Here’s Why Coaching Won’t Change Your Life (From A Life Coach)

There. I said it.

That might sound strange coming from a certified high-performance coach, but it’s the truth. And if you’re looking for someone to wave a magic wand and “fix” your life, coaching isn’t it.

Because coaching doesn’t change your life.
YOU do.

Too often, people hire a coach expecting a transformation just by proximity. Like hiring someone to sit beside you at the gym while you scroll your phone on the treadmill and call it a workout. You can invest in the idea of change without ever stepping into the responsibility of it.

But here’s what coaching actually is:
Coaching is an influence process.
It’s a guided partnership.
It’s powerful—but it’s not passive.

When done well, coaching leads to:

• Clarity about who you are and what matters

• Discovery of what’s holding you back

• Decision-making that aligns with your values

• Performance improvement rooted in intentional action

• And ultimately, better living that feels more like the life you were meant for

But the coach cannot make any of that happen.
They can’t do the reps for you.
They can’t journal your breakthroughs, create and maintain the habits, set your boundaries, or keep your promises.

Only you can.

Coaching is Not a Shortcut

In our hustle-heavy, solution-hungry world, coaching gets packaged like a shortcut. “Hire a coach and your life will change!” That’s not just misleading—it’s harmful. Because though your life can totally change by hiring a coach (I've watched all of my clients transform) it was ultimately the combination of the guide (the coach) and the ACTION taken (the client) that brought about change.

Because when change doesn’t magically appear, clients feel like something’s wrong with them…
When in reality, they might not be engaging with the process as an active participant.

A coach can ask life-altering questions.
They can hold the mirror up.
They can challenge you, support you, and stretch you.
But they can’t change you.

That part? That’s yours.

You Are the Catalyst

The most powerful clients I’ve worked with aren’t the ones with the perfect resume or the most impressive goals.

They’re the ones who show up consistently.
They’re the ones who tell the truth (to the coach AND to themselves).
They’re the ones who choose action over comfort (not just once, but again and again).
And they’re the ones who recognize that a coach is a guide, not a savior.

I’ll walk beside you.
I’ll believe in you when you doubt yourself.
I’ll offer tools, insight, feedback, and structure.
But the awakening—that moment when you realize you have everything inside you to create the life you crave?
That’s all you.

So, Will Coaching Help?

Yes—if you’re ready.

If you’re willing to stop outsourcing your transformation.

If you’re ready to do the work with someone who’s committed to your growth, who sees your potential, and who won’t let you hide from it.

If you’re open to being stretched in the best possible way.

Then yes. Coaching can absolutely help you change your life.

But only if you’re the one making the changes.

Want to find out more? Book a discovery session with me here.

P.S. Just to be fully transparent—I’ve made the claims. “Coaching will change your life.”
But it hit me recently that's just not reality. And that's why I wanted to write this article.
Because saying it that way ignores the most important piece: The coach isn’t the change. You are.