Episode Summary Many believers start strong then quietly stop when it gets uncomfortable. This episode reframes quitting as a learned habit you can unlearn by renewing your mind in God’s Word. Dr. Leelo Bush walks through brain science, Scripture, and practical tools to choose commitment over comfort and finish the work God assigned to you. What You’ll Learn

• Why quitting often feels like relief (and why that’s deceptive).
• How your “primitive brain” rewards escape and how to retrain it.
• A simple plan to turn commitment into a covenant.
• Practical steps: identify excuses, if-then plans, embrace B-minus work, track reps.
• When a short “reset” helps without abandoning your calling.

Quotable Moment (literal) “Quitting sneaks in disguised as relief, but in reality it robs us of growth, joy, and the results God wants for our lives.” 

 

Scriptures Mentioned

• James 1:4 — perseverance completes maturity.
• Romans 12:2 — be transformed by renewing your mind.

 

Resources

• PCCCA Courses: https://pccca.org/courses/

• Healing the Grieving Brain Guide: https://griefcoachu.com/healing/

• The Comprehensive Christian Coach Handbook (Dr. Leelo Bush): Amazon link

• Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe (Facebook group): facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe 📄 Full Clean Transcript

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to start something a new habit, a ministry project, even a dream God placed in your heart and then quietly set it aside when it gets uncomfortable? Quitting sneaks in disguised as relief, but in reality it robs us of growth, joy, and the results God wants for our lives. Today, we're talking about a habit many of us know all too well quitting and more importantly, how to quit quitting.

Welcome to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm your host, Doctor Leelo Busch. I'm a master coach, author, curriculum creator and the number one authority on Spirit-led Christian coaching. I've trained tens of thousands worldwide since 2003, and if you are ready to uplevel your skills, find greater fulfillment, and employ the most powerful coaching available to mankind, let's go.

Welcome back to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm Doctor Leelo Busch, your host. I have spent over two decades equipping Christians around the world to coach, counsel and minister with confidence. This podcast is where faith meets practical tools, where you will find biblical truth, encouragement, and the strategies you need to fulfill God's call on your life. Whether you're new to coaching or you've been serving for years, my goal is to inspire you, strengthen you, and give you steps that you can take right now to grow in your calling.

If you've been spinning your wheels, making commitments, but never fully seeing them through, this message is for you. We're going to look at why quitting feels so tempting and how it can become a practiced habit, and what you can do to remove it as an option altogether. We'll also talk about how faith, resilience, and God's Word equip us to keep moving forward, even when it's uncomfortable.

And here's the truth. Quitting is not just a one time decision. It's actually a habit. And like any habit, the more we practice it, the better we get at it. Think about it. If you practice overeating, you get good at overeating. If you practice procrastinating, you get really good at putting things off. And if you practice quitting, you get skilled at giving up.

You may not even call it quitting. Instead, you justify it. You say, I'm too tired. It's not the right season. Maybe later. I remember early in my coaching journey, when I had this huge vision for what God wanted me to build. But then came the setbacks. Technical hurdles, unexpected bills, long days with very little visible progress. There were moments I thought maybe I misunderstood. Maybe this isn't for me. Quitting whispered promises of relief. But deep down, I knew that giving up would cost me far more than the discomfort of pushing forward.

The fact that you even commit to something proves there's a spark in you that wants more. That spark is God's calling. Don't let quitting snuff it out. Scripture says in James chapter one verse four, let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Perseverance requires us to stay in the process. If we jump ship too soon, we rob ourselves of the maturity and strength God is trying to form in us.

Now let's look at what's really going on in your brain when you feel like quitting. Because understanding it takes away some of the mystery and even the shame. God designed our brains with layers. The oldest part, often called our primitive brain, is focused on survival. Its job is to keep us alive by seeking pleasure, avoiding pain, and conserving energy. That's why eating a donut feels good. Running from discomfort feels smart, and lying on the couch feels like the best idea you've had all day, right? Your brain is trying to protect you.

Here's the problem. What protected us in the wild doesn't always help us fulfill our God given calling today. Our primitive brain doesn't know the difference between facing a lion and facing the blank page on the book manuscript. Right? It doesn't know the difference between real danger and simple discomfort. So it sounds the alarm. This is too hard. Let's quit.

And when you listen and give in, your brain rewards you. It releases dopamine that feel good chemical as if to say good job. You survived. That's why quitting feels like such a relief. Your body relaxes. You think, “Whew, I don't have to do this anymore.” But here's the catch. The more often you quit, the more your brain learns that quitting equals safety.

Over time, the pathway gets stronger, like a well-worn trail in the woods. Your brain gets faster at leading you down that quitting path. You are literally training your brain to give up. Now, the good news is that you can train your brain the other way too. God gave you a higher part of your brain, the prefrontal cortex, that allows you to plan, reason and choose long term goals over short term comfort.

When you set a commitment, when you remind yourself of your why and when you keep showing up, even when you don't feel like it, you strengthen that part of your brain. You're teaching it a new pathway. Commitment equals growth. It's like exercising a muscle. The first few reps feel shaky. Your brain screams, stop! This is uncomfortable. But each time you push through, you are rewiring your brain.

And over time, it gets easier. You feel stronger. Quitting loses its grip because your brain has learned a better reward system. The joy and satisfaction of following through. So next time you feel like quitting, pause. And remember this isn't weakness. It's biology. Your primitive brain is doing what it was wired to do, but you are not stuck with that wiring.

Romans chapter 12, verse two tells us, do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Renewing your mind is more than spiritual. It's also neurological. Each choice to stay committed is a small act of transformation. And every time you refuse to quit, you are reshaping your brain to align with God's call on your life.

Now let's talk about commitment in everyday life. Quitting may bring a moment of relief, but it's deceptive. Rest restores you. Quitting arrests you. The secret is to treat commitment like a covenant. When I married my husband, I didn't leave the door open for further options. That decision gave me peace and freedom, and I'm sure Evan's happy about that too.

The same is true when you covenant with yourself and with God, that quitting is no longer on the table. You don't have to keep debating it. You just get on with the work. And speaking of stepping into what God's called you to do, this is exactly why I am so passionate about equipping more Christians to serve with confidence in their calling.

Right now is enrollment season for our Christian coaching, counseling and specialty coaching training and certification programs. These are the very programs that give you the skills, tools, and credentials to help others create transformation while growing in your own walk and purpose. If you've been feeling that nudge from the Lord to step forward in ministry or coaching, this is the perfect time to say yes.

You can find all the details and enroll today at PCCCA.org/courses. Let's get you trained, certified, and ready to make an even greater kingdom impact.

So how do you practically quit quitting? Start by recognizing your personal excuses. Write down the top three justifications you tend to use. Maybe it's I'm too busy, or I'm too tired, or I'm confused. Once you name them, they lose their power.

Then create an if-then plan. If I think I'm too tired, then I will still do five minutes of action. Just five minutes keeps the flame alive. Next, give yourself permission to embrace B minus work. Perfectionism is often a mask for fear. Do it messy. Do it imperfectly, but do it. You can always improve on it later.

And track your reps, not just your results. Did you show up today? That's what matters. Each rep strengthens your resilience muscle. Just like a toddler learning to walk. They get strong by falling and then getting back up. Falling isn't failure, but staying down is.

Here's an unexpected tip. Sometimes quitting can actually help you, but only if you use it as a reset. If you're exhausted, on the verge of burnout, and feel like you just can't go on, give yourself permission to quit for now. Maybe it's just the rest of the day or even a few hours. Step away. Breathe. Take a nap. Go outside.

You will feel your body relax, your mind grow quiet and your spirit reset. This is not quitting your calling. It's pressing reset. It's restorative. Call it what feels best for you. A pause. A reset. A mini Sabbath. The relief is real, but it doesn't derail your bigger mission. In fact, it gives you the strength to come back renewed.

My friend, quitting is not your destiny. It's just a habit. And habits can be broken. You are called to persevere, to finish your race, and to step into the fullness of what God designed you to do.

So here's my challenge. Make a 30 day no quit vow. Write it down in one sentence. Post it where you can see it. And when excuses rise up, remember you're not confused, you're just uncomfortable. And discomfort is the gym where your faith and resilience grow.

And if you truly feel exhausted, give yourself permission to use what I call the reset. Quit for a few hours or even the rest of the day, and let your body and mind recover. It isn't abandoning your calling. It's stewardship. Stay with it. Your breakthrough is closer than you think.

Before we close today, I want to share a podcast review from Fresh Brewed, one of my longtime listeners. The review says you don't have to be a Christian life coach to benefit from Doctor Bush's podcast. She delivers thought-provoking perspectives that often challenge conventional thinking. Her reassuring voice delivers a hopeful message to listeners that is faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I've been following her work since 2007. These most recent creations are, in my opinion, some of her best work.

Thank you so much for taking the time to write this. To show my appreciation, I'm awarding you a $25 Amazon gift card. Please contact me at [email protected] within the next seven days to claim your gift. And thank you to all of you for listening.

If you'd like to be entered into our listener drawing for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card, just leave a review for the podcast. You can do that at either Apple Podcasts or right on our podcast page on our website. You'll find all the links mentioned in the show notes.

I'm Doctor Leelo Bush, and you've been listening to the Christian Coaching School podcast. Carry what you've learned today into the lives of those who need it most. And I'll meet you in the next episode.

Before you go, I want to personally invite you to join our private Facebook group, The Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe. This is where bold, Spirit-led coaches and aspiring coaches gather to grow, get equipped, and stay encouraged together. Inside, you'll find exclusive tips, training, supportive community, and the kind of kingdom-minded conversations you just can't find anywhere else.

If you're feeling called to coach or if you want to stay sharp in your calling, this is your place. Our group culture is “each one, bring one.” So invite a friend to join you. The more the merrier. Just go to facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe. Or just tap the link in the show notes. But don't wait, because the sooner you join, the sooner we can start pouring into you. And I will see you inside the tribe.

This episode reveals five Spirit-led coaching tools that are more powerful than worksheets or strategies. Dr. Leelo Bush shows how these tools, rooted in Scripture, create transformation from the inside out. From holding space to asking powerful questions, these practices reflect the very way Christ interacted with others, equipping coaches to bring breakthrough to their clients.

