Have you ever wondered what makes someone coachable?
There’s a common misconception that having a coach will solve all your problems….or that having a coach will make things EASIER for you.

If you’re searching for a business coach as a quick-fix solution to your problems,  you’re going to find yourself disappointed. Coaching is never a quick-fix.

Coaches—well, GOOD coaches—exist not to give you the answers, but to guide you along a journey of SELF work. Really good coaching is client-led and it is designed to challenge you, push you outside of your comfort zone and require you to work harder than you ever have before. 

It’s kind of a “hurts so good” feeling, because, while it’s hard, deeply personal work, it’s also wildly rewarding, energizing and exciting! 

But, I will be honest with you. Coaching isn’t for everyone. So if you’re asking yourself…”Am I coachable?” I challenge you to consider these 4 questions: 

• Do you accept that what you’re doing isn’t working?
• Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and trust the process?
• Are you open to new ideas, perspectives and strategies?
• Are you prepared to show up and put in the work?

Keep reading to unpack and reflect on each of these qualifications to determine if you would be a good candidate for – and successful in – a group or 1:1 coaching program.

You accept that what you’re doing isn’t working

No matter what goals you’re working towards, taking a moment to check in with yourself and evaluate what’s working, and what isn't, is a crucial jumping off point. 

it’s important to be able to name the systems and processes you have in place that are no longer serving you – and come to terms with any shortcomings or roadblocks – so that you can begin to make space for new growth.

You know you are ready for a coach the moment you can look in the mirror and confidently say that what has previously been acceptable in your life and business is no longer acceptable. Except you’re not really sure how to go from where you are to where you want to be.

Have you had enough of spinning your wheels to no avail? Are you tired of spending time and energy and not seeing the return? It might be time to try something new.

You’re willing to let go of control and trust the process

Once you’ve done some internal reflection about what to let go of, it’s time to start working towards what you need to attract more of in order to reach your goals. If support and accountability are something you’re missing, then you’re on the right track.

Asking for help can take courage and strength. But, for some, letting go of control to accept the help and lean into that support is where the biggest challenge lies. 

Working with a coach requires a relationship of mutual trust and respect. It’s a journey that may require a few steps back in order to make way for the leaps and bounds ahead. It’s going to feel scary at times. And that’s okay.

You’ve already accepted that what you’re doing isn’t working, are you ready to trust the process and get creative?

You’re open to new ideas, perspectives and strategies

This next one is a mindset shift. Trusting a coach to guide you means being open-minded to new ideas, perspectives and strategies. 

Are you willing to challenge your beliefs and become someone you never thought you could? Your coach is trained to see your potential (even if you can’t) and will likely push you to try new things that are out of the box and outside your comfort zone.

I always tell my clients: “you don’t have to know exactly where you want to go, but if you’re willing to play along with me and try new things, we will figure it out together.” Coaching is a partnership, after all.

You’re prepared to show up and put in the work

The last piece of the puzzle, for determining if you are coachable (or in the right space for coaching), is a choice that you have to make. (And, you will save everyone involved a lot of time and money if you are honest with yourself about this one up-front!)

Are you prepared to work harder than ever? Are you willing to show up for yourself in ways you never have before?Are you willing to ask for what you want? Are you willing to invest your time and energy into building the life and future of your dreams? 

Because, here’s the thing, it’s not going to be easy. Signing up for coaching is a long-term commitment to yourself.

You don’t have to know HOW to get where you want to go next—or even exactly WHERE you want to go—but you do have to be willing to show up, do the work, be flexible, try new things and, most importantly, .you have to be willing to do it for yourself and no one else.