Nervous? Uneasy? Reluctant to put yourself “out there” as a coach?
Me, too.
I don’t like asking people to buy my products, join my groups or become my clients. It’s awkward. Uncomfortable. Salesy. It’s just not me.
So, I delay, shuffle papers, and endlessly tweak what I’m going to say.
I’m there again today. I have a wonderful offering that could truly change people’s lives, and I’m tempted to lie it down and walk away.
Failed Cures
Before you jump in with some helpful suggestions, may I just say that I’ve tried every cure known to man.
I’ve claimed God’s truth that I’m complete in Christ.
I’ve told myself that who I am is not based on what people say.
I’ve prayed, affirmed, rehearsed, and renewed, yet the pit in my stomach remains. Underneath it all, I’m just a insecure little girl, dressed up as a coach, desperately hoping someone wants me on their team. “Pick me, pick me,” I silently cry, but the words die in my mouth and so they too pass me by.
Ten long years into coaching and hundreds of clients later, the feelings never change.
The Real Problem
The truth is I’m scared.
What if people will think I’m arrogant, misguided, under-qualified or outright insane? What if they laugh, scoff, roll their eyes or simply walk away.?
Face it, it’s risky asking people to coach with me, pay for my time, believe that a 45-minute conversation could make a significant change in their lives.
Paralyzed
Many times I’ve stood at this place poised to act but paralyzed inside. And far too many times, my feet haven’t moved, my hair has turned gray, and no new clients have come.
Today, I nervously scan the email offer I’ve written, then read it again. And the siren call in my head sings distract, delay, endlessly polish, or do it another day.
Is God really asking me to put myself out there, lay it all on the line? Before I feel ready? Before I know how it’ll end?
I pause, and once again turn to flee.
Until…
True Faith
My Savior gently reminds me that faith isn’t the absence of fear. “Faith,” He whispers, “is just doing it scared.”
What? I don’t have to wait until I finally feel my worth? Until the wording is perfect? The time is right? I don’t have sideline myself until the world is begging for my services and confidence wells up deep from within?
So here I stand at the intersection of faith and fear.
I pause.
Pray.
Put my trembling finger on the keyboard and launch my raw heart out into the world for everyone to see.
Gulp.
No, I don’t know what will happen. How others will respond.
But I do know that every client I’ve ever gotten has come as a result of stepping into this dark abyss.
Today I moved an inch forward and believed in my God.
I’m glad I did.
It’s Your Turn
What can you just do scared today? Please leave your comment below.
Thank you for sharing this Kim. After reading this I wrote a letter that has been on my “to do” list for several months. I didn’t realize why I kept avoiding it until I burst into tears in fear as it was coming off the printer. You are such a great coach and the world NEEDS what you have to offer. I am so grateful you are willing to “do it afraid”.
Hi Tina,
Thanks for sharing that experience – I so understand the fears and the tears, and I’m THRILLED that you wrote your letter anyway! We are all in this together, right?
I loved this post, Miss Kim! If I can remind you how I came to you…God led me! It’s that simple. I had never heard of you, but God knew you were what I needed and led me right to you. When people are ready, they will come! You have amazing things to offer. I have amazing things to offer. We do because GOD has made us this way and called us to this. It’s His gig, after all, right? We have the privilege of getting to touch people’s lives in our own creative, uniquely God-designed ways! My definition of success is being challenged a LOT! The only time I feel scared in this journey as an emerging coach is when I compare what I’m doing with the world’s ways & take my eyes off of God’s Kingdom ways. God IS leading me in my next steps, when I need them, who I need to connect with, & drawing people who will benefit from what I have to offer… in His time. HIS time. So, when things are quiet, perhaps its HIS time for me to be quiet, to learn, to be refreshed, to trust… Peace to you, my friend…and to me…and to all of us as we courageously move that next inch. I believe there will be seasons when we do NOTHING and suddenly people show up… Oh, to trust the flow of my part …and His…. Peace…
Hi Penny,
I actually had forgotten how we met. What fun to be reminded of God’s sovereign, guiding grace and love. Your response is so beautiful – you ought to copy it and send it out to others. It breathes fresh air into our timid souls. Thank you!
“I can’t relate to this at all.” Said no one. Ever. 🙂 Thanks, Kim, for again expressing so beautifully what all of us feel inside, and what God calls us to do in faith. A powerful and important call to action here.
Hi Chris,
Thanks so much for sharing that “even you” can relate :). God is always urging each of us to grow from faith to faith, and I have to keep reminding myself nothing important was ever learned while staying safely inside my comfort zone.
I appreciate you!