 

 

What You’ll Learn

• How to hold space so clients feel safe, seen, and accepted.

• A thought framework that helps renew the mind (Romans 12:2).

• How to guide clients in processing emotions and surrendering them to God.

• Ways to identify and replace limiting beliefs with biblical truth.

• The art of asking Spirit-led questions that unlock new possibilities.

 

 

Quotable Moment

“Processing emotions doesn’t mean wallowing. It means experiencing them while releasing them to God.”

 

 

Scriptures Mentioned

• Matthew 7:1

• Romans 12:2

• 1 Peter 5:7

• Proverbs 23:7

• Psalm 139:14

• Proverbs 20:5

 

 

Resources

• PCCCA Courses: https://pccca.org/courses/

• Healing the Grieving Brain Guide: https://griefcoachu.com/healing/

• The Comprehensive Christian Coach Handbook (Dr. Leelo Bush): Amazon link

• Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe (Facebook group): facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe

 

Full Clean Transcript

Have you ever wondered what makes coaching truly life changing? It's not about gadgets, worksheets, or even the words we say. The most powerful coaching tools are not tangible at all. They're experiential. They shape how your client feels, how they think, and how they transform. Today, I'll share five of the most important coaching tools I've discovered in decades of training and practice.

These aren't just methods. They're actually biblical, Spirit-led ways of partnering with God to help someone change from the inside out. And once you learn to use them, you will never see coaching or your clients the same way again.

Welcome to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm your host, Doctor Leelo Bush. I'm a master coach, author, curriculum creator and the number one authority on Spirit-led Christian coaching. I've trained tens of thousands worldwide since 2003, and if you are ready to uplevel your skills, find greater fulfillment, and employ the most powerful coaching available to mankind, let's go. Welcome back to the Christian Coaching School podcast.

I'm your host, Doctor Leelo Bush, and today we're diving into a powerful topic. We're talking about the five best coaching tools every coach needs. Now, these aren't just nice-to-have tools. These are the tools that will make or break your effectiveness as a coach—the very things that transform conversations into breakthroughs. And as you'll hear, each one of these tools is also grounded in God's Word.

Be sure to stay with me until the end, because I'll be announcing our highlight podcast review and Amazon gift card winner. And if you'd like a chance to win in the future, make sure you leave us a review wherever you're listening. All right, let's dive in.

One of the first and most important skills a coach must learn is holding space. This means you show up fully present for your client, giving them your complete attention without judgment, without rushing to fix them, and without making it about you. Practically, this looks like open body language, steady eye contact, and silence that isn't uncomfortable, but supportive. It's letting your client know through your presence—whether it's in person, on the phone, or on a Zoom call—that you are safe here. You can share what's really on your heart and I will not condemn you for it.

Why is this so critical? Because most clients enter sessions carrying shame or fear of being misunderstood. If they sense criticism, they will close up. But if they feel accepted, they'll open up. That's when the real coaching begins. Matthew 7:1 says, do not judge, or you too will be judged. Jesus himself modeled this by welcoming people others rejected. He listened and he cared. He made them feel safe and seen. When you hold space for a client, you mirror the mercy and grace of God. Here's when to use this tool: every single coaching session, especially at the beginning of your relationship and anytime your client is sharing something tender or vulnerable. Holding space is the foundation of transformation.

The second tool is a thought framework. Understanding how this framework functions will change how you coach and improve your effectiveness. This simple yet powerful framework, originally described within CBT structures and later coined as “The Model” and widely promoted by Brooke Castillo, demonstrates how circumstances trigger thoughts, which in turn create feelings, which drive actions, and ultimately lead to results.

Now, this is the perfect example of an evidence-based coaching tool. This process is not really anything we can argue with—it is simply the way God created our brains to function. And we can see this evidence every day if we look for it. Here's how it looks in practice. Let's say your client says, “I'll never be able to do this.” That thought creates a feeling within them—in this case, most likely discouragement. That discouragement typically causes procrastination, and the result is failure to move forward. When you walk them through this framework, you will help them see the cycle and then choose a new thought, one that lines up with the truth and the outcome that they are really looking for.

Romans 12:2 tells us, be transformed by the renewing of your mind. That's exactly what this framework helps our clients do. It takes what feels complicated and overwhelming and puts it into a simple framework that reveals where transformation needs to begin—in the thought life. Here's when to use this tool: anytime a client feels stuck, caught in old patterns, or unable to reach their goals. This framework helps them see the connection between their thoughts and outcomes, and equips them to make lasting change. I recommend you learn and practice this tool first. Use it on yourself and eventually, when it fully makes sense and flows, use it with your clients.

The third tool is learning to process and allow a feeling. Most people do one of two things with emotions: they either resist them, pushing them down, or they indulge them, getting stuck in them. But neither approach leads to healing. As a coach, you can teach your clients to identify what they're feeling, notice where they sense it in their body, and allow it without judgment. For example, when grief shows up as heaviness in the chest, you can guide your client to breathe through it, describe it, and simply notice it. When they do, within minutes, the intensity usually begins to fade.

1 Peter 5:7 tells us, cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Processing emotions doesn't mean wallowing. It means experiencing them while releasing them to God. Clients learn that feelings aren't dangerous. They are signals that can be allowed, acknowledged, and surrendered to the Lord. Here's when to use this tool: anytime your client is feeling overwhelmed, dealing with loss, or feeling paralyzed by fear. It's especially crucial in grief coaching, stress relief coaching, and life transitions.

The fourth tool is examining belief systems. Beliefs act like the operating system of our lives. Most of them are formed early, often through painful experiences. They can run silently in the background and dictate behavior without our clients even realizing it. As coaches, we listen for statements like, “I'm not good enough” or “things never work out for me.” Then we gently help clients examine them. Where did this belief come from? Is it really true? What would your life look like if you believed something different?

Proverbs 23:7 says, as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. Beliefs are what we think in our hearts. And when a belief is a lie, it will keep producing destructive results. But when we replace lies with God's truth, lives change. A client who once believed, “I am worthless,” can learn to declare, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” And that's Psalm 139:14. Here's when to use this tool: anytime your client keeps hitting the same wall, self-sabotaging, or struggling with identity. This is deep, foundational work, and it's where some of the most profound breakthroughs happen.

And finally, the fifth tool, which should really come as no surprise, is asking powerful questions. Unlike counseling or consulting, coaching is not about giving advice. Rather, it's about drawing out answers from within the client. That's why powerful, open-ended questions are a coach's sharpest tool. Instead of asking, “Did you try harder?” you might ask, “What do you think God wants to show you through this situation?” Or, “If you fully trusted His plan, what action would you take right now?”

Proverbs 20:5 says, the purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out. That's what powerful questions do. They draw out truth. And this is exactly how Jesus coached, through questions like “Who do you say I am?” or “Do you want to be healed?” Here's when to use this tool: throughout every coaching session. Questions are especially powerful when your client is stuck in old thinking, uncertain about a decision, or needs to see new possibilities.

Before we wrap up, it's time for one of my favorite parts of the show, and it's our podcast review. This episode's review comes from Kristian B. Phillips, who wrote: “Doctor Bush is such a wealth of wisdom. She generously shares practical, faith-filled insights without holding anything back. I love how she weaves biblical truth into her teaching in such a clear and encouraging way.”

Kristian, thank you so much for your kind words. Your encouragement means the world to me, and I'm thrilled that this podcast is blessing you. And congratulations! You are our winner of an Amazon gift card. Please contact us at [email protected] within seven days from the date this episode goes live to redeem your prize. And if you'd like a chance to win next time, just leave us a review wherever you listen to this podcast. Not only will it encourage others to tune in, but it could also make you our next gift card winner.

Now, if these five tools that we've been talking about today excite you, imagine what it would be like to be fully trained and certified to use them professionally. At PCCCA and Grief Coach University, we have been equipping Christian coaches and counselors since 2003. Our programs are Spirit-led, rooted in scripture, and evidence-based. They don't just prepare you to help others—they equip you to transform lives for the Kingdom. Whether you feel called to life coaching, grief support, stress relief, or one of our many specialty areas, we have a program designed for you. So if you're ready to step into your calling and train at the highest level, visit PCCCA.org or GriefCoachU.com and enroll today.

So let's quickly recap today's episode. The five best coaching tools are: holding space without judgment, using the framework to renew the mind, processing and allowing feelings, examining belief systems, and asking powerful questions. Each one is not only practical, but deeply biblical. Together, they form the backbone of transformational coaching.

If today's episode blessed you, don't forget to subscribe and share it with a friend. And leave a review for your chance to win an Amazon gift card. Until next time, I'm Doctor Leelo Bush, reminding you that joy is always a choice and transformation is always possible when we align our lives with God's truth.

Before you go, I want to personally invite you to join our private Facebook group, The Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe. This is where bold, Spirit-led coaches and aspiring coaches gather to grow, get equipped, and stay encouraged together. Inside you will find exclusive tips, training, supportive community, and the kind of Kingdom-minded conversations you just can't find anywhere else.

If you're feeling called to coach, or if you want to stay sharp in your calling, this is your place. Our group culture is “each one bring one,” so invite a friend to join you—the more the merrier. Just go to facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe. Or just tap the link in the show notes. But don't wait, because the sooner you join, the sooner we can start pouring into you. And I will see you inside the tribe.

In this Spirit-led teaching, Dr. Leelo Bush unpacks the idea of thought conflict—what psychologists call cognitive dissonance—and shows how believers can resolve it through God’s truth. By contrasting worldly pressures (like secular accreditation) with biblical principles, she guides listeners to embrace God’s way without hesitation. Through scripture, practical tools, and encouragement, she explains how thought conflict is actually evidence of growth and transformation.

 

 

What You’ll Learn

• How to recognize thought conflict and why it creates discomfort

• The biblical perspective on double-mindedness (James 1:8)

• Why saying “yes” to God quickly brings peace and promotion

• How “bridge thoughts” help transition from old beliefs to new ones

• The science of neuroplasticity and how it confirms Romans 12:2

• Why perseverance through thought conflict is proof of growth

 

 

Quotable Moment

“Thought conflict isn’t failure. It’s preparation. It’s the sound of growth in progress.”

