audience regularly is important. This approach will help you create a loyal following and establish yourself as an expert in your field.
Solution
Prioritize building authentic connections with your clients, colleagues, and industry influencers and grow your coaching business. Attend networking events, engage in social media, and participate in online communities. Building a strong support system and community can help you gain visibility, credibility, and referrals, ultimately leading to business growth.
False Belief #3: It’s All About Sales
Of course, making sales is important for any business. But focusing solely on sales can make you appear pushy and salesy, turning potential clients away.

It’s essential to understand that building relationships and trust are the keys to long-term success in coaching coaches. Clients will be more likely to invest in your services if they believe you have their best interests and are committed to helping them achieve their goals. Building a strong relationship with your clients and providing value will create a loyal following that can help you grow your business over time. Remember, it’s not just about making sales but about building a community of clients who believe in your coaching and are willing to refer others to you.
Solution
Instead of focusing on sales, build trust with your clients. Listen to their needs and provide value through your coaching services. Share your expertise through blogs, social media, and other content marketing efforts to showcase your knowledge and build credibility. Building trust and adding value will naturally attract more clients and generate more sales in the coaching business.
False Belief #4: More Is Better
Many coaches believe working harder and taking on more clients is the key to coaching business growth. However, this can lead to burnout, lower-quality work, and a decreased ability to provide personalized attention to each client.
In addition to focusing on quality over quantity, it’s important to prioritize your well-being as a coach. Overworking and burnout can lead to decreased productivity and creativity, ultimately impacting the success of your business. Remember to take breaks, delegate tasks, and set boundaries to ensure time for self-care and personal growth. By prioritizing your well-being and the quality of your coaching services to grow your coaching business, you’ll create a sustainable business that can thrive in the long term.
Solution
Focus on quality over quantity. Instead of taking on as many clients as possible, be selective about the clients you work with and ensure you have the time and energy to provide personalized attention to each one. By delivering high-quality coaching services to a select group of clients, you’ll build a reputation for excellence and attract more ideal clients.
False Belief #5: Everything Is Urgent
As a coach, you likely have many tasks and responsibilities to juggle daily. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing everything is urgent and important, leading to overwhelming and burnout.
It’s also important to set boundaries with clients and manage their expectations. Encourage them to plan and communicate deadlines well in advance to avoid last-minute requests or emergencies. You can provide high-quality, self-sabotage coaching services without sacrificing your well-being by managing your time effectively and setting realistic expectations. Remember, it’s not about doing everything at once but the right things at the right time.
Solution:
Prioritize your tasks and focus on the most important ones first. Use tools like to-do lists, calendars, and time blocking to stay organized and manage your time effectively. Take breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout.
Love From Your Coach

Growing a coaching business requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. By avoiding self-sabotaging beliefs and embracing a growth mindset, investing in your development, building a strong brand and marketing strategy, and setting and measuring SMART goals, you can achieve success and help your clients achieve their own goals and dreams. Remember that success doesn’t happen overnight, and staying focused, curious, and committed to your vision is important. You can build a successful coaching business in 2023 and beyond with the right mindset and strategies.
FAQs
What are some common ways that coaches can sabotage their own businesses?
There are several ways that coaches can inadvertently sabotage their businesses. These can include not charging enough for their services, not marketing themselves effectively, failing to establish clear boundaries with clients, not investing in their own professional development, and not setting clear goals or having a solid business plan.
How can undercharging for coaching services harm a coach’s business?
Undercharging for coaching services can harm a coach’s business in several ways. Firstly, it can create the impression that the coach doesn’t value their expertise or experience and may lead potential clients to question the quality of their services. Additionally, undercharging can make it difficult to earn a sustainable income and make it harder to invest in the tools and resources needed to grow the business.
Why is investing in professional development important for coaches?
Investing in professional development is important for coaches because it helps them stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in their field. It can also help them develop new skills and expand their knowledge, ultimately leading to better client outcomes. Additionally, investing in professional development can help coaches stay motivated and engaged in their work, which can help them build a successful and sustainable coaching business.