No, it is not worth the expense, but it is worth the investment. The mindset of investing in yourself and your future needs to change even before hiring a career coach. This mindset is something that most individuals don’t have. Let’s face it, we don’t know everything and at one time or another, we need some guidance. That impartial individual that gets to know you, your hopes, dreams, and pushes you towards them.
Fear stops most individuals from achieving success. It becomes even more difficult when you have someone in your life reassuring you that you can’t be successful. I had this happen to me when I was deciding to leave my stable 40-hour a week job to start my own business. I remember the moment so clearly. I was with my best-friend walking into the building we both worked at. She was the accountant and I was the social worker. We were both unhappy with the situation we were in at our current job. I knew I wanted to leave the job and was waiting for the right moment to let my boss know. That was when she said the phrase that I will never forget. “You’re not going to be able to make enough money to quit this job.” It was like a kick to the stomach. Feelings of doubt began weighing down on me. She was an accountant, she must know more than me, right? I didn’t respond to her comment and we both went our separate ways.
Our friendship didn’t last much longer after this. I had left the company and she continued on for several more months. Her words were powerful. She was supposed to be a friend, a cheerleader, and a form of support. I eventually realized that she lived her life out of fear and with a scarcity mindset. There was a part of her that didn’t want me to succeed. If I didn’t then she wouldn’t have to look at her own situation. I ended up using her words as fuel to propel me to success. Although we haven’t spoken in almost three years, I can almost guarantee he is living the same chaotic and fear-based life she has always done.
My best friend didn’t support my life decisions. I was lucky enough to have a supportive spouse and other great friends who are still with me today. Despite this support, I knew I needed someone that has taken the journey that I was beginning. A person that had been where I was at one time that could guide me and a non-judgmental manner. I needed someone I could talk to about my doubts and frustrations without having to worry that they would think I made the wrong decision by starting my own business with very little experience.
Hiring a coach was one of the best investments I was able to do for myself when I was starting out and still have a coach today. Just like therapy, having a coach doesn’t mean that I am weak or incapable of handling things myself. I have tried to do many things in my business on my own through trial and error. Too proud to ask for help and didn’t want to waste the money. I eventually wasted money attempting to figure things out on my own and failing. That’s when I realized coaching was an investment, not an expense.
So I ask you, are you ready to make an investment in your life, career, or relationships? Are you ready for a change in your life and need some guidance? Then you are ready for Coaching. It can be one of the most life-changing investments you ever make.