 

 

Scriptures Mentioned

• 2 Corinthians 6:14 — Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers

• James 1:8 — A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways

• Matthew 5:37 — Let your yes be yes and your no be no

• Romans 12:2 — Be transformed by the renewing of your mind

 

 

Resources

• PCCCA Courses: https://pccca.org/courses/

• Healing the Grieving Brain Guide: https://griefcoachu.com/healing/

• The Comprehensive Christian Coach Handbook (Dr. Leelo Bush): Amazon link

• Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe (Facebook group): facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe

Transcript

 

If you've been researching coach or counselor training and certification programs, you may have noticed the thought conflict that comes up when you're trying to pick the right training. If you're a Christian, you know God's Word is clear that we should build on truth, not compromise. Second Corinthians 6:14 tells us, do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers than what we allow into our hearts and minds during training.

Yet at the same time, the world shouts loudly about accreditation from secular organizations, and many people feel torn. On one side, we want to follow God's truth. On the other, we're afraid we'll miss out if we don't follow what the world says is important. That back and forth can create so much thought conflict that some people even give up before they start, simply because they're not 100% sure what the right choice is.

This is just one example of thought conflict, and there are many others. Resolving them is today's topic.

Welcome to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Leelo Bush. I'm a master coach, author, curriculum creator and the number one authority on Spirit-led Christian coaching. I've trained tens of thousands worldwide since 2003, and if you are ready to uplevel your skills, find greater fulfillment, and employ the most powerful coaching available to mankind, let's go.

I'm Dr. Leelo Bush, and you're listening to the Christian Coaching School podcast, where we talk about Spirit-led coaching tools for transformation, and how to live and lead with joy and purpose.

And before we go further, I would love to invite you to leave a review of this podcast. When you do, you'll be entered into our new listener drawing. I'll be announcing winners right here on the podcast, and you could win a gift card just for sharing your feedback.

So let's dig into this idea of thought conflict. Psychologists call it cognitive dissonance, but I prefer to put it in plain language. It's when two opposing thoughts collide inside your head and create discomfort. One part of you says this is the right way. The other part says, no, that's too risky, stay where you are. It's like being pulled in two directions at once. And doesn't that sound exactly like what James wrote about in chapter 1, verse 8? A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Here's the key, though. When we pick God's way, even if it doesn't agree with the world, it's often a test. God uses these moments to see if we are ready for promotion, or ready for the next level of responsibility in His kingdom. If we choose wrong, if we keep wavering, we often find ourselves circling around that same mountain again, repeating the same lesson until we finally learn to say yes to Him.

And thought conflict makes this hard because it feels like a battle inside your mind. But friend, the truth is that battle is the very evidence that growth is happening. Jesus said in Matthew 5:37, let your yes be yes and your no be no. When God calls you to something, the best thing you can do is settle it quickly in your spirit. Yes means yes and follow through. The longer you linger in indecision, the more exhausting that thought conflict becomes.

Let me give you a picture. Imagine two shores with a river in between. On one side are your current beliefs, the ones you've held for years. On the other side are your new beliefs, the ones God is calling you to embrace. To get across, you have to step into that river of discomfort. That's that conflict. It's uncomfortable. It feels risky, but it's also the only way to cross over.

If you avoid the river, you stay stuck on the wrong side, looking at the life you want but never entering it. And sometimes you don't cross in one leap. That's where what I call bridge thoughts come in. If your old thought was, “I can't do this,” and the new thought is “I can do all things through Christ,” you may not fully believe that yet. So you start with a bridge thought, something like this: “With God's help, I can try.” That's believable. That's a step of faith. Over time, that grows into confidence. It's the way God builds endurance in us, step by step, faith to faith.

Science actually helps us understand why thought conflict feels so uncomfortable. Our brains are wired for efficiency. The neural pathways we've been using for years—the old thoughts, the old beliefs—they're like well-paved highways. Your brain can travel them quickly without much effort. But when you introduce a new belief, it's like hacking a trail through the woods. At first, it feels awkward and clumsy, and your brain resists because it prefers the smooth, familiar road.

That's why it feels so hard to let go of old beliefs and embrace new ones. It isn't just weakness on our part. It's our brain doing what it thinks is best to conserve energy. The problem is left unchecked, that instinct will keep us trapped in the same patterns year after year.

This is exactly why Romans 12:2 tells us, do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Notice it doesn't say one-time renewal. It's a continual renewing, over and over, creating new pathways of thought until the truth of God's Word becomes the natural highway your brain takes—or you might consider it a default setting.

Think about it. Every time you practice a new thought, like “With God's help, I can do this,” you are literally building a new neural pathway. At first, it's faint and fragile. But as you keep practicing, that pathway strengthens, while the old one begins to weaken from lack of use. What once felt impossible eventually becomes second nature.

So when you are experiencing thought conflict, don't interpret that discomfort as failure. It's actually proof that your brain is in the middle of rewiring. You're pulling away from old lies and teaching your mind to align with God's truth. And yes, that takes effort, but it also means you're on the right track.

Let me encourage you with this: the same God who designed your brain gave you the ability to change it. Science calls it neuroplasticity. Scripture calls it renewal. Both point to the same truth—that you don't have to stay stuck in old ways of thinking. Through Christ, you have the power to be transformed, not just spiritually, but mentally, emotionally, and practically. So instead of fearing thought conflict, see it as evidence that your brain is doing the hard but holy work of change.

You're tearing down the old highways and building new ones that lead directly to the destiny that God has prepared for you.

And speaking of stepping into what God's called you to do, this is exactly why I am so passionate about equipping more Christians to serve with confidence in their calling. Right now is enrollment season for our Christian coaching, counseling, and specialty coaching training and certification programs. These are the very programs that give you the skills, tools, and credentials to help others create transformation, all while growing in your own walk and purpose. If you've been feeling that nudge from the Lord to step forward in ministry or coaching, this is the perfect time to say yes. You can find all the details and enroll today at pccca.org/courses. You can also find this link in our show notes. Let's get you trained, certified and ready to make an even greater Kingdom impact.

Now let's bring this back. Thought conflict is not something to fear. It's part of the process of growth. Every time you set a goal, every time you move toward your calling, your old beliefs will rise up to challenge your new ones. It's perfectly normal. The enemy wants you to think it's a sign to quit, but really, it's a sign to persevere. Because once you cross the river, once you settle your yes with God, you'll look back and realize that what once felt impossible is now second nature.

So my encouragement to you today is this: next time you feel that inner tug of war, pause and ask, “Lord, which way is Your way?” And when He shows you, don't hesitate. Let your yes be yes and your no be no. Say yes quickly. Step forward, even if it feels uncomfortable. Because that is how God promotes you, grows you, and moves you into the life He has prepared for you.

So as we close, remember thought conflict isn't failure. It's preparation. It's the sound of growth in progress. Don't run from it. Embrace it as part of the process of becoming the person God has called you to be.

And before you go, remember to leave a review of this podcast to be entered into our new listener drawing. I'll be announcing winners here on the show, and you could win a gift card just for sharing your feedback.

I'm Dr. Bush and you've been listening to the Christian Coaching School podcast. Carry what you learned today into the lives of those who need it most, and I will meet you in the next episode.

Before you go, I want to personally invite you to join our private Facebook group, The Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe. This is where bold, Spirit-led coaches and aspiring coaches gather to grow, get equipped, and stay anchored together. Inside, you will find exclusive tips for training, supportive community, and the kind of Kingdom-minded conversation that you just can't find anywhere else.

If you're feeling called to coach, or if you want to stay sharp in your calling, this is your place. Our group culture is “each one bring one.” So invite a friend to join you. The more the merrier. Just go to facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe. Or just tap the link in the show notes. But don't wait, because the sooner you join, the sooner we can start pouring into you. And I will see you inside the tribe.

Hi, this is Dr. Leelo Bush with an announcement you don’t want to miss. We’re celebrating 22 years of training coaches and counselors with Certification Deal Days — the biggest tuition savings we’ve offered in years.

For five days only, starting Monday, September 8th:

• 50% off Monday

• 40% off Tuesday

• 30% off Wednesday

• 20% off Thursday

• 10% off Friday

Here’s how: 👉 Go to https://PCCCA.org/certification-deal-days/  to register with your name and email. You’ll instantly get your coupon codes and course links.

Choose from world-class, faith-centered certifications: Christian Life Coach, Professional Life Coach, Christian Counselor, Grief Coach, Stress Relief Coach, Group Coaching Facilitator, or Essential Oil Practitioner.

Don’t wait — these savings run September 8th through 12th only. Visit https://PCCCA.org/certification-deal-days/ and secure your spot today.

In this episode, Dr. Leelo Bush explores how to replace fleeting self-confidence with lasting Godfidence. Through scripture, testimony, and coaching stories, she shows how confidence built on God’s truth becomes steady, unshakable, and contagious.

 

 

What You’ll Learn

• Why confidence is not a personality trait but a skill and a choice for believers.

• The difference between the world’s confidence and God-centered confidence.

• How to replace self-doubt with agreement on God’s promises.

• Daily practices to grow Godfidence.

• How to impart lasting confidence to others and build a faith-filled community.

 

 

Quotable Moment

“The world’s confidence will tell you, ‘You can do it if you believe in yourself.’ Godfidence says, ‘You can do it because you believe in Him.’”

 

 

Scriptures Mentioned

• Hebrews 10:35 – “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”

• 1 Samuel 17 – David and Goliath, confidence rooted in God’s presence

 

 

Resources

• Courses & Certifications at PCCCA – https://pccca.org/courses

• The Comprehensive Christian Coach Handbook (Amazon link) – https://amzn.to/4mo5ra4

• Healing the Grieving Brain Guide – https://griefcoachu.com/healing/

• Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe (Facebook group) – https://facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe

Transcript Have you ever walked into a room feeling great about yourself? And then one glance from someone made you shrink inside? Or maybe you've had the opposite happen where something clicked deep inside you and suddenly you felt unstoppable. What if you could have that kind of confidence every single day? The kind that no one and nothing could shake. Today we're talking about exactly that.

