Feeling Stuck as a Coach? Here’s How to Reignite Your Spark
Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels as a coach? That you’ve lost your spark?
Believe me, you’re not alone.
But what if that feeling of being stuck is actually a signal?
A signal that it’s time to step up, to stretch yourself, and to re-ignite that coaching spark.
The truth is, as coaches, we’re so focused on helping others reach their potential that we often forget to keep growing ourselves.
We can end up using the same old techniques, leaning on tried-and-tested methods that once worked really well but now feel stale.
And that feeling of being stuck can lead to a lack of motivation and feelings of not being good enough.
Why Do Coaches Get Stuck?
Common Pitfalls
Even the most experienced coaches can feel stuck at times. I know-it’s happened to me.
But why does it happen?
It often comes down to three core reasons:
Complacency:
You’ve found a formula that works, so you stick with it. But what happens when it stops working? Relying on the same approach over and over can lead to stagnation, leaving both you and your clients feeling uninspired.
Lack of Feedback:
Who’s holding up the mirror for you?
Without external feedback, it’s very easy to overlook areas for growth and development.
Developmental feedback is crucial to keep growing as a coach.
Isolation:
Coaching can be a lonely profession.
Without a trusted network to bounce ideas off, you may feel like you’re running on empty, with no fresh perspectives to keep your practice dynamic and engaging.
Common Client Traps
Beyond these broader challenges, coaches can also get stuck in specific traps when working with clients:
Over-identifying with Clients:
It’s natural to connect with your clients, but becoming too invested in their stories can blur the lines between their journey and yours. This can cloud your objectivity and limit your effectiveness.
Defaulting to the Same Techniques:
Repeating the same techniques regardless of the client’s unique needs can make sessions feel monotonous and uninspiring.
Tailoring your approach to each client can reinvigorate both you and them.
Fear of Challenging the Client:
You might avoid asking the tough questions, fearing it may upset the client or trigger something in you..
But without challenge, there’s no growth.
Leaning into those difficult but necessary conversations can be the catalyst for true transformation.
Breaking Free from the Coaching Rut
3 Questions
Feeling stuck as a coach isn’t a sign of failure — it’s a signal that you’re ready for a breakthrough.
So how do you shift gears and get moving again?
Start by asking yourself these three powerful questions:
1. What’s one area of my coaching practice that feels outdated or stale?
Identifying where you’re stuck can be the first step towards fresh insights and renewed energy.
2. Who can I reach out to for fresh perspectives and constructive feedback?
A trusted peer, mentor, or supervisor can help you see blind spots and provide that much-needed nudge forward.
3.What new skills or approaches can I explore to reignite my passion for coaching?
Sometimes, all it takes is a new technique or framework to reinvigorate your sessions and bring fresh energy to your practice.
Once you’ve reflected on these questions, it’s time to take action.
3 Practical Tips
Here are three practical tips to help you get unstuck:
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Experiment with your approach:
Experiment with a new coaching framework or technique to shake things up and gain fresh insights.
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Reconnect with Your Why:
Why did you startcoaching in the first place.? What excites you about this work? How can you bring that spark back to your sessions?
- Find a great Coach Mentor or Supervisor:
Get a fresh perspective from someone who can hold up the mirror and offer developmental feedback that will help you to grow.
The Power of Coach Mentoring
Imagine having a space where you can reflect, regroup, and recharge – a space where you’re not just the coach, but also the coachee. That’s where coach mentoring comes in.
It’s not just about refining your skills; it’s about rediscovering your passion, challenging your perspectives, and reigniting that spark that made you fall in love with coaching in the first place.
My ICF Accredited Coach Development and Mentoring Programme is designed to do just that.
It’s a space to reflect, refine, and reignite your coaching practice alongside other like-minded coaches.
“The best thing about it has been the support of the whole group. I’ve really felt I can make mistakes, and I don’t have to be perfect because I feel supported. And actually from that, you just grow more because you’re not so stuck in this box of Oh, my God, I’ve got it wrong. I’d say whatever wherever you are, definitely do it because there’s so much to be learned about the process, but also about oneself. It’s very accessible, too… I don’t feel rushed. I don’t feel pressured. I feel I can do it, and I think absolutely without hesitation I tell people I can’t believe why you haven’t done it” Jane Mitchell, Graduate
You’ll get personalised feedback, practical strategies, and powerful insights that can help you move from feeling stuck to feeling unstoppable.
Ready to take the next step?
Let’s have a conversation. Click here to book a call.
I’d love to help you reignite your passion and elevate your coaching practice.
Until next time.
Best wishes,
Cath