# **I Collaborate with Coaches and Others Who Possess Extensive Knowledge**

Coaching is an endeavor fueled by expertise, enthusiasm, and a genuine intent to assist others. However, for numerous coaches—particularly those who are *well-informed*—this very enthusiasm can result in prevalent missteps that obstruct their achievements.

Kate Solovieva, a former psychology educator, PN Master Coach, and PN’s Director of Community Engagement, has dedicated years to coaching both clients and fellow coaches. Through her involvement with the [PN Level 2 Master Health Coaching Certification](https://www.precisionnutrition.com/nutrition-certification-level-2-presale-list) and her private coaching enterprise, she has pinpointed significant challenges that many coaches encounter.

In this piece, Coach Kate discusses three typical pitfalls made by coaches who are knowledgeable, passionate, and eager to assist others—but who occasionally find themselves trapped in their own expertise.

If you’re a coach aiming to expand your business, serve your clients effectively, and prevent burnout, keep reading.

## **Coaching Mistake #1: Prioritizing Coaching Over Selling**

Numerous coaches venture into the field because of their passion for helping others. They can become preoccupied with education, honing their skills, and acquiring numerous certifications. While ongoing learning is essential, Kate cautions that far too many coaches overlook the business aspect of coaching.

She likens a coaching business to a **three-legged stool**, comprising:

– **Coaching abilities** (your capacity to lead individuals towards healthier habits)
– **Sales and marketing** (drawing in and converting clients)
– **Administration** (overseeing appointments, payments, and business management)

Most novice coaches emphasize the coaching leg—but lacking the ability to market their services, they find it challenging to attract clients and utilize their hard-won skills.

### **Solution: Sell First, Acquire Knowledge Along the Way**

Rather than waiting until you’ve obtained “sufficient” credentials, start promoting your services as soon as you can.

**Why?** Because hands-on coaching experience will impart far more than any certification could. Coaches who actively engage with real clients and adapt their methods over time will ultimately become **more effective coaches** than those who spend years training before working with their first client.

Kate also suggests seeing yourself as a **coach**, not as an **expert**. Coaches don’t need to possess exhaustive knowledge of every nutrition and fitness topic. Instead, they should excel at listening and problem-solving.

**Example:**
If a client poses a technical inquiry (e.g., “Are seed oils unhealthy?”), don’t feel obligated to instantly provide a scientific explanation. Instead, **ask why they’re interested**. Their response often opens the door to a more meaningful conversation about their underlying concerns and goals, enabling you to offer more pertinent and actionable advice.

👉 **Takeaway:** Begin coaching and selling immediately. You’ll enhance your knowledge through practical experience, and you don’t need to have *every* answer to make a significant difference.

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## **Coaching Mistake #2: Assuming Your Clients Share Your Perspective**

It’s common to presume that what works for **you** will be effective for **everyone**. Many coaches enter the field because they have successfully transformed their own health and wish to assist others in doing the same.

Nevertheless, your clients may not always align with your mindset, priorities, or lifestyle.

For instance:

– **You** might find tracking macros easy, but your client may feel overwhelmed by it.
– **You** might work out five times a week, whereas your client may struggle to find time for even one session.
– **You** might prioritize long-term health outcomes, while your client could be more focused on fitting into a wedding dress in three months.

This gap can result in miscommunication and disappointment—for both clients who feel unappreciated, and for coaches who believe their clients aren’t exerting enough effort.

### **Solution: Recognize Your Clients’ Individual Needs**

Instead of presuming **what’s ideal for the client**, inquire further to grasp their reality.

Some useful questions include:

– “What motivated you to seek coaching?”
– “Why does this goal hold significance for you?”
– “What obstacles have you faced in the past?”
– “What are you realistically prepared and able to change now?”

Every client has unique values, preferences, and constraints. Your role as a coach is **not** to enforce your own methods, but to discover and implement strategies that will be effective for them.

👉 **Takeaway:** Reassess your assumptions. Your clients may not think, behave, or prioritize the same way you do. Cultivate curiosity about *their* viewpoints, and tailor your coaching approach accordingly.

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## **Coaching Mistake #3: Becoming Too Emotionally Involved in Client Outcomes**

Coaches are deeply invested in their clients’ progress. It’s the reason they