And I call it Godfidence. If you've ever wished that you could have unshakable, lasting confidence, the kind that doesn't crumble the moment someone gives you a funny look, you're in the right place. Today we're talking about a very specific kind of confidence—God-given confidence. I like to call it Godfidence. I don't remember where it came from, but if it's not in the dictionary, it should be. And unlike the confidence the world gives, this one won't vanish when the circumstances change.

Welcome to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Leelo Bush. I'm a master coach, author, curriculum creator, and the number one authority on Spirit-led Christian coaching. I've trained tens of thousands worldwide since 2003, and if you are ready to uplevel your skills, find greater fulfillment, and employ the most powerful coaching available to mankind, let's go.

Welcome back, my friends. I am so glad you're here today because we're diving into one of the biggest struggles I hear from people, especially believers. They'll say, “I just wish I felt more confident.” Some people think confidence is a personality type. You're either born with it or you're not. Others think it's about accomplishments—that once they've achieved a certain goal, then they'll feel confident.

But what if I told you that real, lasting confidence doesn't come from either of those things? The truth is confidence that lasts—the kind that can weather storms and setbacks—is built on something the world can't give you and can't take away. And once you have it, you can pass it on to others. Confidence isn't just about feeling good about yourself. It's about stepping into what God has called you to do without being paralyzed by fear or doubt.

Hebrews 10:35 says, “So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.” When you know God has called you, confidence allows you to move forward even when you can't see the whole path. Society's version of confidence says you're awesome because you're beautiful, smart, or successful. God's version says you're equipped because I am with you. The world's confidence is like a helium balloon. It's fun while it's floating. But one sharp word from someone and—pop—it's gone. God's confidence is more like a deep-rooted oak tree. The winds can blow, the rains can pour, but you're still standing because your roots are anchored in His truth.

Let's clear up another myth. Confidence is not a personality trait. It's not a case of some people have it and some people don't. It's a skill. And for the believer, it's also a choice. Think about David in the Bible. When he faced Goliath, he wasn't confident because he had the whole army behind him. In fact, they were hiding. He wasn't confident because he was the tallest, strongest warrior. He was confident because he knew God was with him, and that made all the difference.

If your confidence is based on how well you did last time, how many people approve of you, or whether life is going smoothly, it will always be shaky. But when it's built on what God says about you—that you were chosen, you are loved, and you are equipped—it becomes steady. And here's the test: if your confidence disappears when circumstances change, it's fleeting. If it remains when things go wrong, it's lasting.

Fleeting confidence says, “I nailed that presentation, so I feel good about myself.” Lasting confidence says, “Even if I stumble through this presentation, my worth and calling haven't changed.” The confidence the world offers is like an energy drink. It gives you a quick boost, but then you crash. God's confidence is living water. It keeps renewing and sustaining you.

I remember a time early in my career when I was invited to present to a large group of community leaders. It was a big opportunity, and of course I wanted to make a strong impression. Right before I went up to speak, someone leaned over and whispered, “You know, these people are used to hearing from nationally known speakers. You might want to keep your talk short.”

My first reaction—my stomach dropped. That little voice of doubt tried to tell me, “You're not qualified to be here.” But then I took a deep breath, silently prayed, “Lord, this is Your message, not mine,” and walked up with my head held high. The moment I started speaking, peace came over me. I knew I wasn't standing there in my own strength, and my words rolled out of me like I was a pro. It was like I was there in body, but someone else was controlling my message that day. It wasn't my polished words that made an impact—it was God's presence. And that's when I realized: when your confidence comes from Him, nobody can take it away.

You might have heard this referred to as an anointing. And speaking of stepping into what God's called you to do, this is exactly why I am so passionate about equipping more Christians to serve with confidence in their calling.

Right now is enrollment season at PCCCA for our Christian Coaching, counseling, and specialty coaching training and certification programs. These are the very courses that give you the skills, tools, and credentials to help others create transformation while growing in your own walk and purpose. If you've been feeling that nudge from the Lord to step forward in coaching or ministry—or whatever your particular calling is—this is the perfect time to say yes.

You can find all the details and enroll today at PCCCA.org/courses. Let's get you trained, certified, and ready to make an even greater Kingdom impact.

So how do you shift from self-doubt to Godfidence? It starts with agreement—agreeing with what God says about you, even if your feelings haven't caught up yet. Instead of saying, “What if I fail?” you start saying, “If God called me to this, He'll equip me for it.” Instead of thinking, “I'm not good enough,” you remind yourself, “In Christ I am more than enough for this moment.”

Confidence is not arrogance. Arrogance says, “I'm better than you.” Godfidence says, “I'm secure in who I am, and you're amazing too.” For me, Godfidence grows when I go back to my source. Daily time in the Word keeps my mind renewed because what we believe shapes everything. I also practice taking baby bold steps. Every time I say yes to God, even in something small, it builds my trust. I don't entertain self-doubt like it's a welcome houseguest. I speak life over myself and over others because words create belief. And I make it a habit to remember what God has already done in my life—because His track record is perfect.

And here's the beautiful part: we're not meant to keep Godfidence to ourselves. I remember coaching a young woman who had such a powerful testimony but was terrified to share it. She told me she was not a speaker and she didn't know what to say. I looked her straight in the eye and said, “This isn't about being a speaker. It's about being obedient.”

We worked together on a short version of her story, prayed before she went on stage, and I watched as she stepped up with shaking hands. And then the Spirit took over. The response she got that night was overwhelming. People came up in tears thanking her for her courage. Later she told me, “If you hadn't believed in me, I wouldn't have been able to do it.” But what I really wanted her to see was that it wasn't my belief that mattered—it was God's.

And that's the power of imparting Godfidence, friend. The world's confidence will tell you, “You can do it if you believe in yourself.” Godfidence says, “You can do it because you believe in Him.” You don't have to wait until you feel ready, because with God, you already are. And when you live in this kind of confidence, it doesn't just change your life—it’s contagious. People around you start to rise too.

So this week, take one step that scares you just a little, but do it with the full assurance that God is with you. And if you see someone else shrinking back, speak courage into them. Pass it on. That's how we build a confident, faith-filled community.

I'm Dr. Leelo Bush, and you've been listening to the Christian Coaching School podcast. Carry what you learned today into the lives of those who need it most. And I'll meet you in the next episode.

Before you go, I want to personally invite you to join our private Facebook group, The Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe. This is where bold, Spirit-led coaches and aspiring coaches gather to grow, get equipped, and stay encouraged together. Inside, you'll find exclusive tips, training, and supportive community—and the kind of Kingdom-minded conversations you just can't find anywhere else.

If you're feeling called to coach, or if you want to stay sharp in your calling, this is your place. Our group culture is “each one bring one,” so invite a friend to join you. The more the merrier. Just go to facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe (no spaces). Or just tap the link in the show notes. But don't wait—because the sooner you join, the sooner we can start pouring into you. And I will see you inside the tribe.

Episode Summary

In this Spirit-led teaching, Dr. Leelo Bush addresses one of the most common struggles: the fear of starting. With practical stories and biblical truth, she reveals why hesitation holds us back and how faith empowers us to take that first step. Through Scripture, personal testimony, and proven strategies, listeners will find encouragement to silence fear, embrace courage, and begin the work God has called them to.

 

 

What You’ll Learn

• Why fear of starting feels so powerful — and how to break its grip.

• How to reframe failure as growth and obedience to God.

• The biblical perspective on courage and readiness.

• Practical tools to shrink fear and create momentum.

• How faith and small steps open the way for God’s plan.

 

 

Quotable Moment

“Readiness is not something that comes before the journey. It’s something that develops along the way.”

 

 

Scriptures Mentioned

• 2 Timothy 1:7 – God has not given us a spirit of fear.

• Joshua 1:9 – Be strong and courageous; the Lord is with you.

• Isaiah 41:10 – Do not fear, for I am with you.

• Proverbs 16:3 – Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.

 

 

Resources

• PCCCA Courses → https://pccca.org/courses/

• Healing the Grieving Brain Guide → https://griefcoachu.com/healing/

• The Comprehensive Christian Coach Handbook → https://amzn.to/4mo5ra4

 

 

Supplemental Resources

• The Comprehensive Christian Coach Handbook (Amazon) → https://amzn.to/4mo5ra4

• Healing the Grieving Brain Guide → https://griefcoachu.com/healing/

• PCCCA Courses → https://pccca.org/courses/

• Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe (Facebook group) → https://facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe

Transcript

One of my team members was starting her diet on Monday, but then someone brought over brownies on Sunday night. So obviously she had to wait until Monday. And then of course, Monday wasn't good either. Because there were leftovers. That's how starting works, doesn't it? It always feels like it should happen later. But here's the thing. Waiting doesn't get us anywhere. Today we're talking about why fear of starting feels so powerful and how you can finally take that first step, even when it feels scary.

Welcome to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm your host, Doctor Leelo Bush. I'm a master coach, author, curriculum creator, and the number one authority on Spirit-led Christian coaching. I've trained tens of thousands worldwide since 2003. And if you are ready to uplevel your skills, find greater fulfillment, and employ the most powerful coaching available to mankind, let's go.

Welcome to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm your host, Doctor Leelo Bush, and I'm so glad you're here with me today. Whether you're a long-time listener or if this is your first time joining us, you are in the right place. This is where we talk about Christian coaching, counseling, and life transformation from a biblical perspective, always with practical tools you can use right away.

Today's episode is one I know will encourage you, because we're talking about overcoming the fear of starting, or what I call breaking the start barrier. Sometimes we can identify it as it's happening, and sometimes it happens unconsciously. But I believe any of us can fall victim to this. If you've ever had a God-given dream, an idea, or a goal you couldn't seem to begin, you're in the right place. This episode is going to help you move past fear, silence those voices that say you're not ready, and step forward in faith with courage.

