Ever catch yourself thinking, “Can I really coach others when I’m not even sure of myself?”
Believe me, you’re not alone in this.
I’ve been there, and it’s a question that kept me up at night when I first started my coaching journey.
Let me tell you a secret – that nagging self-doubt? It’s practically a rite of passage for new coaches.
When I started out, I was plagued with questions. Would anyone take me seriously? Could I really make a difference in people’s lives?
But here’s the thing…
…that lack of confidence?
It’s not just common; it’s expected.
And you know what? It’s also fixable.
I remember feeling exactly like that when I first transitioned from my corporate career to coaching.
What worked for me was recognising that my experiences – both good and bad – were what made me relatable and effective as a coach. You don’t need to be perfect; you just need to be real.
So, what does coaching confidence really mean?
It’s not about being the loudest voice in the room or having all the answers. True coaching confidence comes from understanding your craft, coupled with genuine empathy for your clients.
It’s about trusting in your ability to guide someone through their journey, even when you don’t know exactly where it might lead.
If you’re feeling drawn to coaching but held back by lack of confidence, I encourage you to take that first step.
Explore training options that offer a holistic approach, blending theory with plenty of practical experience. And don’t be afraid to reach out for support along the way.
Building your confidence as a coach starts with the right resources. Our free ‘Coach’s Confidence Starter Kit’ provides actionable exercises and insights to help you overcome self-doubt and build a solid foundation. Download it here and take the first step toward becoming a confident, transformational coach
Whether you choose Paseda360 or another programme, the key is to start your journey.
If you’d like to explore our confidence-building approach to coach training, I’d love to chat. You can reach out on WhatsApp to chat for personalised guidance on overcoming your confidence barriers.
How Does Training Build Confidence?
Training directly builds your confidence by giving you a solid foundation of knowledge.
When you understand the principles of coaching, the psychology behind human behaviour, and proven methodologies for creating change, you start to feel more secure in your abilities. It’s like having a map and compass when you’re exploring new territory.
But knowledge alone isn’t enough.
That’s why good training programmes focus heavily on practical skills. You don’t just read about coaching techniques; you practise them, again and again, in real-world scenarios.
This hands-on experience is invaluable for building confidence. Each successful interaction, each moment of connection with a practice client, reinforces your belief in yourself.
During one of my early sessions as a trainee coach, I had a breakthrough that changed my approach.
I was working with a client who was struggling with a career decision, and I felt completely out of my depth. But as I focused on really listening and asking open questions, I saw the client have an ‘aha’ moment.
It wasn’t because I had all the answers – it was because I created a space for them to find their own insights. That’s when I realised that coaching isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being present.
Here are some key ways training builds confidence:
- Provides a solid theoretical foundation
- Offers practical, hands-on experience
- Helps you develop your unique coaching style
- Provides feedback from experienced mentors
- Builds a supportive peer network
Speaking of belief, let’s address the elephant in the room: imposter syndrome.
It’s that little voice that says, “Who am I to be coaching anyone? I’m a fraud!”
Training helps silence that voice by giving you concrete evidence of your abilities. As you master new skills and receive positive feedback, it becomes harder and harder to deny your own competence.
Overcoming Self-Doubt Through Practice
Let’s explore some specific elements of training that build confidence.
Mastering coaching frameworks and methodologies gives you a structure to work within, which can be incredibly reassuring when you’re just starting out. It’s like having training wheels on a bike – they give you the support you need until you’re ready to fly solo.
Then there’s the practice sessions.
This is where the magic happens.
In-person training sessions are crucial because there’s simply no substitute for real-time feedback and guidance. It’s in these sessions that you start to find your voice as a coach, to develop your own style.
And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the confidence boost you get from successfully guiding a client to an “aha” moment.
Feedback and mentoring from experienced coaches is another crucial element. Their insights can help you refine your skills and build on your strengths. Plus, knowing you have support from someone who’s been there can be incredibly reassuring.
Building a supportive peer network is also invaluable.
These relationships provide ongoing support and encouragement, long after the official training has ended.
Addressing Limiting Beliefs as a Coach
Now, let’s address some of the personal barriers to confidence.
One of the most common is limiting beliefs – those pesky thoughts that tell you you’re not good enough, smart enough, or experienced enough to be a coach.
Good training programmes don’t just acknowledge these beliefs; they actively work to challenge and change them.
