According to a research report by McKinsey & Company, top-performing executives are skilled decision-makers. But, if you're transitioning from an established career as an employee to running your own coaching business, you may have been conditioned to seek permission, follow procedures, or wait for sign-offs before taking action, even if you held leadership roles. This can be particularly challenging if you're a Type A personality, a people pleaser, or have anxious tendencies.

Here’s how I broke out of this cycle and became a confident, brilliant decision-maker in my life, previous career, and now in my coaching business.

1. Embrace Your Desires in Your Coaching Business

In my coaching practice, every decision—whether it’s how I show up, respond to clients, or choose what content to create—begins with my desires.

Decisions fueled by desire propel us forward and create space for growth and expansion. In your business, start by listening to what truly excites and motivates you. The more you tune into your desires, the more they will guide you. A simple way to practice this is in everyday life—like choosing a meal at a restaurant. Trust your instincts and go with what makes your mouth water. This small act of trust can translate into bigger, more impactful decisions in your coaching business.

2. Practice Trust in Yourself and Your Coaching Journey

Trust is the cornerstone of success in life coaching. Trust in yourself, your clients, your business, and even your own coach. Without trust, every decision you make will only be half as effective.

When you fully trust yourself, you can execute your plans more powerfully, make decisions more quickly, and ultimately grow your coaching business faster. Trust allows you to take bold actions, learn from them, and refine your approach. It’s about committing fully and knowing that whatever happens, you have your own back.

3. Embrace the Consequences of Your Coaching Decisions

A major reason life coaches procrastinate, second guess, or doubt themselves is the fear of failure. But the truth is, you always have the power to support yourself, no matter the outcome.

For example, in June 2020, when I was still in my corporate job, I took a stand by writing a direct email to the CEO of a billion-dollar global company, questioning their actual plans following a company-wide statement on BLM. I was terrified of the potential repercussions, but I realized that I was willing to accept any consequences that came from standing up for what I believed in. This experience taught me to embrace the outcomes of my decisions and to trust in my ability to handle whatever follows.

Likewise, I have ran workshops and had 1 person show up, and even though my brain wanted to tell me it was a massive fail, I learnt so much and didn't let that stop me, which I was able to move on and create the success I now enjoy. 

4. Regulate Your Nervous System for Sustainable Coaching Success

Starting and growing a coaching business is one of the most confronting things you can do. Unlike in a corporate job where you get paid regardless of your output, in coaching, your success is directly tied to the decisions you make and the actions you take.

To thrive in your coaching practice, you need to make decisions that challenge you to grow into the person you want to become. This can be scary, but it’s essential. Supporting your nervous system through this journey is crucial. Having a sustainable business strategy, celebrating wins, investing in coaching, and engaging in practices like shadow work, inner child healing, rest, and self-care can help regulate your nervous system. It’s not just about responding to stress; it’s about preventing it and maintaining focus and motivation as you make decisions that drive your business forward.