Thinking About Coaching? Here’s What You Need to Know!
Coaching can be a game-changer for freelancers, but it’s not always what people expect. Is it a quick fix? Nope. Will I tell you exactly what to do? Also nope. But what I will do is help you uncover the answers already inside you. Curious? Let’s bust some coaching myths and find out if it’s the right fit for you!
Listen to the podcast episode below, watch it on Youtube, or scroll down for the summary!
7 Things I Want You To Know About Coaching
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Prefer to read it? Here are the main points!
Coaching is often misunderstood, and if you’ve ever wondered what it actually involves, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting out, coaching can be a game-changer—but it’s not a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all solution. In this post, I’m going to bust a few myths about coaching and share some important things you should know before diving in.
Coaching Is Not a Quick Fix
Unlike hiring an accountant to do your taxes, coaching isn’t about someone swooping in and solving all your problems for you. Instead, it’s a collaborative process. A coaching session provides structured space for you to think about your business, set goals, and create actionable plans. But here’s the catch—you still have to do the work! The session is just the beginning; the real magic happens when you take those insights and put them into action.
Your Initial Goal May Not Be the Real Issue
Many people start coaching with one challenge in mind—like struggling to find clients—only to discover that the root cause is something deeper. It could be a confidence issue, imposter syndrome, or a limiting belief that’s holding you back. Coaching helps uncover these hidden barriers, giving you clarity on what’s really standing in your way.
Coaching Is Not Therapy, Mentoring, or Consulting
This is a big one! Coaching is different from therapy, mentoring, and consulting.
- Therapy and counselling dive into deep emotional work and past experiences.
- Mentoring involves someone sharing their expertise and giving direct advice.
- Consulting provides specific strategies and solutions.
Coaching, on the other hand, is about asking the right questions to help you find the answers that align with your values and goals. It’s a process of discovery rather than instruction.
You Already Have the Answers
You might not realise it yet, but you have the knowledge, skills, and instincts needed to move forward. Coaching helps you tease those answers out. Rather than giving cookie-cutter advice, a coach asks powerful questions and guides you to develop your own personalised solutions. This approach makes you far more likely to follow through and succeed.
Coaching Should Be Tailored to You
No two clients are the same, and that’s why coaching should be flexible. I work with a diverse range of freelancers, including those with neurodivergent traits such as ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Some clients thrive with structured accountability, while others need a more flexible approach. Whether it’s setting 90-day goals, weekly check-ins, or a completely different system, coaching should adapt to your way of working.
You Don’t Need to Dress Up (or Even Be on Camera!)
There’s no need to put on a blazer or turn up with perfect hair. Coaching is all about comfort and clarity, not formalities. If you’d rather skip Zoom calls altogether, Voxer coaching (voice messaging) is a great option that lets you chat while on the school run or taking a walk.
Tangents Are Welcome (Seriously!)
I often hear, “Sorry, I went off on a tangent.” But here’s the truth—those tangents are where the magic happens! When you go off track, your brain is connecting dots, working things out, and uncovering insights. Unless it becomes a way to avoid the real work, tangents are a valuable part of the coaching process.
There’s No Failure—Only Data
If you don’t meet your goals, it’s not about failure. It’s feedback. Maybe the goal wasn’t the right fit, the timing was off, or something in your personal life took priority. Instead of feeling guilty, we’ll analyse what happened, adjust, and move forward with even better insights.
Ready to Explore Coaching?
If this has sparked your interest, you can find out more about my coaching at freelancelifestyle.co.uk under the Work With Me section. And if you have any questions, feel free to reach out—I promise no pushy sales tactics, just honest answers to help you decide if coaching is right for you.
Here’s to a successful and fulfilling freelance journey!
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Email: hello@emmacossey.com
Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group
Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.
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