Do you feel like you need one more certification, one more training, or one more piece of paper before you can start coaching? It’s easy to fall into that trap—the belief that with just a little more preparation, you’ll finally feel ready. But let me bust this myth wide open: certifications are helpful, but they are not what make you a coach. They are not the ultimate measure of your ability or readiness.
The truth is: certifications can provide valuable structure, tools, and accountability. If you’re working for a company that requires a specific certification to hire you, great—get the certification that opens that door. But if you’re working for yourself or launching your own coaching practice, certifications are not a prerequisite for success. They don’t prove that you’ve mastered coaching or that you’re ready to coach anyone. In fact, many certifications don’t even require hands-on practice before handing you a piece of paper.
So, what really makes you a coach? It’s your passion and calling, your life experience, your willingness to practice, and the results you help create for your clients. Certifications can complement your growth, but they’re not the thing that will make you an effective, impactful coach.
The Trap of “Just One More Certification”
This myth is sneaky because it feels productive. You tell yourself, "I’m not ready yet. If I get one more certification, then I’ll feel qualified to coach." But that mindset often leads to an endless cycle of analysis paralysis, perfectionism, and procrastination. Even with 10 certifications under your belt, you can still feel unprepared if you’re not managing your mindset. Waiting for “one more” can become a form of buffering—avoiding the real work of putting yourself out there and coaching.
Here’s the thing: you’re not a coach if you’re not actually coaching anyone. Chasing certifications without real-life application just makes you a lifelong learner. And while learning is great, coaching is about doing. No amount of training can replace the growth and confidence you gain by working with real people, navigating their challenges, and seeing the results of your guidance.
Why Real-Life Experience Matters More Than Paper Credentials
When clients look for a coach, they’re not searching for someone with a perfect résumé or a stack of credentials. They want someone who can:
Hold space for them to explore their challenges.
Listen deeply to their fears and goals.
Ask powerful questions that unlock insights.
Guide them toward meaningful transformation.
These skills come from practice, not certificates. Real-life coaching experience—sitting across from a client, asking questions, and helping them move forward—is far more valuable than any credential on your wall. It’s in the trenches of coaching that you refine your abilities, grow your confidence, and develop the intuition that makes you a great coach.
The Certification Complement, Not the Certification Crutch
Certifications can be valuable when used correctly. They can give you tools, frameworks, and credibility, especially if you’re pursuing a niche or specialized area of coaching. They can also connect you with a supportive network or mentors. But certifications should serve you—not the other way around. Don’t let them hold you hostage or keep you stuck in “I’m not ready yet” mode.
Start Where You Are
If you’re waiting for another certification before you start coaching, it’s time to pause and ask yourself: Is this certification really necessary, or is it a distraction? What skills or tools do I already have that I can start using now?
The truth is, you already have something to offer. Your life experience, your unique perspective, and your story are what make you the right coach for the right people. The best way to grow as a coach is to start coaching. Here’s how you can take action today:
Offer a free coaching session to someone you know—your neighbor, a friend, or a colleague.
Focus on listening and asking open-ended questions, like “What’s your biggest challenge right now?” or “What does success look like for you?”
Ask for feedback after the session. What worked? What felt impactful? What could you improve?
This practice will build your confidence and refine your skills in ways no certification ever could.
The World Needs You, Not Your Perfection
The world doesn’t need you to be perfect or to have every certification. It needs you to show up, to care deeply, and to create space for transformation. Your clients will care far more about the results you help them achieve than the letters after your name. So, stop waiting. Put on your coach hat, take imperfect action, and start making a difference.
You are ready now. Your next step isn’t another course or certificate—it’s showing up for someone and doing the work. Even a 20-minute coaching conversation can change a life and remind you why you were called to coach in the first place. Trust yourself, lean into your gifts, and let the growth happen as you go. The transformation you help create is what will make you a coach—not the paper on your wall.
Reader Challenge:
Coach one person this week, even if it’s for free, even if it's just for 20 minutes. Focus on listening, asking questions, and getting feedback. You’ll learn far more from this than another certification course.