Why I Realized I Still Need a Coach Even as an Adult

As children, we often start our journeys in life surrounded by coaches—dedicated individuals who guide us through the world of sports and academics. They help us develop skills, build confidence, and face challenges. However, as we become adults, there is a belief that we should tackle our careers and personal growth alone. This mindset can be limiting. Over the years in my career, I recognized the true value of having a coach in adulthood.

The Childhood Experience with Coaches

Growing up, the hours spent practicing on the soccer field or basketball court often featured a coach by our side. They provided not only technical knowledge but also instilled discipline, perseverance, and teamwork. Their encouragement resonated with us during pivotal moments—when we feared failure or doubted our abilities. This support shaped who we are today.

For instance, during my high school years, I recall a physical trainer who played a crucial role in preparing me for pageants (what females did in the south), emphasizing the importance of not only physical fitness but also the art of presentation; each session was designed to enhance my poise and confidence, incorporating exercises that focused on posture, grace, and overall body awareness, while we practiced walking with purpose and performing poses that highlighted my strengths, all while receiving constructive feedback that helped me improve.

In addition to physical training, I had the opportunity to meet with a newscaster to prepare for on-stage interviews, an invaluable experience where the newscaster shared tips on effective communication and how to engage an audience, allowing us to practice answering questions on the spot and honing my ability to articulate my thoughts clearly and confidently; this preparation not only enhanced my interview skills but also instilled a sense of calm and assurance when facing the judges and audience during the pageant. Through this unique combination of training with a physical trainer and preparing with a newscaster, I gained more than just skills for pageantry; I learned the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and the ability to present myself with confidence, lessons that have stayed with me and shaped my approach to challenges and opportunities in both my personal and professional life.

Transitioning into Adulthood

After entering adulthood, the idea of having a coach slipped from my mind. I took a corporate job, convinced that I could achieve happiness and success on my own. I felt I should be self-sufficient, believing that my years of learning from coaches had prepared me to tackle life’s challenges alone.

However, reality proved that adulting was far more complex. With responsibilities, bills, and high expectations, I soon realized I lacked direction for navigating career decisions. My self-sufficient facade began to crumble, and stubbornness kept me from seeking the help I truly needed.

Understanding the Value of Coaching

One day, I had an epiphany: seeking guidance is not a sign of weakness. It’s an acknowledgment that growth is a continuous journey. Coaching is invaluable for anyone looking to advance personally or professionally.

The role of a coach goes beyond providing answers. They ask insightful questions, prompting us to find solutions ourselves. They guide us to explore our aspirations, identify strengths, and confront our fears. A coach reminds us that even the most successful people rely on support to navigate their journeys.

Removing Fear and Doubt: Making Progress

Coaches help us dismantle fear and doubt. They provide accountability, pushing us to take action instead of just dreaming. This is especially significant as adults, who often grapple with self-doubt, believing we cannot achieve our goals.

Through coaching, we can redefine our objectives and create a clear path toward achieving them. I recall working with my coach to evaluate my goals meticulously. Together, we outlined three major objectives: improving my public speaking skills, networking effectively, and balancing work-life commitments. With accountability, each goal felt achievable.

Choosing the Right Coach

If you are considering working with a coach, it’s crucial to find someone whose vision aligns with your values. The right coach should inspire you, making you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and aspirations.

Coaching styles vary; some focus on career paths, while others may target personal growth. Assess what you need help with and choose a coach who aligns with those specific goals. For example, if you want to improve your leadership skills, seek a coach who specializes in that area and has demonstrated success in transforming individuals into effective leaders.

My Coaching Journey

After acknowledging my need for a coach, I found a fantastic mentor who encouraged me to visualize my aspirations. With their guidance, I developed actionable steps, removing the barriers I had built in my mind.

Our sessions included in-depth discussions that challenged me to reconsider my path and envision a fulfilling future. We set realistic yet ambitious goals, which kept me motivated and focused.

For example, I aspired to grow from a Manager to a Area Chief Resource Officer, leading a large team within the healthcare industry. Through coaching, I was challenged to gain a deeper understanding of my strengths and areas for growth, improve how I engaged with others, practice humility, and inspire others to join me on the journey.

Celebrating Progress

As I progressed through my coaching journey, I began to notice significant changes in my personal and professional life. I became more decisive and took on projects that once seemed overwhelming. I learned to balance my ambition with personal well-being.

Progress is often not linear, but coaching has taught me to celebrate small victories. For example, completing a challenging project at work felt gratifying and represented my growth. Recognizing these minor achievements reinforced my efforts to keep moving forward.

Embracing Support for Growth

In a world that often celebrates independence, seeking support through coaching is a powerful choice. Adulthood doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Instead, it can be enriched through collaboration and guidance.

We each have the potential to make significant changes in our lives. A coach can turn that potential into reality. If you feel uncertain about your next steps—either in your career or personal life—think about reaching out to a coach. Remember, even elite athletes benefit from coaching—why not give yourself that same advantage?

Does this relate to you?

If any part of my story resonates with you, I invite you to consider how coaching could support your own growth. At Endless Evolution Consulting, LLC, I help individuals take a holistic look at what they truly want out of life—not just at work, but as a whole person. Whether you’re an employee navigating corporate life, a self-employed professional, or running your own business, I believe you don’t have to sacrifice your personal identity to achieve excellence. In fact, your greatest impact often comes when you’re most aligned with your authentic self.

My approach to coaching is rooted in faith, empathy, strategy, and the belief that our personal and professional lives are deeply interconnected. I will forever be grateful to the mentors and coaches who challenged and inspired me—and now I find great joy in walking alongside others, helping them uncover clarity and watching their journeys unfold.

We only have one life to live. Let’s not go through it in fear—or alone.

Find a coach that truly meets your needs. And if you think my approach might be a good fit, I’d love to connect. You can reach me at

charitybalee@endlessevolutionconsulting.com or visit endlessevolutionconsulting.com to learn more.