When the Coach Becomes the Client: a Late-Night Battle With Procrastination
I’m sitting at my desk in dim light. The clock inches past midnight, and all I want is to close my laptop and curl up on the couch or just go to bed entirely. I promised myself I’d have a new blog post ready by Tuesday morning. But here I am, doom-scrolling instead. Letting notifications, random headlines, and internal chatter distract me from what I came to do.
I can see every thought passing through:
“Just five more minutes of scrolling won’t hurt.”
“I feel tired. I deserve a break.”
“What if it’s not good enough?”
“I’ll start later when I feel more inspired.”
Right now, I really want to give in. But I also made a commitment. A promise to my readers, my business, and my own sense of integrity. So I decide to do the absolute minimum required to hit publish. I sketch out a simple outline, write a few paragraphs, adjust the headline, and call it done.
Not because it’s perfect. Because it’s done.
Coaches aren’t immune. We just have better tools.
If you’re a blogger, you might be thinking, “But you teach this stuff. Shouldn’t you be beyond this?” The truth is, no one is above the work. We all have our own growing edges. The difference is that this time, I didn’t make myself wrong for it. I didn’t spiral into judgment or shame.
Instead, I got curious.
What’s behind this old behavior? I didn’t come up with a neat answer. Sure, I was tired. But honestly, this was the only task I’d assigned for the day. The rest of the day had been spacious. A day to play with thought work and transformation. And when there’s only one thing on the schedule, resistance loves to sneak in.
Here’s what I do know:
I’m still writing the article.
I’m holding myself in 100% integrity with what I said I’d do.
I’m not making this mean there’s something wrong with me.
I’m using this as an opportunity to explore.
I’m building resilience by moving forward even when it’s uncomfortable.
I’m getting quiet reminders from my future self. She’s grateful I stayed the course.
I’m also remembering this won’t be my best work — and that’s okay.
This blog post is proof that a coach’s life doesn’t need to look perfect to be powerful. We experience resistance too. We just know how to navigate it. Many of the tools I’ve used tonight are the same ones I share in this blog — not because I’ve mastered them, but because I use them regularly.
My vulnerability and openness here are meant to serve you.
What to do when resistance shows up
Notice the judgment and get curious instead
The critical voice might say, “You should have done this earlier.” Rather than buying into it, ask: “What’s really going on here?” Even if you don’t have an answer, the question itself creates space.Lower the bar to meet reality
You don’t have to deliver your best work. What’s the smallest amount of action that still honors your commitment?Shift from shame to data
Resistance isn’t a moral failure. It’s information. Let it teach you something without turning it into a story about your worth.Honor your integrity over your ego
Showing up and doing what you said you’d do, even imperfectly, builds a much deeper level of self-trust than chasing approval.Practice resilience as a skill, not a mood
The more you pick yourself back up, the stronger your inner core becomes. Every time you move forward through resistance, you’re creating the foundation for future growth.
You're not the only one
You are not the only one who has moments like this. There’s a part of you that wants ease, comfort, and escape. That part isn’t bad or broken. It’s human. But there’s another part of you too — the part that is wise, disciplined, and vision-driven.
That’s the part we want to lead with.
Tonight, for me, it wasn’t about writing the perfect post. It was about proving to myself that I show up when I say I will. That I can stumble and still finish strong. That I can pause in the discomfort and choose to stay in motion.
And the same is true for you.
Want help applying this to your blog or coaching?
Final thoughts: messy action is still powerful
If you’re reading this, I want you to know this article was written from the very place I’m describing. In the middle of the resistance. On the edge of self-sabotage. But I chose to keep going.
This isn’t about perfection. It’s about integrity.
And if there’s a takeaway here, it’s this:
Notice where you're resisting.
Pause the judgment.
Choose the smallest next step forward.
Celebrate your decision to act anyway.
These moments build character. They build momentum. They build your business, your reputation, and your ability to serve.
If you’re ready to stop sabotaging and start showing up with consistency and clarity,
let’s build your personalized recipe for success together.
Click HERE to reserve your complimentary time on my calendar.
FAQ
Q: Why do I procrastinate even when I know better?
A: Knowing isn’t always the problem. Execution takes practice, awareness, and tools. Even experienced coaches fall into old habits — the key is how quickly you shift.
Q: Can I still publish even if I feel uninspired?
A: Yes. Consistency builds credibility. Your readers appreciate your honesty and presence more than perfection.
Q: How do I stop sabotaging my own progress?
A: Begin by watching your thoughts, catching the patterns, and choosing small, manageable actions. Over time, you’ll build momentum and self-trust.
