No income as a life coach? You’re not alone.
If you’ve been working hard on building your life coaching business but aren’t seeing the financial results you want, you’re not alone. Many coaches hit a wall, wondering why their efforts don’t translate into income. Often, the biggest obstacle isn’t external—it’s internal.
For me, the reason I wasn’t making money as a coach wasn’t because I lacked potential or passion. It was because I felt I wasn’t enough. Not prepared enough, not skilled enough, not valuable enough. Sound familiar?
Here’s the truth: this mindset isn’t just holding you back; it’s a signal that you’re focusing on the wrong things. Let’s unpack this together.
The “Not Enough” Mindset
When I first started, I thought I needed to:
- Take another course to feel more “qualified.”
- Create the perfect website and logo.
- Be more like the coaches I admired online.
Underneath all of this was the belief that I wasn’t valuable enough yet. That I somehow needed to earn my right to charge for my services. This mindset kept me stuck in busy work—tweaking, preparing, and hiding behind the scenes—instead of actually connecting with potential clients.
The irony? The clients I could have helped were out there, waiting for someone just like me.
What I Realized (and You Can Too)
Here’s what shifted for me:
- Coaching Isn’t About Being Perfect
Your value as a coach isn’t tied to knowing everything. It’s about being present, asking the right questions, and holding space for your clients’ growth. Your unique perspective, personality, and lived experiences are your biggest strengths. - Action Creates Clarity
I spent months waiting to feel “ready,” but readiness doesn’t magically appear. I realized that clarity and confidence come from doing. Every live session, blog post, or conversation made me feel more capable. - Your People Want YOU
People don’t hire you because you’re flawless. They hire you because they resonate with your journey and trust you to guide them. The more I shared my authentic story—including my struggles—the more people connected with me.
Why You Might Feel Stuck Right Now
If you’re not making money as a coach, ask yourself:
- Are you spending more time “preparing” than connecting?
It’s easy to get caught up in perfecting your offerings, but your clients won’t find you unless you show up where they are. - Do you doubt your worth?
If you’re waiting to feel “good enough,” you’ll be waiting forever. Your expertise grows with experience, not before it. - Are you avoiding visibility?
Fear of rejection or judgment can keep you from putting yourself out there. But remember: no one can hire you if they don’t know you exist.
Try This: Shift Your Focus
Instead of focusing on how you feel about yourself, focus on the people you want to help. Ask yourself:
- Who are the people struggling with something I can help them solve?
- How can I make it easier for them to find me and understand how I can help?
When I shifted my attention from myself to my potential clients, things started to change. Instead of obsessing over my qualifications, I thought about the transformations I could facilitate—and I started showing up for those conversations.
Final Thoughts
If you’re waiting to feel “ready” before you start making money, you’re holding yourself back. The truth is, you are ready—right now—to help someone take a step toward the life they want.
By embracing the imperfect, taking small, consistent actions, and showing up authentically, you’ll attract the clients who need exactly what you offer.
So, why aren’t you making money as a coach? It’s not because you’re not enough. It’s because you’re waiting to feel like you are. But here’s the thing: you already are.
Take the first step today, and trust that the rest will unfold as you go.
Want more insights to grow your coaching business?
Grab my free guide, 5 Simple Mind Tweaks to Grow Your Online Business and Visibility, and start building momentum today!