If you’ve ever wondered whether coaching is right for you, you’re not alone. Many people (me included) toy with the idea of working with a coach but aren’t quite sure if they’re “ready” or if it’s the right time. The truth? Change isn’t always a neat, linear process—but there are clear indicators that you’re at a point where coaching can be the game-changer you need.
The Process of Change: Where Are You?
Change doesn’t happen overnight. According to the Transtheoretical Model of Intentional Behaviour Change, people move through different stages before real, lasting change occurs. Understanding where you are in this process can help you determine whether it’s the right time to engage a coach.
1. Pre-Contemplation: Not Ready Yet
This is the stage where change isn’t even on your radar. You might feel stuck in patterns that aren’t serving you, but you’re not yet considering making a shift. At this stage, coaching wouldn’t be effective because there’s no recognition that change is needed.
Reality check: If you’re reading this, you’re probably not in this stage—you’re already exploring options.
2. Contemplation: Thinking About It
Here’s where things get interesting. You’ve started feeling that something isn’t quite right. Maybe it’s dissatisfaction in your career, a sense of being stuck, or a nagging feeling that you’re capable of more. You may be weighing up whether making a change is worth the effort and risk.
Coaching can be beneficial at this stage, but only if you’re open to exploring possibilities. You don’t have to have all the answers yet, but you do need to acknowledge that you want things to be different.
3. Preparation: Ready to Take Action
This is the sweet spot for coaching. You’ve moved past just thinking about change—you’re researching, planning, and starting to make small shifts. Maybe you’re looking up courses, reaching out to people for advice, or actively seeking out coaching options.
This is the best time to engage a coach. You have motivation, a willingness to explore, and an openness to support. A coach will help you get clear on your goals, remove obstacles, and build momentum towards action.
4. Action: Doing the Work
You’ve started making changes—perhaps stepping into a leadership role, switching careers, prioritising your wellbeing, or setting clear personal boundaries. This stage requires consistency, accountability, and support to sustain your progress.
Coaching is invaluable here—helping you stay on track, work through challenges, and refine your strategies so you don’t lose steam.
5. Maintenance: Keeping It Up
By this stage, change has become part of your lifestyle, but it still requires intention to stay the course. While coaching may not need to be as intensive, check-ins can help reinforce habits, provide perspective, and keep you aligned with your goals.
So, When Is the Best Time to Engage a Coach?
If you’re in the preparation or action stage, coaching will be the most impactful. If you’ve been thinking about making a change but feel overwhelmed or unsure of the next steps, that’s your cue to seek support.
Why Work with a Coach?
- Clarity: A coach helps you cut through the noise and get clear on what you really want.
- Accountability: Left to our own devices, we often fall back into old habits. A coach keeps you on track.
- Momentum: Making changes alone can feel slow and frustrating. With a coach, you gain strategies, insights, and the confidence to move forward faster.
- Perspective: Sometimes, you need someone outside your circle to challenge your thinking and push you towards real growth.
Final Thought: If You’re Thinking About Coaching, You’re Probably Ready
If coaching has been on your mind, you’re already somewhere between contemplation and preparation. The question isn’t if you should work with a coach—it’s what’s stopping you from starting now?
Want to find out if coaching is the right fit for you?
Let’s chat. Book a free 30-minute clarity call, and let’s explore how you can move forward like a total bo$$.