Here are some techniques to address these limiting beliefs:
- Mental practices: Meditation, mindfulness, and positive affirmations
- Journaling: To uncover and challenge negative self-talk
- Mentorship: Working with experienced coaches outside of formal training
- Continuous learning: Reading books on coaching confidence and skill development
- Limitless Light Therapy: a powerful technique that finds the moment a limiting belief was created
Before your next session, take a moment to breathe deeply and remind yourself, “I am capable of leading this conversation to insights.”
This small practice can shift your mindset and set you up for success.
Real-World Perspectives
Let me share a quick case study with you. Sally Smith came to coaching as a career switcher. She told me:
“I needed to do something new. I’d always liked the idea of being a coach, and this course and the content spoke to me because it’s more than coaching—learning the different therapies to support my clients and grow myself as an individual but also as a coach. It’s been amazing.”
Today, Sally is running a successful coaching practice, specialising in career transitions. She often says that the confidence she gained through training was the key to her success.
Another coach, Ann Hill, shared her experience:
“Most coach training gets into the mechanics and the tools and techniques of training, and they try to get you to an outcome. What they don’t do is focus on what’s been limiting you, and the experiences that you’ve built up over a lifetime that you don’t even remember, that are influencing how you behave today, how you feel today, how you see yourself in the world today.”
These stories highlight how the right training can not only build your coaching skills but also address the deeper issues that might be holding you back from feeling confident in your abilities.
Common Misconceptions About Coaching Confidence
Let’s bust a few common myths about coaching confidence:
- Confident coaches never doubt themselves. Rubbish! Even the most experienced coaches have moments of doubt. The difference is, they’ve learned to manage those doubts effectively.
- You need to be naturally outgoing to be a confident coach. Not true at all. Some of the best coaches I know are introverts. Coaching is about being present, listening deeply, and asking the right questions.
- If you’re not confident now, training won’t help. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve seen countless coaches transform from nervous beginners to self-assured professionals through quality training and practice.
Remember, building confidence as a coach is a journey, not a destination.
The learning and growing never stop.
Training provides you with the tools, knowledge, and experience to start that journey on solid footing. It addresses your doubts head-on, challenges your limiting beliefs, and gives you concrete evidence of your abilities.
The Paseda360 Approach to Building Confidence
At Paseda360, we’re passionate about helping new coaches find their confidence and their unique voice. Our approach is holistic, addressing not just the skills of coaching but also the mindset and personal growth needed to become a confident coach.
One unique aspect of our training is our focus on addressing past experiences that impact confidence.
We use innovative, neuroscience-based techniques to help rewire thought patterns. Methods like Self Havening with Affirmations can be powerful tools for calming anxiety and reinforcing positive beliefs about yourself.
We also teach a co-creative approach to coaching, which takes a lot of pressure off the coach.
Instead of feeling like you need to have all the answers, you learn to partner with your client, drawing out their innate wisdom and capabilities. This shift in perspective can be incredibly liberating and confidence-boosting.
Coaching isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about partnering with your client to help them uncover their own insights.
You’re there to guide, not to be the guru. One of my clients, just starting out, worried every session about her lack of experience.
After practising affirmations and grounding techniques, she noticed her energy shift, and so did her clients. It’s amazing how our inner work reflects in our outer results.
I know starting this journey can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.
If you’d like to explore our confidence-building approach to coach training, I’d love to chat. You can reach out on WhatsApp to chat for personalised guidance on overcoming your confidence barriers.
And if you’re not quite ready for that step, why not start by watching our free watch our latest webinar on becoming a confident, transformational coach? It’s a great way to dip your toe in the water and see if this path might be right for you.
Remember, every confident coach you admire started exactly where you are now. With the right training and support, there’s no reason you can’t join their ranks. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you.
Key Takeaways:
- Lack of confidence is common among new coaches and can be overcome with proper training and personal development.
- True coaching confidence comes from a combination of knowledge, practical skills, and self-awareness.
- Quality training programmes provide a safe space to practice and build confidence through real-world experience.
- Techniques like meditation, journaling, and working with mentors can help address underlying confidence issues.
- Building confidence is an ongoing journey that continues throughout your coaching career.
Ready to Build Your Confidence?
If building confidence as a coach feels like your next step, I’d love to help you on that journey.
Reach out on WhatsApp to chat, and let’s explore how Paseda360‘s Advanced Practitioner programme can help you become the confident, transformational coach you’re meant to be. Your coaching journey starts here – let’s take that first step together.