Feeling Unsuccessful as a Coach? Here’s Why You're Already More Successful Than You Think
If you’re building a coaching business and constantly thinking:
"I just want to be there already."
“There”, meaning successful, you know, the clients, the income, the freedom.
I’m not so sure you’ll notice it when you reach it.
Impatience with success is something almost every coach wrestles with at some point. And they rarely see it when it arrives.
One of my clients said it to me recently, and it hit me how common (and sneaky) this feeling really is.
When you're focused on how far you have to go, it can make you feel stuck in your business even when you're actually making progress. Worse, it can drain your energy and leave you feeling defeated and like you’re not “making it”.
But here’s what most coaches miss: Your brain is designed to spot gaps not growth. So you’re growing, you’re just not recognizing it.
I mean, can you remember when this coaching business was just an idea?
And now look. Let’s dig deeper into what’s really going on.
1. Success in Business Isn’t a Destination - It’s a Moving Target
Here’s something frustrating but freeing:
There is no final “there” in business.
Success isn’t a single milestone you reach and stay at forever. As soon as you hit one goal, new ones appear, and that's a good thing.
Growth always creates new points to reach or you’d never grow further (it would just be nice to recognize the growth before the goal post is moved, right?!)
If your happiness depends on getting to a specific revenue number, a client count, or a lifestyle marker, chances are, you’ll always feel like you’re not really “making it”.
Success in business is about learning, implementing, and becoming, not just arriving.
Mind Management Task #1:
Instead of thinking, "I'm not there yet," ask yourself,"How far have I already come in my business?"
2. Focusing on What’s Missing Makes You Feel More Stuck in Business
When you obsess over what you don’t have yet, like the clients you want, the revenue you’re not hitting, you unknowingly shift your brain into scarcity mode.
It’s a setup for burnout.
Even worse, you stop noticing all the business momentum you have built:
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The network you're growing
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The new skills you're mastering
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The small wins that are quietly stacking up
If you're always focused on the gap between where you are and where you want to be (the scarcity), you're missing the growth that's happening right under your nose.
Mind Management Task #2:
Try asking, "What have I built so far that my past self would be proud of?"
3. You’re Already More Successful Than You Realize
Here’s a reframe most coaches need to hear:
You are already successful in ways you're overlooking.
Success isn’t just about public wins, it’s about private resilience. It’s about how many times you’ve stood back up after falling down. How often you’ve done hard things when no one was watching.
Building a business is not an overnight thing. It’s not a “follow the steps and then… boom! Your coaching business is overflowing.”
No, it’s more like building a structure, brick by brick. It’s going to take time, trust, and steady effort. (Plus a whole lot of high vibrations.)
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Showing up when no one’s cheering? That’s success.
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Staying committed through slow seasons? That’s success.
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Building something meaningful even when results aren’t instant? Absolutely success.
When you expand your definition of what it means to be successful in business, you realize: you're not failing, you're building.
Mind Management Tip #3:
Ask yourself, "What am I building and showing up for now that’s going to make future me so happy because she's experiencing the payoff?"
Decide You're Successful Now or Chase it Forever
If you’re feeling like you’re “not making it” despite all of your hard work, pause for a second.
Look at how much you’ve already built.Look at who you’ve already become.
Feeling frustrated or impatient with success is normal, and it often means you’re right on track.
I’ve said before… growth doesn’t always feel good in the moment.
The more you recognize the success you’re creating now, the more momentum you’ll build for where you’re going next.
Remember, you’re making decisions today that are for future you. (And she’ll be SO happy!)
Because there isn't some magical place where you finally feel successful unless you actually pause to feel successful.
Here… in the learning, the implementing, and the becoming is where real success happens.
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Michelle Sera
Michelle Sera is a Coaching Business Growth Specialist who’s worked behind the scenes of 4 multi-million dollar coaching brands, learning what truly works to grow a thriving coaching business. As a Certified Happiness & Manifesting Coach and founder of ElevatedMind®, she guides coaches to consistent growth with strategic simplicity and energy alignment.
Disclaimer:
All content, coaching, programs, products, and services offered through ElevatedMind® and Michelle Sera (including but not limited to mindset coaching, business strategy, manifesting guidance, personal development tools, trainings, or digital products) are for educational and informatio
nal purposes only. Nothing shared is intended to be — or should be considered — medical, psychological, legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate licensed professional for those needs.
By participating in any ElevatedMind® offerings, you agree that you are fully responsible for your own decisions, actions, and results. While I’m here to support and guide you, your results are ultimately your own.
All offerings are designed to support your growth, reconnect you to your inner clarity, and help you create aligned, sustainable momentum — not to diagnose, treat, or guarantee specific outcomes.
nal purposes only. Nothing shared is intended to be — or should be considered — medical, psychological, legal, financial, or tax advice. Please consult the appropriate licensed professional for those needs.
By participating in any ElevatedMind® offerings, you agree that you are fully responsible for your own decisions, actions, and results. While I’m here to support and guide you, your results are ultimately your own.
All offerings are designed to support your growth, reconnect you to your inner clarity, and help you create aligned, sustainable momentum — not to diagnose, treat, or guarantee specific outcomes.
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©2022 Vermilion Marketing, LLC - ElevatedMind® All Rights Reserved