Starting anything new often feels like skydiving without a parachute. Our brains are wired to keep us safe, not to make us successful. That primitive part of our mind would rather you stay right where you are—comfortable, familiar, predictable. It's why your heart races and your inner voice starts shouting, “Danger!” the moment you think about beginning something new. I'll admit I've done the same thing. I delayed writing my first book for months because I told myself I didn't have the time to do it right. The truth? I had the time to do whatever was important to me, just like you do. I just hadn't made it a priority. And once it became a priority, I got it done.

You might be familiar with my book, The Comprehensive Christian Coach Handbook. It's gotten great reviews, and now it's in its second edition. In case you'd like to read it, you can find it on Amazon and lots of other booksellers. You can either search the title or my name to find it, and I'll also put a link in the show notes for you.

But here's the reality. Everybody feels constrained by something. In my case, it was lack of time. You might not feel ready for other reasons. Even those among us who look fearless on the outside have to battle that same dread. And let me be real with you—this message is for me as much as it is for you. You may know I've been in the online education industry for over 22 years now. Over that time, I've created programs, trained thousands, and built a strong institution. Since 2003, we have been early adopters in Christian coaching and creators of the Flow Spirit-led coaching model, and so much more.

But here's something you probably don't know. There has been one particular piece of software I've had my eye on for nearly that entire time, and never fully mastered. Because of that, we haven't always grown to our full potential. Now, don't get me wrong—we are thriving and strong. But this one missing piece has been like a puzzle with only one corner done. Well, this past weekend I finally decided it was time. I immersed myself in learning it. Yes, I could have hired someone to do it, and I'm sure that would have been easier. But I believe at the core we need to understand the systems we rely on so that if something goes wrong, we can troubleshoot with confidence.

And here's the good news. After nearly two decades of delay, it's finally complete. It's a major milestone that will make a huge difference in our reach. But I share these stories with you for a reason—because we all share the same challenges with starting. And sometimes, like me, we can put it off for months or years, even decades, when deep down we know it's important.

My prayer for you is that your thing doesn't take 20 years to conquer like mine did. And this is where I love to lean on God's Word. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.” Isn't that liberating? You don't have to start alone. God is right there with you at the starting line, ready to support you when you obediently step into your calling.

And speaking of stepping into what God has called you to do, this is exactly why I am so passionate about equipping you to serve with confidence in your calling. Right now is enrollment season for our Christian coaching, counseling, and specialty coaching training and certification programs. These are the very courses that give you the skills, tools, and credentials to help others create transformation while growing in your own walk and purpose. If you've been feeling that nudge from the Lord to step forward in your calling, this is the perfect time to say yes. You can find all the details and enroll today at pccca.org/courses. Let's get you trained, certified, and ready for God to promote you to make an even greater kingdom impact.

Now let's talk about what fear of starting can look like in our everyday lives. Because it doesn't just make you hesitate. It whispers lies that sound almost believable. Fear tells you you're not ready, so you wait, thinking you'll start when you're smarter, richer, thinner, or more prepared. But here's the truth—readiness is not something that comes before the journey. It's something that develops along the way.

Fear also says you need to know everything before you begin. But life doesn't work like a GPS that shows you the entire route. More often, God gives you just the next turn. You step out, and then the path ahead becomes clear. Action brings clarity. Waiting only brings more waiting and missing out on opportunities. And then there's the big one: “If you fail, it'll be a disaster.” Fear paints the worst-case scenario—people will laugh, you'll lose everything. But failure isn't final. It's actually a learning experience. Either we succeed or we learn something. It's sometimes even more valuable than succeeding right away. It builds character and demonstrates your obedience to God.

I didn't understand this when I was young. Each time I would try and fail at something, I would suffer with failure shame, when it was actually part of my growth into the person I am today. Not a bad thing at all, but because I didn't know that then, I wasted a lot of time worrying about it. Thankfully, it didn't stop me from trying. The truth is, most of the time nobody is even paying attention as closely as you think, and when you stumble, it's feedback—not the end. Fear exaggerates. It invents stories that are bigger than reality. It's like a bad fortune teller that never gets it right, yet we keep listening. The good news is, we don't have to believe those lies anymore.

So if fear is whispering lies, how do you break through and finally begin? The first step is to shrink the action down to something so small it's almost laughable. If you want to write a book, type a single sentence. If you want to run a marathon, put on your sneakers and walk to the mailbox. Small steps disarm fear because they're hard to argue with.

The second key is to stop keeping it to yourself. Fear loves silence. It thrives in isolation. But the moment you speak your goal out loud—whether to a trusted friend, a mentor, or even in a small online group—you begin to create accountability. Suddenly, you're not just thinking about it. You're moving toward it.

And third, remember momentum. Think of fear like a huge boulder sitting in the road. The hardest part is moving it that first inch. But once it starts rolling, you don't need nearly as much effort to keep it going. Your job isn't to move the boulder a mile today. It's just to nudge it forward an inch. One inch today, another tomorrow. And before long, fear is no longer in charge.

One of my favorite tools is what author Mel Robbins calls the Five-Second Rule. You count down: five, four, three, two, one—and then you act. You don't debate. You don't overthink. You just move. And that tiny action, taken quickly, often opens the door for a bigger breakthrough.

Breaking what I call the start barrier isn't about erasing fear. It's actually about refusing to let fear have the loudest voice in the room. You'll never feel completely ready. I don't, and you don't have to. Courage is not the absence of fear. It's choosing to move forward in spite of it. And once you begin, momentum takes over.

Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” Notice it doesn't say wait until you have the perfect plan or the perfect resources. It says commit. Start. Step out in faith. And as you do, God moves pieces into place that you could never have arranged on your own.

So here's my challenge for you today: don't wait for the perfect Monday, or the perfect circumstances, or the perfect plan. Take one small step toward the thing God has been nudging you to do. Just one. Maybe it's sending that email, or opening a notebook, or making a phone call, or visiting our courses page. Whatever it is, don't overthink it. Just start. Because the sooner you begin, the sooner you'll see God multiply your efforts.

And remember, I'm saying this to myself just as much as I'm saying it to you. This is a message I need too. But together we can stop waiting, stop delaying, and start walking forward into the calling God has for us.

I'm Doctor Leelo Bush, and you've been listening to the Christian Coaching School podcast. Use what you learned today and carry it into the lives of those who need it most. And I'll meet you in the next episode.

Before you go, I want to personally invite you to join our private Facebook group, The Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe. This is where bold, Spirit-led coaches and aspiring coaches gather to grow, get equipped, and stay encouraged. Inside you will find exclusive tips, training, supportive community, and the kind of kingdom-minded conversations you just can't find anywhere else.

If you're feeling called to coach, or if you want to stay sharp in your calling, this is your place. Our group culture is each one bring one, so invite a friend to join you. The more the merrier. Just go to facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe. Or just tap the link in the show notes. But don't wait, because the sooner you join, the sooner we can start pouring into you. And I will see you inside the tribe.

In this episode, Dr. Leelo Bush addresses the hidden power of excuses, showing how they silently derail our God-given potential. She explains the neuroscience behind excuse-making, the difference between boundaries and excuses, and how to dismantle these mental barriers through ownership. With scriptural encouragement from Philippians 4:13 and 2 Timothy 1:7, listeners are guided toward living a life aligned with their calling—excuse-free.

 

 

What You’ll Learn

• How to recognize the subtle language of excuses

• Why excuses feel justified and the brain science behind them

• The difference between boundaries and excuses

• How to replace “I can’t” with ownership statements

• Practical strategies to retrain your mind toward courage and action

• Scriptural truths to overcome fear and avoidance

 

 

Quotable Moment

“Ownership is the difference between a life lived by default and a life lived by design.”

 

 

Scriptures Mentioned

• Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

• Proverbs 26:13 – “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets.’”

• 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.”

 

 

Resources

• Professional Christian Coaching and Counseling Academy: PCCCA.org/courses

• Private Facebook group: Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe

Transcript

Let's be honest. Making excuses can be cringeworthy. It's awkward for the person saying it and just as uncomfortable for the person hearing it—especially when we both know better. Yet we still do it, wrapping fear or procrastination in pretty words and hoping no one notices. It's been a while, but I've done it. How about you? Today we're going to pull back the curtain, audit those excuses, and replace them with ownership, because nothing feels better than living aligned with your calling—excuse free.

Welcome to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Leelo Bush. I'm a master coach, author, curriculum creator, and the number one authority on Spirit-led Christian coaching. I've trained tens of thousands worldwide since 2003. And if you are ready to up-level your skills, find greater fulfillment, and employ the most powerful coaching available to mankind—let's go.

Welcome back. I'm Dr. Leelo Bush, and today we're cutting through the "can't because" clutter. I've trained and certified thousands of coaches worldwide over the last 22 years, and as a result, I have watched many people rise to great heights. But unfortunately, too many people with God-given potential stay stuck because of a handful of worn-out excuses.

Entering a new school year, I thought the timing of this episode would be perfect if you are stuck with excuses. We will do an audit and end their bondage today. Excuses look harmless, but they are silent dream killers. They feel justified. They can sound logical and keep you stuck. Today we're going to expose them, dismantle them, and replace them with unstoppable ownership.

Since school is back in session, it's your turn. If you've been feeling the nudge to step into your calling as a Christian life coach, counselor, or specialty coach, the Professional Christian Coaching and Counseling Academy—otherwise lovingly called PCCCA—has world-class training for you to help you get there. I encourage you to visit PCCCA.org/courses where you will find all the details, because the future you are praying for isn't going to build itself.

Excuses are not harmless. They quietly chip away at your confidence. They limit your opportunities and shrink the vision that God has placed in your heart. An explanation tells the truth and points toward a solution. An excuse stops the conversation, locks the door, and throws away the key. The cost of excuse-making is massive. You lose opportunities you can't get back. You delay callings God already equipped you to fulfill. And you settle for a smaller life than the one you were created to live.

Here's the dangerous part: most excuses feel justified. You're tired. You've been hurt. You don't have time, money, or support. But when you stop there, you have given the excuse the final word. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” If Christ is your strength, the excuse has no authority.

