Embarking on your coaching journey is exciting—but also a little intimidating. Many new coaches fall into similar traps that can stall their progress or limit their impact. Let’s break down five common mistakes so you can avoid them from day one:

1. Delaying Client Work After NLP Practitioner Training

Have you ever told yourself any of these?

• “I’m not ready to coach yet.”
  
  
• “Maybe I should wait another 2–3 months.”
  
  
• “I’ll only take clients after completing my Master Practitioner.”
  
  
• “Once I’ve attended a few more NLP trainings, I’ll finally feel confident to start.”
  
  

If yes, you’re not alone—but these are all limiting beliefs. The truth is: if you never start, you’ll never get there.

What’s the worst that can happen if you begin coaching right after your NLP training?

Maybe the session doesn’t go perfectly. Maybe the client doesn’t come back. That’s okay—you’ll learn from it. Every experience will teach you something and make you better.

Remember: There is no failure—only feedback.

2. Refusing to Offer Free Sample Sessions

Some new coaches insist on charging high fees right from the start, hoping to position themselves as premium professionals. But in the beginning, offering free sample sessions is one of the best strategies to launch your coaching practice.

• These sessions (20–45 minutes long) give potential clients a chance to experience your coaching style.
  
  
• They help you gain practical experience, boost your confidence, and spread the word about your services.
  
  
• Many free session clients turn into paying clients—and some even bring in referrals.
  
  

Don’t underestimate the power of giving value before asking for payment.

3. Being Too Selective About Clients in the Beginning

Yes, you should avoid working with individuals who need clinical or medical intervention. But early on, don’t be overly picky about who you coach.

The more diverse your client base, the faster you’ll grow in skill and confidence.

Push yourself beyond your comfort zone. This is how you’ll become a truly impactful coach.

And over time? You’ll be in high demand, with the freedom to work only with your ideal clients—and yes, raise your coaching fees too.

4. Ignoring Your Own Limiting Beliefs and Personal Development

One major reason coaches struggle to grow is that they don’t continue working on themselves.

Coaching doesn’t make you immune to challenges. In fact, the best coaches are the ones who regularly seek personal coaching, reflection, and growth.

If something isn’t working in your life or business, treat it as an invitation to level up your mindset, beliefs, and actions.

Personal evolution fuels professional success.

5. Giving Advice Instead of Coaching

Let’s be clear: You are a certified coach—not a neighborhood advice-giver.

• Avoid giving direct advice to clients.
  
  
• Your job is to facilitate their growth, not dictate it.
  
  
• Use powerful questions to guide them toward their own insights and solutions, grounded in their unique worldview.
  
  

Real coaching empowers clients to find clarity within themselves—not follow your opinion.

If you’ve made any of these mistakes—it’s okay. Most coaches have. What matters now is that you adjust, grow, and keep moving forward.