Ever thought coaching wasn't for you? Think again.

"Coaching? That’s for people who are struggling."
"I don't need someone telling me what to do."
"That’s only for executives with massive salaries."

These are just a few of the common thoughts people have when they hear the word coaching. And maybe you've thought the same. But what if everything you assumed about coaching was... wrong?

What if coaching isn't just for "other people" but exactly the thing you've been looking for to get from where you are to where you want to be?

Who is this for?

For professionals, leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday individuals.

Why should you care?

Because once you see coaching for what it truly is, you might just realise it’s been the missing piece all along.

Once upon a time, everything was “fine”... but fine wasn’t enough.

You’re good at what you do. Your career, your relationships, your daily life — they all work. On paper, things are fine.

But.

You sense there’s more. More growth. More clarity. More fulfilment.
And yet, every time someone suggests coaching, you shrug it off. That’s not for me. I’m doing okay.

But then...

Work becomes overwhelming.
Decision-making feels murky.
You hit a plateau you can't seem to move past.
And the energy? Gone.

Therefore, you start wondering if maybe there is something to this coaching thing after all.

Why professionals across Europe are turning to coaching

The ability to pause and reflect is increasingly rare. Yet, research shows that reflection directly impacts performance. Moreover, as hybrid work reshapes our sense of boundaries and purpose, professionals are searching for more than just productivity hacks. They are seeking meaning, fulfilment, and sustainable growth. Coaching fills this gap - not by prescribing answers but by helping individuals unlock their own strategies for success.

Why you might be stuck

Imagine you're standing at the edge of a forest. On the other side is the life you really want — the next level of your career, deeper satisfaction, better balance. But between here and there lies uncertainty.

And yet, you stay put. Comfortable. Stagnant.

Until one day you realise: the discomfort of staying still has finally become greater than the fear of moving forward.

And that’s where coaching comes in - not to drag you through the forest, but to walk beside you as you find the path that’s been there all along.

But first, let’s bust the 16 biggest myths about coaching

It’s worth pausing here to examine why so many people dismiss coaching before they even try. These misconceptions don’t exist in a vacuum. They often stem from outdated paradigms of professional development - models where asking for support was mistaken for weakness, where work was meant to be navigated alone, and where personal development was considered a private endeavour rather than a shared journey.

In reality, the most successful professionals in the world - whether in business, sports, or the arts - seek out coaching not because they are inadequate, but because they are committed to continuous improvement. As Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, once put it, “The learn-it-all will always do better than the know-it-all.” Coaching accelerates that process of learning, reflection, and application.

You might still be holding onto some of these:

Coaching is only for people with problems.
Actually: It’s for people with potential. Like you.
Coaching is just like therapy.
Nope: Coaching focuses on action, progress, and future results.
It’s only for executives.
Wrong: Coaching benefits everyone - from startups to students.
It takes too much time.
False: Even short, focused sessions can create real change.
All coaches do the same thing.
Definitely not: Good coaching is tailored uniquely to you.
It’s only about work stuff.
Incorrect: Coaching can cover life, mindset, wellbeing, relationships, and more.
Results are instant.
Unlikely: True transformation takes time, but the journey is worth it.
I don’t need help.
Maybe... but: Even the best athletes have coaches.
Coaches have all the answers.
Not exactly: Coaches ask the right questions to help you find the answers.
It’s just about fixing weaknesses.
Wrong again: It's also about maximising your strengths.
It’s not relevant to my personal life.
Totally is: Coaching impacts every part of life, not just your job.
Coaches are bossy.
Nope: The best coaches listen more than they speak.
It’s a luxury.
In reality: There are options for every budget.
It’s a magic fix.
Sorry: It's a process. But it works.
Coaching is for people who are “broken.”
Definitely not: It’s for people ready to grow.
Training and coaching are the same.
Not even close: Training teaches. Coaching transforms.

BEFORE coaching vs.
AFTER Coaching
What changes?

What often surprises clients is how subtle shifts create outsized results. Small changes in mindset - like moving from reactive to proactive decision-making - can ripple through entire organisations. A senior manager who once hesitated in high-stakes meetings begins contributing bold, clear strategies. An entrepreneur overwhelmed by scaling their business gains the clarity to delegate effectively and innovate with confidence.

The real magic of coaching isn’t that it changes who you are. It reveals more of who you are at your best and empowers you to lead from that place more consistently. In a climate where burnout, ambiguity, and change are constants, this form of resilience becomes not just beneficial - but essential.

A story you might recognise

Consider Maria, a mid-level consultant based in Berlin. Her calendar was full, her inbox overflowing, and her performance reviews solid. Yet beneath the surface, Maria felt adrift. Her work felt transactional. Promotions seemed arbitrary. Her days blurred into each other.

She didn’t need therapy. She needed focus, strategy, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Enter coaching.

Together with her coach, Maria redefined what success looked like - not just to her employer but to herself. They identified her core values and mapped them against her career goals. They developed a strategic plan, one that balanced immediate wins with long-term growth. Within six months, Maria negotiated a new role that aligned with her strengths and passions. For the first time in years, she felt excited about Mondays.

Why now?

Leadership today isn’t just about delivering results. It’s about leading with authenticity, managing complexity, and fostering innovation. And these aren’t skills we’re born with. They’re developed through deliberate practice - and coaching is one of the most effective ways to build them.

Europe’s workplaces are evolving. Whether navigating post-pandemic transitions, cross-cultural teams, or the increasing integration of AI, professionals are realising that what worked before no longer suffices. Coaching is no longer a luxury; it’s a strategic advantage.

The question is no longer if coaching is right for you. The question is: Are you ready?

Book a free introductory session with a coach today and discover how coaching can transform your professional and personal life. Take the first step toward achieving the career and life you’ve always dreamed of.

Services by Christiana Mitcheva - van Waveren Hogervorst

Years of experience

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