The True Value of Working With a Coach

Starting out solo — whether in business, travel, or personal growth — can feel exciting, but also incredibly daunting.

When you're carrying the full weight of your hopes, fears, and ambitions on your own shoulders, it’s easy to feel stuck or unsure.

I know that feeling all too well.

Over the past six years, I’ve worked with three amazing coaches. Each one has helped me grow in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I first set out. Coaching has not just helped me build my business — it’s helped me build myself.

In this article, and episode 14 of The Solo Coach Podcast, I want to share five powerful ways that working with a coach has genuinely changed my life — and why it might just change yours too.

1. Being Listened To

In a world where conversations often feel rushed or half-hearted, coaching offers something rare: someone who listens to you intently, without judgment or distraction.

In those conversations, I had space to hear myself think out loud. My coaches didn’t jump in with advice or talk about themselves — they stayed fully present, helping me find clarity just by being there. It was powerful, validating, and often transformational.

Many times, I’d find my way to solutions simply by being and feeling listened to. Sometimes, my coach wouldn’t need to say a single word to facilitate my outcome. Other times, I’d talk myself out of steam, or lose my train of thought, and one or two words from my coach would help me get back on track.

When was the last time you felt truly listened to, heard, and understood? How did it make you feel?

2. Spotting How I Was Holding Myself Back

Without even realising it, I was often the biggest obstacle standing in my own way. Know the feeling? I know I sure do!

Working with a coach helped me spot self-limiting beliefs, mental blockers, and the subtle ways I was deliberately playing small — undercharging for my services, downplaying my skills, or talking myself out of opportunities.

Having these patterns gently reflected back to me was like turning on the lights in a dark room. Once I saw them, I could start making different, more empowered choices.

Think of one time you held yourself back, and how it made you feel? How did you notice it, and what did you do to change? How did you feel after?

3. Raising Awareness of My Subtle Habits

It wasn’t just what I said — it was how I said it.

I’ve often heard that the most confident person in the room can be spotted by their body language - the way they stand, how they move and how they breathe.

Through coaching, I became more aware of my body language, tone of voice, and verbal habits. I noticed when I slouched, apologised unnecessarily, or downplayed myself when talking about my work.

Small changes in how I carried and talked about myself led to big changes in how I felt — and then how others responded to me. Often much more positively, as I’ve found that people believe in you, as much as you believe in yourself!

What’s one small change you could make, today, to alter how you feel in your body?

4. Having Someone to Celebrate Wins With

When you're building something solo, even big wins can feel a bit... quiet.

Sure, friends and family are happy for you — but it’s not the same as sharing a win with someone who’s been in the trenches with you, who gets it.

With my coach, even small victories felt significant. Celebrating those moments gave me confidence, built momentum, and provided the energy to keep going — especially when the next challenge appeared. It also made me feel proud, gave me a sense of achievement and made it feel “okay” to celebrate my wins! After all, why wouldn’t we celebrate our own achievements, as we celebrate the success of our friends, family and beloved football teams?

What’s one win you’ve had recently, and how and who did you celebrate it with? Or didn’t you? How did it feel?

5. Speaking to Someone Who’s Been There (and Felt That)

There’s something incredibly comforting about opening up to someone who truly understands — because they’ve been through it themselves. My coaches didn’t just listen — they related. They knew what it felt like to doubt yourself, to stumble, to wonder if you’re on the right path.

They helped me navigate tough times without judgement — and reminded me that every rough patch was just a chapter, not the whole story, and that neither my successes nor perceived failures define me!

When and how did hearing “me too” bring you a sense of comfort, in knowing that it’s not only you that feels that way!

Final Thoughts

Working with a coach has been one of the best investments I’ve ever made — not just financially, but emotionally and mentally too.

It’s helped me move past fears and doubts, build real self-belief, and take bold action towards a life I genuinely love.

If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or simply ready for your next chapter, coaching could be the support you didn’t know you needed.

You don’t have to do it all alone. You’re far capable than you believe you are — and sometimes, you just need someone to remind you of that fact.

So, What Now?

If any of these five areas resonate with you, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s explore how coaching can add real value to your life, too. Your success could be one conversation away…

Get in touch now for a 1:1 Clarity Call. No obligation to sign up, no pressure, no BS. Just a quality conversation to work out where you are, where you want to get to, and how we could work together to get you there.

— David
The Solo Coach