Coaching really comes down to one thing: being fully present with your client. A lot of coaches try to get better by adding more—more tools, more questions, more notes. But honestly? Some of the biggest breakthroughs happen when you start letting things go.
Here are three shifts that have made my coaching better over the years:
1. Embrace Not Knowing
One of the quickest ways to deepen your coaching is to drop the pressure to “have it together.” When you stop trying to sound polished, your curiosity opens up. You start asking the questions you didn’t plan—and those are usually the ones that land.
Your clients don’t need you to know the answer.
They just need you with them while they find it.
Trust the process. Trust the client.
Not knowing is actually a gift in coaching.
2. Let Go of Perfectionism
Perfectionism sneaks into coaching more than we admit. Trying to “do it right” tightens the whole session. When you stop aiming for perfect, things slow down. Your presence steadies. Your client relaxes. The conversation gets real.
Coaching mastery isn’t about perfect technique.
It’s about creating a safe, honest space for the client to explore.
Perfection is pressure.
Presence is freedom.
3. Stop Taking So Many Notes
When I started coaching, I took a lot of notes—pages of them. It felt like I had to capture everything. Looking back, it was just a crutch. And honestly, it kept me in my head instead of with the client.
These days, I take very few notes.
Usually just the coaching agreement https://freedomlifejourney.com/no-agreement-no-coaching/and maybe a phrase or two that really matters.
Less writing means more presence.
And more presence always leads to better coaching.
Try taking fewer notes and see what shifts.
The Bottom Line
Great coaching isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being present. When you stop trying so hard and simply stay with your client, you create the kind of space where real transformation happens.
Which one of these shifts do you want to try this week?
If you want to go deeper in your coaching presence, I’d love to talk.