I’ve had you switch from the mindset of a mentee to a mentor, but now it’s time to take that even further. Why am I hitting on this twice? It’s because your mindset is one of the most important things you have. If you don’t believe you can be successful, if you don’t believe you’re a true leader, you won’t be.

There are certain beliefs that set very successful people apart from those who aren’t as successful. This is true for business in general and it’s true for the coaching business. You can’t believe you’re a fraud or that you have nothing to offer. You can’t believe that your coaching isn’t as worthwhile as the next guy or gal. It’s not about bragging or putting yourself above anyone else— it’s about knowing you can deliver on your promises and knowing that you can really help people.

This Will Be Challenging Sometimes

There will be times where you’re really challenged by this business. There will be a personality or a situation where you’re really not sure you mesh well. Not everything in the coaching business is rosy. Sure, sometimes you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world because everything will fall perfectly into place. But other times, you’ll be really tested. You have to trust in yourself and know that you have the skills to adapt and adjust. You’ll get better at this over time. The things you’ve gone through and the experience you have makes you ready for anything that happens.

Take a Step Back Sometimes

You can’t let yourself get overwhelmed. When you do, that’s the signal that it’s time to step back. You won’t have all the answers, instantly. But you are going to be flexible enough as a coach to admit that you’d like to try this, or that, or that you’re going to research or investigate something further.

Be Truthful About Your Path

Part of being a successful coach is admitting that you don’t have all the answers. By the same token, you can’t pretend your success and knowledge fell from the sky. A successful leader makes it clear to his coaching students that he or she has worked hard for success. Some “coaches” make it seem like luck and some coaches are too boastful and make it seem like they have all the answers. You don’t want to be either of those. Be truthful about your path— it will help.

Know That There Is Something Really Special about You

There’s a reason your coaching students are going to choose you over another coach. Maybe it’s that you have similar backgrounds or similar styles. Maybe it’s that there’s something about you they inherently trust. Maybe their friend can’t stop raving about you. Whatever it is, it might secretly shock you. If it does shock you, it might signal some self-esteem issues you might need to get over.

Actually, some of the most seemingly self-assured people in the world are actually really insecure, so you’re not alone. Still, work on it. Work on having confidence so strong others can sense it. This will help your business and it will help those you coach. You know your stuff and you know how to help the people you work with. No, you’re not guru #1— you’re you. And that’s exactly why people are going to hire you and not guru #1.

Be Able to Admit Your Weaknesses

As much as you should be able to talk yourself up to others and in your own mind, you should also be able to admit your own weaknesses. Your coaching students are very vulnerable when they come to you. It’s okay to admit you don’t have all the answers. It’s refreshing, actually. Being able to admit you don’t know it all leaves the door open for you to explore and learn more. It makes you more human and more approachable. It makes you much more trustworthy because no one on this planet knows it all.