GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH BEING UNCOMFORTABLE: Trust Is The Gateway To Change

People often resist coaching because they associate feedback with criticism, which can be tough on their ego or self-esteem. It’s natural to want to protect ourselves from feeling inadequate, but in doing so, we can miss out on valuable growth opportunities. Some individuals believe their abilities are set in stone, so they feel threatened by new information or challenges. When you think you can’t improve, you’ll be less open to learning. Helping people see that growth is always possible can be a breakthrough.

Being unaware of one’s own blind spots makes it hard to accept that there’s room for improvement. Without realizing it, these individuals may think they don’t need guidance, when in reality, we all do. Coaching often requires honesty and openness. For some, this can be uncomfortable because it means exposing weaknesses or admitting they don’t have all the answers. Encouraging a safe, non-judgmental environment can help ease this fear.

Someone might have had bad experiences with coaching or mentorship in the past, leading them to be skeptical or defensive when approached. Building trust and demonstrating a genuine desire to help can turn this around. Confidence is great, but overconfidence can become a barrier. If someone believes they’ve already mastered everything, they may dismiss any advice or guidance as unnecessary. Humility often plays a key role in being coachable.

Change is uncomfortable, and growth requires change. Some resist coaching because they’re comfortable with the status quo, even if it isn’t serving them well. Inspiration comes when they can envision a better future that makes the discomfort of change worth it. If someone doesn’t fully trust the coach or process, they may shut down. Trust is the foundation of any effective coaching relationship, and building it takes time, consistency, and empathy.

Addressing these barriers with understanding can shift a person’s mindset from resistance to growth. Often, just knowing someone believes in their potential can spark the openness they need to truly embrace coaching.