How do you know if what you are doing is in your best interest?
Long ago, I floundered around in that uncertainty and never found a resolution, but my coach training taught me that when my mind is in question, I should drop down into my body and listen to my intuition. Asking my body for the truth has never steered me in the wrong direction. The mind cannot be trusted.
After years of struggle to get my coaching business up and running, I wanted to take my coaching to another level, but I didn’t know how. So, I stepped out of uncertainty and dropped out of my mind to listen to my intuitive wisdom for clarity. I found it, and about eight months ago, I decided it was time to refresh my brand and really dive into growing my practice.
I impulsively signed up for an Equus Coaching certification program to add to my menu of services—a dream I’ve had for quite some time. This prompted a need for a new logo. If I was going to work with horses, the bear in my previous logo no longer made sense. Then, the new logo prompted a whole new color scheme and new photos for my website. I thought that would be the end of it, but it was only the tip of the iceberg.
I will spare you all the details, but my quick little brand refresh turned into a major business model overhaul. Working with an expert, I’ve spent the last couple of months honing in on my niche audience, defining the specifics of my menu of services, and narrowing the gauge on what I do for a living.
All of that seems harmless, and generally speaking, it is, but I found myself disbelieving any of it. I had a major case of imposter syndrome. Truth be told, my old business model had not been working. I approached my business with the “I’m just a coach” attitude, and marketing strategies weren’t my thing. I needed help and was willing to entertain a perspective I couldn’t see; however, after we finished the plan, I spent days in doubt. Who am I to be that fancy? Can I deliver what this new plan says I can? And of course, loud and clear, my deeply rooted armor surfaced…I’m not good enough. Despite knowing this was the right path, I couldn’t stop the barrage of thoughts.
Sitting in self-doubt, I woke up one day with a new plan. I had written out all the parts of the new business strategy I wanted to change that didn’t feel authentic to me. I felt out of control, and this was my way of gaining some control back.
Therein lies the problem!