Let me translate those numbers for you: the majority of active coaches are nowhere near the $10k per month mark. But what about "inactive" coaches—those who got the certification but aren't yet actively coaching? Or those who exist outside the ICF universe entirely? Truth be told, the situation is probably even worse than we think.
What Ronaldo Teaches Us About Coaching Success
Ronaldo—the best football player of our time—exemplifies what happens when you marry passion with dedication and work ethic. When asked about his secret to extraordinary success, his answer is refreshingly simple and brutally honest.
"There are no secrets. It's dedication and hard work."
Now, you don't need to become Ronaldo. You don't need to become the best coach in the world—unless that's your goal. But here's the universal truth he's sharing: to achieve extraordinary results, you need to put in extraordinary effort. There's no way around it, no shortcut, no magic formula that bypasses the fundamental requirement of consistent, focused work.
Proof That the Formula Works
Last week during our 5-Day Conversations Sprint, dozens of coaches proved what's possible when you stop hiding behind posts and start having real conversations. Together, we kicked off hundreds of meaningful conversations, booked discovery calls, and yes—some coaches already signed paying clients.
Stop Hiding Behind Social Media Posts
Instead of crafting the perfect LinkedIn post for the hundredth time, these coaches picked up the phone, sent personal messages, and initiated genuine conversations with potential clients.
Focus on Real Conversations
They discovered that authentic dialogue beats algorithmic hope every single time. Real people having real conversations about real problems—that's where business happens.
Take Immediate Action
The difference wasn't luck or perfect timing. It wasn't because of algorithms or viral content. It was because they rolled up their sleeves and did the work that matters most.
The Simple Formula That Most Coaches Ignore
Talk to People
Start genuine conversations with your ideal clients about their challenges and goals.
Book Discovery Calls
Convert those conversations into scheduled discovery sessions where you can dive deeper.
Sign Clients
Present your coaching solutions and close deals with qualified prospects who need your help.
If the formula is so simple, why doesn't every coach do it? The answer reveals the real barrier between where you are now and where you want to be. It's not about knowing what to do—it's about consistently doing what you know works, even when it's uncomfortable, challenging, or requires you to step outside your comfort zone.
Why So Few Coaches Do the Work
Consistency is Hard
Results require consistency. Consistency becomes a habit. And developing new habits is genuinely difficult work that most people underestimate.
Research shows that 92% of adults will not follow through on New Year's resolutions. This isn't because people don't want results—it's because sticking with something long enough to see meaningful results requires discipline that most people simply don't possess.
The Lure of Shortcuts
Too many charlatans are selling hacks, tricks, and "magic formulas" that promise to help you jump the line and avoid hard work. And let's be brutally honest here—we want to believe them.
We desperately wish it could be easier. We'd love to find that one secret technique that bypasses months of consistent effort. But deep down, we know better.
The Beliefs That Keep Coaches Stuck
If you're not seeing the results you want, I bet you've told yourself one (or all) of these limiting beliefs:
"I can do it by myself. It's easy."
This belief keeps you isolated and struggling with challenges that others have already solved. Pride becomes your biggest obstacle to progress.
"A few books, YouTube videos, or a free challenge will be enough."
You consume endless free content instead of implementing a proven system. Information without implementation is just entertainment.
"I can't invest in a business coach because I already paid for my certification."
You think you need to recover your certification investment before investing in business growth. This backwards thinking keeps you stuck in the struggle.
How do I know these beliefs so well? Because I made every single one of these mistakes. I lived in each of these mental traps, and they cost me years of progress and thousands of dollars in lost income.
My Expensive Mistakes (So You Don't Have to Make Them)
The Isolation Trap
I waited too long, thinking I could figure everything out by myself. I spent months reinventing the wheel when I could have learned from someone who'd already built a successful coaching practice.
The Information Addiction
I consumed endless free content—podcasts, blog posts, free webinars—instead of implementing one solid system. I became an expert at learning but terrible at executing.
The Investment Paralysis
I thought I needed to recover my investment in coaching certifications before investing in an expensive business program or hiring a coach. This backwards thinking kept me struggling far longer than necessary.
And guess what happened? I stayed stuck far longer than I should have. Every month of delay cost me potential clients, lost income, and mounting frustration. The very investments I was avoiding became more expensive the longer I waited.
Everything Changed When I Started Investing in Real Support
Only when I finally started investing in proven systems and experienced mentors did everything shift dramatically. I stopped treating my coaching practice like a hobby and started treating it like the serious business it needed to become.
I Bought BBD by James Wedmore
This wasn't just another course—it was a serious, high-level business program that taught me how to build sustainable systems and scale my practice professionally.
I Hired Kelly Vrchota as My Coach
One-on-one support made all the difference. Having someone who could see my blind spots and hold me accountable accelerated my progress exponentially.
I Worked with Tom Poland
A marketing consultant who actually knows his stuff. He helped me understand how to communicate my value effectively and attract the right clients consistently.
The Investment That Changes Everything
Stop Thinking Like a Hobbyist
The moment you start investing in your coaching practice like a real business is the moment everything changes. You stop dabbling and start building. You stop hoping and start implementing proven systems.
Every successful coach I know made this same shift—from trying to do it alone to investing in the right support, systems, and mentorship. The coaches still struggling? They're still trying to figure it out by themselves.
The Legal Blueprint for Your Group Program
Launching a legitimate and protected group coaching program requires careful attention to legal details. These aren't just bureaucratic hurdles; they're essential safeguards for both your business and your clients. Ensure your program is built on a solid foundation with these critical legal documents and considerations.
If you plan to charge for your program:
- For programs over $2,000, you’ll need a Group Program Client Agreement that clients e-sign.
- For programs under $2,000, Terms of Purchase are sufficient to "check" on the order form.
If you plan to sell from a sales page:
- A clear Privacy Policy detailing data handling.
- Comprehensive Terms and Conditions for your services.
- A transparent Refund Policy outlining terms for cancellations.
If you plan to create a safe space for your group:
Establish clear group rules covering endorsements, confidentiality, and participant interactions to foster a respectful environment.
If you plan to hold clients accountable:
Include a Disclaimer to manage expectations, define professional boundaries, and protect your liability.
Having these legal pillars in place demonstrates professionalism, protects your business, and builds trust with your clients, allowing you to focus on delivering transformative results.
Ready to Transform Your Coaching Practice?
Stop struggling alone. Stop hoping for different results while doing the same things. It's time to invest in proven systems and experienced guidance that will accelerate your success.
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The coaches who succeed are the ones who stop making excuses and start making investments in their future. Which coach will you choose to be?
The Hard Truth About Coaching Success