I remember when my daughter was in elementary school and taking ballet classes. She was really talented, and the teacher gave her solo lessons to do a solo dance in the recital. But she was terrified. When we talked about it, we decided that whenever she felt afraid, she would repeat, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And to this day, if she feels unsure about moving forward, she goes back to that scripture. We all get those feelings, but the Word has power—not because of who says it, but because it is the Word of God.

We have to remember that excuses have a language, and once we recognize it, we will hear it everywhere. “I'm too busy.” “I'm not ready.” “I'm waiting for the right time.” Those can sound harmless, but they are all code for avoiding action. Look for patterns. Do you use the same excuse in your health, relationships, finances, or spiritual growth? If so, it's not circumstantial—it's habitual.

Proverbs 26:13 says, “The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets.’” Excuses are just imaginary lions keeping us from moving forward.

But what's beneath the excuse? Excuses don't live in our words—they live in the mind and heart, wired into the brain. Every excuse we make is really a protective response from our nervous system, rooted in emotion. At the core, excuses are survival tools—the brain's way of avoiding perceived threats to our safety, identity, or sense of belonging.

When you're faced with a challenge that feels overwhelming, the amygdala—the part of your brain constantly scanning for danger—lights up like a warning siren. Its job is to keep you safe, but sometimes it overreacts. It doesn't know the difference between stepping onto a stage to share your testimony and stepping in front of a hungry lion. It just says “danger” and looks for the fastest escape route. That's where excuses are born.

The brain then recruits the prefrontal cortex, our reasoning center. But when you're stressed or anxious, your prefrontal cortex gets hijacked. Instead of helping you move forward, it starts manufacturing logical-sounding reasons to avoid the risk. And because those reasons sound rational, you accept them without question. This is why excuses often feel justified—they are supported by your brain's best lawyer, even when built on fear, not fact.

Your brain’s default wiring has three goals: avoid pain, increase pleasure, and conserve energy. This was useful when survival meant escaping predators and finding food. But in modern life, that wiring resists discomfort, challenge, or the unfamiliar—even when those lead to growth.

Then there’s your identity network—the deep wiring of beliefs about who you are and what’s possible for you. If your internal story says, “I’m not the kind of person who succeeds at this,” your brain will work to protect that story, even if it limits you. Most people base their sense of what’s possible on the past, not the future. But the past is not a good indicator of possibility. If it were, we’d never have developed planes, mobile phones, or countless other advances.

People often confuse excuses with boundaries. Boundaries protect your values and priorities, coming from clarity and love. Excuses protect your comfort zone. One brings peace and alignment, the other brings guilt and frustration. Boundaries leave you feeling empowered; excuses leave you feeling smaller.

Second Timothy 1:7 says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” That’s your wiring in Christ—the Spirit designed you for power, love, and sound judgment.

Every time you challenge an excuse, you weaken the old fear pathway and strengthen the neural circuit for courage and action. This is proven neuroscience.

Here’s how to shift:

• Name your choices out loud. Instead of “I can’t because,” say “I choose not to because.” This admits you have the power to change it.

• If you don’t like the choice, change it on the spot.

• Interrupt excuses as they form by asking, “What’s the real truth here?”

• Upgrade your self-talk. Replace “I don’t have time” with “I haven’t made time yet.” Replace “I’m bad with money” with “I haven’t learned money skills yet.”

Create an ownership anchor—a quick physical trigger like snapping your fingers, tapping your chest, or standing taller—to remind yourself to move from retreat to responsibility. Track your wins. Progress, even small, proves you’re rewriting your story.

Taking ownership isn’t about perfection—it’s about refusing to give your excuses the final word. Every shift reclaims more territory from fear, delay, and self-sabotage, moving you closer to the life God has for you.

You don’t need another year with the same old excuses. God’s calling on your life is too important to keep hitting snooze. Ownership is freedom. Excuses are chains.

If today’s episode gave you a breakthrough or fresh perspective, share it with a friend. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. And leave a review—it helps more people find this message. The best next step is to keep growing. Find your next course at PCCCA.org/courses and step boldly into the future God has prepared for you. I’m Dr. Leelo Bush, and I’ll meet you in the next episode.

Before you go, I invite you to join our private Facebook group, The Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe. This is where bold, Spirit-led coaches and aspiring coaches gather to grow, get equipped, and stay encouraged. Inside, you’ll find exclusive tips, training, and kingdom-minded conversations you won’t find elsewhere.

If you feel called to coach or want to stay sharp in your calling, this is your place. Our culture is “each one, bring one,” so invite a friend. The more the merrier. Visit facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe or tap the link in the show notes. Join now so we can start pouring into you. I’ll see you inside the tribe.

This episode is a heartfelt invitation to realign your life from the inside out. Dr. Leelo Bush guides listeners through the spiritual and emotional practices needed to restore peace, purpose, and joy—without changing jobs, partners, or cities. Anchored in scripture, it’s about renewing the mind and choosing to live with intentionality, presence, and spiritual clarity. This is healing work wrapped in biblical truth and self-coaching tools.

 

 

📘 What You’ll Learn

• Why external change won’t create inner peace

• The spiritual principle behind rewiring your mindset

• 3 key steps to start loving your life again: Awareness, Presence, and Reinforcement

• How to become “unbothered” in a noisy, chaotic world

• The difference between reacting and designing your emotional life

• A daily practice to strengthen spiritual clarity and joy

 

 

📖 Scriptures Mentioned

• Philippians 4:8 – "Whatever is true… think on these things."

• Romans 12:2 – "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

 

 

🔥 Quotable Moments

“You don’t have to be broken to take your peace seriously.”

“Distraction is the enemy of depth. Noise is the enemy of clarity.”

“You don’t owe the world a version of you that’s always performing. You owe God your obedience.”

“Gratitude is more than a feeling. It’s a filter.” 🧠 Resources Mentioned

• Healing the Grieving Brain Guide: https://griefcoachu.com/healing

• Companion Journal: Daily emotion tracker and guided prompts

• Self-Coaching Frameworks: For rewiring thought patterns and emotional recovery

• Facebook Group: Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe

TRANSCRIPT: Have you ever looked around your life and thought, this is fine, but why don't I feel more joy? Maybe nothing's falling apart. You're doing well. Showing up. Keeping it together. But deep down, you know there's more available to you. More peace, more clarity, more fulfillment. You're not burned out, but you're tired. You're not broken. But you're not lit up either.

And I want to tell you something. You don't have to change your job, your location, or your relationship to start loving your life again. You have to change your perspective, your focus, your internal patterns. This episode is about how to create a life you love from the inside out. And yes, we've got tools like Healing the Grieving Brain Guide and Emotion Tracker Journal and the Self Coaching Frameworks to support your journey.

You'll hear more about those at the end, but today is about you and your mindset and your future. Joy. Let's begin.

Welcome to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Leelo Bush. I'm a master coach, author, curriculum creator and the number one authority on spirit-led Christian coaching. I've trained tens of thousands worldwide since 2003, and if you are ready to uplevel your skills, find greater fulfillment, and employ the most powerful coaching available to mankind—let's go.

Welcome back. I am Dr. Leelo Bush and this podcast is about living with purpose, rising with joy, and walking in peace on purpose. If you're new, I want to say I'm glad you're here. And if you're returning, thank you for showing up again. That tells me you're serious about growth. Today I'm going to show you how to begin loving your life again, regardless of your past, your circumstances, or the noise around you.

This is not about ignoring what's hard. It's about refusing to let what's outside you decide what lives inside you. Let's be honest, there are a lot of reasons why people don't fully love the life that they are living, even when it looks good on paper. Maybe it's the constant pressure to perform. Maybe it's the low-grade hum of comparison—scrolling social media and feeling like everyone else has something you don't. Maybe you're stuck on autopilot. Busy, distracted, productive, but not present. Or maybe your life has been shaped by other people's expectations for so long you don't even know what you really want anymore. And then there's grief, loss, or transition—things that shift your world so deeply they leave residue. Emotional patterns that quietly follow you into new seasons.

But no matter how it started, the result is the same. You're living your life, but you're not really in love with it.

Let's anchor this in truth. Philippians 4:8 says, "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely—think on these things." There is more to this than spiritual advice—it's mental rewiring. When we dwell on what is good, we begin to feel what is good. Not because we're ignoring pain, but because we're refusing to magnify it. Your brain doesn't know the difference between what's happening and what you focus on. So when you rehearse goodness, beauty, praise—you begin to experience more peace. And peace makes room for joy.

Romans 12:2 tells us, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Transformation doesn't begin with a promotion or a move. It starts with how we think. Creating a life you love doesn't begin by changing everything around you. It starts by changing how you interact with what's around you.

The first step is awareness. Most people don't realize they're rehearsing unhappiness. We repeat unhelpful thoughts all day long. Thoughts like: "This is too hard." "Nothing's changing." "I'm just not good at this." And then we wonder why life feels heavy. You have to catch those thoughts. Hold them up to light and challenge them. Is this even true? And then choose something better.

The second step is presence. Most people live in reaction mode. They don't design their emotional experience—they just drift through it. We can start by setting intentions. Something like, "Today I choose peace." "Today I will look for beauty." "Today I'll notice what I already have." Gratitude is more than a feeling. It's a filter. It reveals what was already there, waiting to be celebrated.

And finally, we begin to reinforce what works. When something brings us joy, we can repeat it. When something stirs peace—linger longer. These little practices begin to rewire our emotional baseline.

Now let's talk about something powerful: becoming unbothered. In a loud world full of opinions, pressures, and endless notifications, our peace will be constantly under attack unless we learn how to guard it. Here's what we need to understand: distraction is the enemy of depth, and noise is the enemy of clarity. We don't just lose peace because of major crises. We lose it because we never turn off the noise long enough to hear God clearly or feel ourselves fully.

Being unbothered doesn't mean we're disconnected—it means we're rooted. Rooted in our identity. Rooted in the Word. Rooted in purpose. We stop living for applause. We stop fearing judgment. We stop letting emails, texts, headlines, and even the moods from other people decide our worth. We learn to pause before reacting. We practice stillness without guilt. We build emotional boundaries that allow us to stay soft and strong. Peace is found in control. It's found in surrender. And the more rooted we become in God's truth, the less shaken we'll be by the world's chaos.

