The snow fell, the sun came out, and Brian declared, “Let’s skin up Mad River Glen!” Before the lifts start spinning each season, locals hike up the mountain on skis to enjoy the fresh snow. It’s a ritual I join reluctantly every year.
While Brian is energized, I’m full of doubts. Why do I love this sport? Will I make it to the top? What if I forget how to ski down? Soon, the steady rhythm of putting one foot in front of the other (cue Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town) quiets my mind, and I fall into a groove.
Halfway up, I stop for water and announce that this might be “my summit.” Brian laughs and assures me I’ve got this. A pep talk later, I’m climbing again. A few more breaks, and a few more declarations that I’m done, and I finally reach the top.
There, the reward hits. I peel off my skins, buckle my helmet, and the adrenaline of the first run of the season washes over me. I smile the whole way down. What changed? I pushed through my self-limiting beliefs, and the payoff was joy.
Transitions are like that. Uncertainty urges us to hide, yet achieving our goals requires moving forward anyway. Running a business is no different. Coaching provides a safe place to wrestle with decisions, navigate change, and keep going when the path feels steep. And the return on investment is real as on average, 5.7 times what you pay.
Three insights stood out that day:
1. Faster isn’t always better. Charging up the mountain didn’t work. Pacing myself did. In business, slowing down to think strategically is often the smartest move. Coaching helps you clarify your options and choose sustainable growth.
2. It’s okay to rest. Every stop helped me reset and refuel. Too often, professionals confuse busyness with productivity. A coach encourages intentional pauses so you can stay focused and creative.
3. The summit is worth the grind. Standing at the top, looking at the fresh snow, I felt proud. I didn’t let fear steal the joy waiting for me. My clients often come to me feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Coaching helps them push past internal barriers and handle the external ones with more confidence. Celebrating their breakthroughs is the best part of what I do.
As a seasoned coach, I help women financial advisors, coaches, and consultants uplevel their businesses—whether it’s pricing, negotiation skills, or building the confidence to keep moving forward, step by step. Just don’t ask me to cheer you on while skinning up a mountain after the first snowfall!
To learn more about my private and group coaching programs, click here to schedule a free consultation.