Unpopular Opinion: Not Everyone is Coachable

Like most professional coaches, I want to believe that anything is possible and that everyone who seeks coaching is ready for the journey. But as much as it pains me to admit, that’s just not the case.

Wanting Change vs. Being Ready for It
Many people say they want to be coached. They’re eager to unlock their potential, to discover a better version of themselves. But wanting is only the first step—and it’s the easiest one. The truth is, real change takes more than just wanting it. It asks for a readiness to be real, open, and vulnerable.

The Mirror Test: Facing Yourself Honestly
To get the most out of coaching, you have to be prepared to face yourself fully. This might mean looking at parts of yourself that feel uncomfortable or even unfamiliar. Real growth often means confronting things we’d rather avoid. It takes a willingness to see your own flaws without shame or judgment, and to attempt to stretch beyond them.

Beyond the Sessions
Coaching isn’t a quick fix. It’s a commitment that requires time, energy, and trust. For change to happen, both you and your coach need to be fully invested. If you’re ready for it, the real work often happens between sessions—asking yourself hard questions, constantly seeking feedback, taking ownership of your actions, and pushing through inner resistance.

Showing Up Authentically: Wins and Lessons
Coaching works best when you show up as your authentic self. It’s not about listing accomplishments for validation but about celebrating true progress, big or small. Wins are worth celebrating, and they give you a foundation to build on. But let’s be real—sometimes, the biggest growth comes from the lessons learned in failure.

The Path Ahead
Not everyone who wants to be coached is truly ready, and that’s perfectly okay. But if you are ready, the journey ahead will be challenging—and it could open up growth you never imagined.