5 Times You Should Pause From Coaching

Coaching is a rewarding experience. To see clients undergo breakthroughs and positive transformations provides coaches with a unique sense of fulfillment. Personally guiding clients to become their own #bestmeever has been life-changing for both them and me.

Our clients inspire us to deliver our best, and they deserve nothing less in return. Remember, our success is measured by client testimonials and referrals. So, we must always make sure, as coaches, that we consistently deliver and go above expectations.

However, there are times when we feel that we cannot measure up to expectations. These challenging days compromise our attention, focus, and output, often affecting our coaching skills along the way.

Imagine conducting a coaching session right after a stressful event. It could lead to disaster. On the other hand, a strong desire to help others sometimes causes coaches to neglect their responsibility to train and prepare. Skipping coaching, upskilling, and certification can harm the coaching relationship as well as one’s own self-esteem. During such times, taking a pause to reflect, recalibrate, and recognize the important lessons those bumps are teaching us can be beneficial.

Taking a pause, in this context, pertains to giving yourself time and space for necessary adjustments, internally or in your practice. Remember, no one is stopping you from coaching, but taking that much-needed break can do wonders for you. Recognize what is best for you and your clients. Determine how much time you need to recalibrate. Consider pausing as a gift to yourself and to your clients as you acknowledge what is best for you and your clients at that particular moment.

Here are five instances when you should consider taking a pause from coaching:

When You’re Not 100% Invested in Your Coaching Session/Relationship

In coaching, it is all or nothing. There is no halfway mark unless you want half-baked results — something neither you nor your client deserve. If distracted, taking a pause allows you to clear unnecessary thoughts, making room for active listening and strategic questions.

When You Have Unresolved Personal Issues

Avoid potential breakdowns during a coaching session by dealing with personal issues before taking in any client to avoid mishaps along the way. Know that it is ok to refer your client to another coach if you feel unfit to take them on because of the similarities to your own unresolved issues. Humility can do wonders not only for your client but also for you as a coach.

When You Lack Formal Training and Certification

While helping others is admirable, obtaining formal training and certification is essential. When coaching real people with real emotions, you can’t bluff your way around as you coach without knowing exactly what to do. Invest in reputable training and certification programs to equip yourself with the proper tools, mindset, and heartset to coach competently. Study first, practice later.

When You Haven’t Been Coached Yourself

Acquiring skills and knowledge is one thing, but experiencing coaching firsthand is another. I have seen the difference between coaches who have their own coach and those without. Coaches who have been coached can often lead clients to breakthroughs more efficiently when compared to those who have not. They process and emphasize better since they understand the space clients are coming from, having been there themselves. Consider engaging with a coach to maximize your practice.

When Your Primary Goal is Solely Monetary

For me, coaching is a calling. It is a way to give back and help people become their best so we can make this world a better place. While it can be a lucrative profession, we should never treat clients solely as sources of income. If financial motivation overshadows your intent to help, take a step back, pause, and reflect on your true intentions. Remember, the money will come eventually. Never let a scarcity mindset get in the way of your and your clients’ progress.

Taking a pause from coaching is not a hindrance but a recognition of the need to reflect and recalibrate so that you will be in full alignment each time you face your coaching clients. Remember, this pause can be life-changing and career-building.