“Putting one’s work into the world is not for the faint of heart. It’s for the full of heart.” ~ Rick Tamlyn
This sentiment really hits home for me. It’s true for any craft — and especially for coaching.
Confidence doesn’t just appear one day because you’ve earned a certificate or read the right books. It’s built in layers — through learning, doing, listening, and reflecting.
At the roots, developing confidence in anything requires four things:
- Knowledge — understanding the basics of what you’re trying to do.
- Practice — showing up consistently to do the work, even when it’s uncomfortable or messy.
- Feedback — learning from others and adjusting things as needed along the way.
- Reflection — tuning in to your own wisdom, noticing your growth, and building trust in yourself as you go.
In coaching, those four keys might look like this:
- Knowledge — deepening your understanding of human behavior and what makes a powerful coaching conversation.
- Practice — coaching regularly with a variety of people (not just other coaches) to stretch your skills.
- Feedback — seeking input from mentor coaches and supervisors to increase awareness and refine your approach.
- Reflection — taking time to review your sessions with honesty and self-compassion, noticing what worked, what didn’t, and how each experience is shaping you into a stronger, more grounded coach.
The more you put your coaching into the world, the more your confidence grows. It’s not about being perfect — it’s about being present.
So, here’s my question for you:
👉 Which area do you most need to strengthen right now — your knowledge, your practice, your feedback, or your reflection?
