Done is better than perfect: Why perfection is stalling your coaching business

Stop faffing and start doing. And I mean that in the nicest possible way!

I understand it’s easier said than done, especially when juggling a million different things at home, your business and even your 9-5. But what about your ambition for your business? If you keep putting things off, what’s going to change? If you’re a self-employed coach—or aspiring to be one—this might be the wake-up call you need.

Many new coaches I speak with feel they need to have everything perfectly in place before they can launch or take that next step. ‘I need to have (insert thing they think they need) before I can start’…But the truth is, that striving for perfection can become the biggest form of procrastination.

Are the tasks you’re getting hung up on really going to move your business forward? Are you choosing the easy, less important ones as a way of putting off the big, meaningful actions? Are you setting yourself impossibly high standards to reach before you go all in?

Maybe the thing that’s stopping you from shifting this side hustle to a thriving coaching practice you love is actually YOU.

Let’s debunk five common excuses I hear from new coaches and tell you why you need to start taking imperfect action NOW:

?1. I need a website and perfect branding first

Truth: You don’t need a website or flawless branding to start your coaching business – trust me, I procrastinated a lot over this one myself at the start (check out episode 1 of my podcast 'For The Love of Coaching' for more on my mistakes!).

Sure, they’re both important in the long run, but not having them shouldn’t hold you back from starting. It’s a big distraction if you’re pouring hours and hours into creating a 7-page website on Squarespace by yourself when you could be using that time on something that will have a bigger impact on finding clients. The reality is that your first few clients will likely come to you through word of mouth, not your website. Those first 6 months to a year in business are huge in terms of growth as you get more clarity and confidence in what you do so any website or branding done now will quickly go out of date and need refreshing again anyway.

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2. I’m not ready for networking

Truth: Networking can feel intimidating, especially if you think your pitch isn’t ready but remember, we all have to start somewhere. Networking is a fantastic opportunity to start conversations, test your ideas, refine your pitch, and learn from others (and build confidence as you go!). Plus, it’s not always about networking to find clients. Networking is great for making connections and friendships with other coaches who know exactly what you’re going through – you can support each other along your journeys. On those days when it feels like an uphill battle, you’ll be thankful you’ve got a group of supportive coaches by your side to keep you going.

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3. I only have a few hours here and there over the summer, so I won’t bother

Truth: This is a reality for many (like me!), especially during busy periods like the summer holidays. But those few hours can add up if used wisely. Instead of writing off those small windows of time, think about how you can use them to make progress. Whether it’s focusing on tasks that make you more visible, working on those foundations like defining your ideal client (check out my workbook if you’re stuck on this) or developing your offers, even an hour a day can move you much further forward by September than doing nothing at all.

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4. I need help but can’t justify the costs

Truth: This is a classic Catch-22 situation: you need money to invest in your business, but you need clients to make money. If you wait until you get your first 5 clients before investing, you probably won’t need the help by then! The logic doesn’t stack up! Of course, you need to have available funds first but changing your mindset around these from personal costs to business investments, will make a big difference. And remember, you can offset these against earnings, creating a taxable saving at the end of the year. The goal is to make back your investment quickly and start bringing clients in!

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5. I need to practice more before taking on real clients

Truth: You can always get more practice but at some point, you just have to take the plunge! Everyone has a first client, and everyone looks back and thinks, ‘I could have done X better.’ But that’s how you learn and grow. You can’t judge yourself against someone who’s been doing this for five years. Start with what you know now and do your best. The experience you gain from working with clients is invaluable, and waiting for the day when you feel perfectly ready will only delay your progress.

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Ask yourself honestly if any of the reasons you’re giving yourself for not starting are really true, or whether you're falling into the trap of your limiting beliefs.

Stop waiting for the perfect moment because it doesn’t exist. As cheesy as it is, the best time to start is now. If any of these resonate with you and you’re ready to go all in on your coaching or consulting business, let’s talk.

My group programme Evolve Together starts next month, and I’d love for you to join us. Book a call today, and we can banish that procrastination together.