This is where real joy begins—when you realize you don't owe the world a version of you that's always performing. Rather, you owe God your obedience, your trust, and your surrender. And from there, life starts to feel different. Not because it's changed—but because you did.

You don't have to be burned out or broken to take your peace seriously. In fact, the people who create the most meaningful lives are usually the ones who are already doing okay—but choose to go deeper.

If you want to love your life, start living on purpose. Don't wait for permission. Don't wait for the stars to align. Choose joy now. Practice peace now. Design your days around what matters most. And build your thoughts like bricks—one truth at a time.

And this isn't selfish—it's sacred. Because the more healed, present, and joyful you become, the more people around you will feel it. And if you are in a hard place right now, know this: it won't always be this way. You can rise from here. You can rebuild. You can smile again—and mean it.

God has not forgotten you. He's walking with you. He's already given you everything you need to love the life you're in.

If you're ready to start that journey today, I put together some simple tools to help you: the Healing the Grieving Brain guide, the Daily Emotion Tracker Journal, and the Self-Coaching Frameworks are all available now at griefcoachu.com/healing.

They are affordable, they're accessible, and they've helped thousands retrain their thoughts, restore their peace, and take back their joy. But even without the tools, here's your next step: start today. Choose one truth to rehearse. Speak life over yourself. And love your life—on purpose.

Until next time, I am Dr. Leelo Bush. And remember:

Peace is a decision. Joy is a skill. And your life is worth loving—no matter what.

Before you go, I want to personally invite you to join our private Facebook group, the Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe. This is where bold, spirit-led coaches and aspiring coaches gather to grow, get equipped, and stay encouraged—together. Inside, you'll find exclusive tips, training, and supportive community, and the kind of Kingdom-minded conversations you just can't find anywhere else.

If you're feeling called to coach—or if you want to stay sharp in your calling—this is your place. Our group culture is: Each one, bring one. So invite a friend to join you. The more the merrier.

Just go to: facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe —or just tap the link in the show notes.

But don't wait, because the sooner you join, the sooner we can start pouring into you.

I'll see you inside the tribe.

📝 Episode Summary

In this Spirit-anchored and neuroscience-informed episode, Dr. Leelo Bush delivers a powerful message inspired by Jesus' question to the man at Bethesda: “Do you want to get well?” Listeners are guided through the biblical truth that healing isn’t just a matter of time—it’s a matter of obedience and intentional action. Dr. Bush outlines the neurobiological impact of grief and presents practical tools, including her Healing the Grieving Brain Guide, journaling, and self-coaching frameworks, to help individuals and coaches alike find freedom and purpose after loss. Healing is not only possible—it’s promised when partnered with the truth and the Spirit.

 

 

📚 What You’ll Learn

• Why time alone does not heal, but obedience and daily action can

• How grief rewires the brain—and how to retrain it toward peace

• The science behind naming emotions and why it calms the nervous system

• The power of structured healing tools like journaling and daily rhythm

• How neuroscience supports Spirit-led coaching methods

• The biblical truth that healing is a choice and a command

• How coaches can rise up and become healing agents in this generation

 

 

💬 Quotable Moments

“Healing didn’t come through time. It came through obedience to the Word.”

“You are not stuck. Your grief is real. But it doesn’t get the final word.”

“We’re not waiting around the pool anymore. We’re taking up our mat and walking.”

“Your pain is not the end of the story—it’s just the beginning of the testimony.”

“What sorrow hijacks, hope can restore.”

✝️ Scriptures Mentioned or Referenced

• John 5:6–8 – Jesus says to the man at the pool: “Get up, take your mat and walk.”

• Romans 8:11 – “The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.”

 

 

🧠 Resources Mentioned

• Healing the Grieving Brain Guide: https://griefcoachu.com/healing

• Companion Journal: Daily emotion tracker and guided prompts

• Self-Coaching Frameworks: For rewiring thought patterns and emotional recovery

• Facebook Group: Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe

TRANSCRIPT: Do you want to get? Well. That's what Jesus asked. The man lying by the pool of Bethesda. 38. Years. He waited, hoping, watching. Stuck. He had reasons. He had excuses. But what he. Didn't. Have. Was healing until. Jesus showed up. And when he did, he didn't offer sympathy. Rather, he issued a command. Take your mat and walk. In that moment, everything changed because healing didn't come through time. It came through obedience. To the word. Friend. Maybe you're the one lying on the mat today. Paralyzed by pain. Overwhelmed by loss. Wondering if your breakthrough will ever come. Or maybe you're someone God. Is calling to rise up and help others take their first steps toward. Healing. Whichever it is. I need you to hear this. Jesus is still. Saying. Get up. Your healing. Starts. The moment. You stop. Waiting and start walking. And here's the part I can hardly believe myself. We've made the tools for healing so accessible. So affordable that. Literally anyone within the reach of my. Voice. Can begin this journey today. No barriers. No excuses. Just proven health and real hope. This is the episode where. Everything can begin to change for you or for someone you're. Called to help. So don't. Go anywhere. Welcome to the Christian Coaching School podcast. I'm your host, Dr. Leelo Bush. I'm a master coach, author, curriculum creator. And the number one authority on. Spirit led Christian coaching. I've trained tens of thousands worldwide since 2003, and if you are ready to uplevel your skills, find greater fulfillment and employ the most powerful coaching available to mankind. Let's go. Welcome back, my friend. I am Doctor Lelo. Bush and I am so glad. You're here. Whether it's your first. Time or you've been walking this journey with me. For a while. Today's episode is for. Anyone. Who's ever felt like life stopped after loss. And it's also for you. If God has been. Tugging at your. Heart to help. Others who are hurting. Maybe through coaching. Counseling, or just. Walking beside a friend in pain. What I'm sharing today isn't fluff and it's not theory. It's truth. Backed by neuroscience and guided by the. Spirit of God. Because we now know more than ever that grief doesn't just. Affect your heart. It rewires your. Brain. But that. Also means your brain can be rewired. Back so you're not stuck. And healing, whether for. You or. Someone you love. Isn't about just. Giving it time. It's about applying the right tools. In the right way. Day after day. That's what makes healing stick. And I've got something powerful to share with you. Tools that have helped thousands. Move from pain. To purpose. So let's. Dive in to the. Newest. 2025 findings on how to heal the grieving brain and what you can do. Starting today. Let's begin with something you need to hear. Grieving people are not broken. Your brain is doing exactly. What it was. Designed to do. Responding to deep emotional pain with protective mechanisms. But here's the good news. What trauma and grief wired into your brain can be unwired. What sorrow hijacks hope can restore. Now, in 2025, neuroscience is catching up with what many. Of us have already. Seen through faith and intentional action. The data is in and it's powerful. Let me break it down for you. When you experience loss, the emotional center of your brain, the amygdala. Goes into overdrive. It floods your system with fear. Sadness. Even paralysis. At the same time. Your. Prefrontal. Cortex. The part of your brain responsible for decision making and planning, shuts down. You feel foggy, lost, disconnected. That's not weakness. That's biology. And it's not permanent. In fact. Your brain is neuro plastic. That means it can change, heal. Adapt, and rewire itself. Through intentional. Practice. The research. Coming out this. Year is. Confirming what many of us already witnessed firsthand. Healing happens. Faster. When we engage our brains intentionally, daily. One of the. Most exciting discoveries is how powerful. Something as simple as naming your emotions can be. It turns out when you regularly label what you're feeling, your brain begins to calm itself. Emotional intensity decreases and you start gaining clarity. It's like taking the chaos in your head and finally giving it structure. We're also seeing that just ten minutes a day. Yes. Only ten. A focused. Guided thought work can help rewire the brain faster than weeks or even months of doing nothing. Passive time doesn't equal healing, but micro. Shifts. Made consistently. Does. Change everything. And here's something I love. God created us to heal both inside and out. Gentle movement like walking, light stretching, or even just standing with awareness of your body helps regulate your nervous system. When you pair that with moments of stillness like quiet prayer, deep breathing, or reflection, your brain begins to restore emotional resilience in a truly miraculous way. But one of the most transformative findings of all. Is this. Healing becomes dramatically more. Effective. When people follow a daily rhythm. Specifically one that includes guided frameworks and journaling. This isn't about writing a few sad thoughts on a page. This is about engaging your mind to partner with your recovery. The studies. Show that people who consistently. Used structured tools. And track their emotional progress experienced breakthrough up to three times faster than those who didn't. And that is why I created these tools for you. The Healing the Grieving Brain Guide. Lays out the. Foundation. It teaches you exactly what's happening inside you, how grief rewires your brain and then shows you what to. Do about it. It's like a personal map. Out of the fog. The companion journal takes that learning deeper. Inside, you'll find prompts that help you identify and label your emotions, and a daily emotion tracker. To capture your progress. Because when you see your healing on paper, your mind begins to believe that it's real. And that belief changes everything. Then there is the self coaching frameworks. My favorite. Part? These aren't just exercises. They are a repeatable, intentional. Process to guide. Your thinking. Shift your focus. And begin building a better day. One thought at a time. When you. Show up for yourself with these tools. In hand. You start. Teaching your brain what. Peace looks. Like. And with. Practice. Peace becomes your new normal. Healing doesn't happen by chance. And it's not. Just about. Time. It's about what you do. With the time. So if no one told you this before, let me be the one to say it. You are not stuck. Your grief is real. But it doesn't get the final word. You've just never been shown how to heal. Until now. Friend, if you or a loved one. Is still. Lying on that emotional mat, if you're waiting for someone to pick you up and carry you, I'm here to tell you what. Jesus said. Take up your mat and walk. God has placed healing in your reach. Now it's time to reach back. And if he's calling you to help others heal. Don't wait to get equipped. This generation doesn't need more sympathy. They need spirit led, neuroscience informed solutions. They need you to rise. And now that you do know how to heal, what are you going to do with it? You have access to. The same power that raised. Jesus from the dead. That power lives in you. And that means your healing isn't just possible. It's inevitable when you apply the truth. And walk it out. So don't wait another day hoping things will get better on their own. Go to griefcoachu.com. Forward slash. Healing right now and get the healing the grieving brain guide. It's the foundation every grieving heart needs. It's written with clarity, compassion and truth. And the companion. Journal to track. Emotions, insights and growth day by day. And if you're ready to. Accelerate the process. Go all in and grab the self coaching frameworks. They will. Walk you step by step. Through the intentional. Process to rebuild from the inside out. It's important to repeat this. Process each. Time you get recurring thought. Errors to rewire. And make those joyful transforms. Stick. Because listen. Your story isn't finished. God's not done with you. And what the enemy tried. To use to destroy you. God is about to. Raise you up and make you dangerous. To the darkness. If you're walking through grief. This is. For you. If you're called to help others, walk through grief. This is for all the lives you will transform back to. Peace and joy. We're not waiting around the pool anymore. We're standing up. We're taking up our mat and we're walking. Thanks for listening today. If this spoke to your heart, share it with someone you love. And if you haven't already. Subscribe to the show so you. Don't miss what's coming next. Until then, keep healing. Keep rising. And remember, your pain is not the end of the story. It's just the beginning. Of the. Testimony. I'm Dr. Leelo Bush and I will. See you in the next episode. Before you go, I want to personally invite you to join in your private Facebook group, The Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe. This is where bold, spirit led coaches and aspiring coaches gather to grow, get, equip, and stay encouraged together. Inside, you'll sign exclusive tips, training, supportive community. And. The kind of kingdom minded conversations you just can't find anywhere else. If you're feeling called to coach or if you want to stay sharp in your calling, this is your place. Our group culture is each one. Bring one. So invite a friend to join you. The more the merrier. Just go to facebook.com, forward Slash group's forward slash courageous Christian coaching tribe. And there's no spaces in there. Facebook.com, forward Slash group's forward slash courageous Christian coaching tribe. Or just tap the link in the show notes. But don't wait, because the sooner you join, the sooner we can start pouring into you. And I will see you inside the tribe.

