Hey Reader,

How was your weekend . . relaxing, productive, or both? In 16 weeks, I’ll be lining up for Ironman Austria, so my weekends (for the next 14) are all about training. Recently, I had a swim coaching session booked, and I was dreading it. My self-talk went something like this: Swimming will never be my strongest sport, so what’s the point? Even if I struggle in the water, I’ll be fine once I’m on the bike and run. And honestly, do I really want to put on a swimsuit just to be critiqued on something I already know I’m not great at? Sounds like zero fun.

Did I go? Yes. Did I feel as uncomfortable as I expected? Not at all! In fact, I actually enjoyed it, and I walked away with some really useful tips.

You’d think that as a coach, I’d jump headfirst into any coaching session. So why was I so resistant? And what does this have to do with you? It’s a reminder that stepping out of our comfort zones, even when we’re convinced it’ll be awkward or unhelpful, can surprise us in the best way. Sometimes the things we resist the most end up being the most rewarding. So, what’s something you’ve been putting off because it feels uncomfortable? Maybe it’s worth giving it a shot . . you might just surprise yourself!

We all find comfort in familiar patterns

• Even if our current situation isn’t great, it’s familiar, and familiarity feels safe. I know I'm not a fast swimmer, but it feels "fine" where I am. You may be in a less-than-great place at the moment, but it's familiar and feels "fine".
• Breaking out of routine requires effort, and sometimes we resist because it’s easier to stay the same.
• A coach helps reframe discomfort as growth, making change feel more approachable.

Fear of failure

• “What if I try and fail again?” I've had prior swim coaching and seen small improvements, so is it worth trying yet again? You may have tried other things in the past, can you be bothered to tackle something again?
• Many people have tried making changes before without success, so they assume it’ll be the same this time.
• A coach helps us create a plan that actually works for us as an individual, rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.

Perceived cost (time, money, energy)

• “I don’t have the time.” “Is it actually worth the money?" “I should be able to do this on my own.” I used all of the excuses I could until I ran out and eventually committed. Which of these sound familiar to you?
• Investing in coaching feels like a big step, but staying stuck often costs more in lost opportunities, energy, and happiness. A coach helps people save time by getting them unstuck faster.

Lack of immediate gratification

• People love quick wins, but real transformation takes time. If we don’t see instant results, we might assume change isn’t working. This is so true! In my case with swimming, I'll never be Michael Phelps. But the small changes I'm working on now will save me time and energy on race day. What things might you be using more time and energy on than is necessary?
• A coach helps track progress and celebrate small victories to keep motivation high.

What's on the other side of resistance?

Most resistance comes from fear, doubt, or misconceptions about coaching, or change in general. Once we see it as a tool for empowerment, we're more open to making changes.

It’s easy to assume that hesitation means you’re not ready, but what if it actually means you are? Growth happens when we make a change . . not when we wait for the perfect moment. The question isn’t whether you can change, it’s whether you’re willing to take the first step. And you don't have to do this alone! Whatever you're looking to work on, there's always someone out there who can help you along the way!

If you’re feeling stuck and ready to make real changes, my self-guided 6-week life coaching program is here to help. It’s designed to bring focus and momentum to your personal growth journey. You can start anytime and go at your own pace. Ready to break the cycle?