Transitioning: Taking the Leap of Faith

The decision to become a full time professional coach is what shamans would call a "bid for power" -- making your vital essence manifest in the world. It's no small thing.

Reading the Signs
I know you've felt the pain and glory of walking on and wavering off the path of entrepreneurial coaching. Starting with a lot of passion and maybe even a sense of calling, you dive into it, learning skills and setting up your business. The closer you get to the moment of transitioning full time into your business, the more you feel pushed out of your comfort zone. There is nothing for it but to forge ahead.

All bids for power come with an assortment of encouraging and not so encouraging signs:

1. Synchronistic events -- allies, breakthroughs and quick successes that seem to confirm you're on the right path.

2. Challenges -- the discomfort of the unknown, trials of patience and steep learning curves.

3. Petty tyrants -- individuals or groups that cast aspersions on your visions and goals.

4. Tests -- competing opportunities or set backs that test your resolve.

5. Sacrifices -- things you have clung to that now you must let go of in order to succeed. This is the price for the new power you will gain in doing the work you are called to.

Putting Both Feet on the Path
I've seen it so many times with my clients and students and know it for myself: the point of fully transitioning is the hardest step. It requires sacrificing other work that brings you income, obligations you're used to: the safe things. Before this point you've kept one foot on the path of your new life, hopping along in baby steps. And yet you know in your heart that to make real progress requires that both feet be firmly on the path.

Embracing the Inevitable
Often, out of fear, we'll put off the inevitable transition, until the dynamic tension between the unaligned old life and the more appealing new life creates tremendous pain and pressure. I witness many coaches opting for joyless choices just to avoid taking the risk of transition.

It takes great courage and commitment to believe in yourself enough to take that leap of faith. In the end, we'll remember those leaps as the most meaningful and rewarding decisions of our lives. The path with heart is risky and that's what makes it the path with heart.

I wish you many blessings and great courage as you transition into full time coaching!