✨ Episode Summary

In this deeply personal and Spirit-led episode, Dr. Leelo Bush shares how a quiet moment of surrender led to a global movement—and how the same can happen for you. If you’ve ever hesitated because you didn’t feel “ready” to step into coaching, ministry, or healing work, this message will break chains. You’ll be reminded that God doesn’t need you to be perfect—He needs you to be willing. Through powerful scripture, bold truth, and a heartfelt challenge, you’ll discover why your story, your scars, and your “yes” might be the answer to someone else’s prayer.

 

 

📚 What You’ll Learn

• Why readiness is not required, but willingness is.

• How God uses your scars as proof of transformation.

• What to do when you feel unqualified or insecure.

• The truth behind spiritual formation through life experience.

• A scriptural foundation for why you are called right now.

• How to silence the enemy’s lies about timing and qualification.

 

 

💬 Quotable Moment

“You’ve survived what someone else is still drowning in.”

 

 

📖 Scriptures Mentioned

• 2 Corinthians 1:4 — “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.”

• Philippians 1:6 — “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”

 

 

🔗 Resources Mentioned

 

🔹 Healing the Grieving Brain – https://griefcoachu.com/healing

🔹 Apply for the Kingdom Impact Scholarship - https://griefcoachu.com  

🔹 Join our Facebook group:  https://facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe

 

🎙️ Full Episode Transcript

Christian Coaching School – Season 3, Episode 010 Hosted by Dr. Leelo Bush

 

 

It was spring of 1990, in Mount Washington, Kentucky, where I lived at that time. I was standing at the altar. No microphone, no audience. Just me and the Lord. And I said one simple, surrendered prayer: “God, use me in whatever humble way You want.” That was it. I didn’t feel spectacular. I didn’t feel qualified. But I meant every word.

And that moment, quiet as it was, marked the beginning of a worldwide movement I never could have imagined. Today, thousands have been trained. Countless lives have been changed. And it all began—not with a strategy, but with a willing heart.

So if you’re waiting for a magical moment where you feel ready… let me stop you right there. It’s not about feeling ready. It’s about being willing. You’re going to hear some truth today that might just break the chains you’ve been dragging around for a few years. Let’s get into it.

Welcome to the Christian Coaching School Podcast. I’m your host, Dr. Leelo Bush. I’m a master coach, author, curriculum creator, and the number one authority on Spirit-led Christian coaching. I’ve trained tens of thousands worldwide since 2003.

And if you are ready to uplevel your skills, find greater fulfillment, and employ the most powerful coaching available to mankind—let’s go.

Hey there friend, you are listening to the Christian Coaching School Podcast where we train heart-centered Christian coaches, counselors, and ministers to step into their calling with Holy Spirit power and Kingdom authority.

I’m your host, Dr. Leelo Bush, and whether you’re here for the first time or you’re one of our faithful regulars—welcome.

If you’re new, I want to personally invite you to subscribe so you never miss an episode. And if you’re a returning listener, I am so grateful for you. We’re building something beautiful here together, and your presence matters.

If anything today lights a fire in your spirit, please leave a review. That’s how we keep this message moving across the globe.

Now, before we dive in, I have to tell you about something powerful—especially if you’re navigating loss or walking with someone who is. My newest release, Healing the Grieving Brain, is a transformational guide that shows you how grief physically rewires your brain—and more importantly, how to rewire it for healing and peace.

Grief and loss will happen in all of our lives, but there is no need to suffer with heartache and pain needlessly.

And the companion journal that goes with it includes a daily emotion tracker—because true progress is measurable. This tool helps you stay accountable to your emotional healing.

I’ve also added a self-coaching framework separately, so that you can effectively stay on track and get back to the real you.

You can get them all right now at griefcoachyou.com/healing, and the link will also be in the show notes. Also, be sure to read the miraculous transformations of my students—those tools and skills are changing lives, and they are waiting for you at that link.

 

 

So let’s talk about one of the biggest lies that keeps powerful people small. And here it is:

“I don’t feel ready.” Sound familiar?

I’m still healing. I’m not trained enough. I don’t know what to say. I’m not a real counselor. I’m not a pastor. What if I mess it up?

Let me be blunt: Readiness is not the requirement. Willingness is.

God isn’t scanning the earth for the most polished person—He’s looking for someone who will say: “Yes, Lord. Send me.”

And if you’ve been feeling the pull to step forward into healing work, coaching, ministry, or just helping someone through their pain, then hear me:

You are more ready than you think.

And I’m going to prove it to you with some bold, Holy Spirit-backed truth that will silence the enemy’s lies:

You’ve survived what someone else is still drowning in.

Your pain. Your healing. Your battle scars. They’re not liabilities. They are proof that God has walked you through fire—and now He’s calling you to walk others through theirs.

“He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” —2 Corinthians 1:4

You don’t need to be a finished product. You just need to be one step ahead.

You’ve lived it. You’ve overcome. You’ve learned. That makes you a guide, not a guru. A vessel.

That stirring in your spirit? That’s the call. You’ve felt it—that holy whisper that says: There’s more for you.

That gentle tug when someone opens up and your heart says: “I want to help.”

That’s not your imagination. That’s the Holy Spirit speaking to your assignment.

God doesn’t dangle dreams like a carrot on a stick. He plants purpose in your spirit and waits for you to water it with obedience.

The call is already there. Now it’s your move.

You don’t have to fix people—Jesus does that. This is where the pressure breaks off. You’re not stepping into coaching or ministry to be a savior.

You’re not responsible for solving everything. But your job is to show up. Make space. Listen well. And invite Jesus to do what only He can do.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” —Philippians 1:6

He’ll carry your work too. Bring the willingness—He brings the power.

You already have more wisdom than you give yourself credit for.

You’ve walked with God. You’ve seen miracles. You’ve comforted friends. Studied the Word. Prayed for the hurting. You’ve watched the Holy Spirit work through you.

That’s not just life experience. That’s spiritual formation.

The enemy would love to convince you that unless you have a PhD, you’re not qualified. But God is not looking at your resume—He’s looking at your heart.

If you’ve been faithful in the hidden places, friend, you’re ready for the next place.

Someone is waiting for your obedience. This one gets me every time:

There’s someone out there today crying, struggling, praying, pleading for help. And guess what? You have exactly what they need. And they’ll never receive it… unless you say yes.

You don’t need more certifications to be effective. You don’t need 10,000 followers to be impactful.

You just need to show up.

Because your yes could change someone’s entire future. What if you are their answered prayer?

So I’m asking you right now—not if you feel ready—but:

Are you willing?

Willing to say, Yes, God. Send me. Yes, God. I’ll go. Yes, God. Use me—even if my voice shakes.

Because everything you’ve lived through—everything you’ve overcome—every little piece of wisdom God has poured into you…

It was all for something.

You’re not too late. You’re not too broken. You’re not unprepared. You are right on time.

Let this be your confirmation. Your divine push. Let this be your yes moment.

 

 

If today’s message stirred your heart, do one more thing:

Subscribe. Leave a review. And share this episode with someone else who’s been stuck in the lie of “not ready yet.”

And don’t forget—if you haven’t already, grab your copy of Healing the Grieving Brain and the companion journal with the Daily Emotion Tracker at griefcoachu.com/healing. Whether you’re healing or helping others heal, those tools are a lifeline.

You can also apply for the Kingdom Impact Scholarship and explore more resources at griefcoachu.com.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for showing up. And thank you for being part of this mission.

I’m Dr. Leelo Bush, and until next time—go out and shake the world with your yes.

 

 

Before you go, I want to personally invite you to join our private Facebook group: The Courageous Christian Coaching Tribe.

This is where bold, Spirit-led coaches and aspiring coaches gather to grow, get equipped, and stay encouraged together.

Inside you’ll find exclusive tips, training, a supportive community, and the kind of Kingdom-minded conversations you just can’t find anywhere else.

If you’re feeling called to coach—or if you want to stay sharp in your calling—this is your place.

Our group culture is “each one bring one,” so invite a friend to join you. The more, the merrier!

Just go to: facebook.com/groups/courageouschristiancoachingtribe Or just tap the link in the show notes.

Don’t wait—because the sooner you join, the sooner we can start pouring into you. And I’ll see you inside the tribe.