When Life Happens
How Coaches Can Manage and Care for Themselves
The GCC exists to promote quality and ethical coaching practices, build meaningful connections with peers, and provide inclusive support for coaches across the world. We offer resources, activities, conversations, and collaboration needed for coaches to thrive.
It was a few months before my daughter’s wedding and the day started just fine. I felt good and it seemed all was well. Then like a storm rolling in, I was suddenly overcome with weakness and heavy flu-like symptoms. It was so fast, and so severe, I knew something was very wrong. My normal day had suddenly transitioned into a medical crisis.
After a trip to the doctor’s office, then the Emergency Room, I was admitted and scheduled for surgery. I knew this was the beginning of something that was going to disrupt my norm and impact everything I had planned for the coming weeks, maybe even months. Three surgeries later, and after 8 weeks of wound care management for a failed incision, life began to right itself.
Everything had been put on “hold” so I could handle what I needed to do to heal. I communicated openly with my clients, letting them know about my situation and setting clear expectations for a temporary pause. Their graciousness and understanding meant the world to me, and it reinforced the trust we had built in our coaching relationships. The rest of my life was being supported by a loving network of family and friends, and I was even able to fully participate in my daughter’s wedding in between surgical events.
As coaches, we pour our hearts into holding space for our clients, helping them navigate life’s challenges and uncover their potential. But what happens when we’re the ones going through a crisis? Life doesn’t skip over us just because we’re in the “doing good” business. Whether it’s a sudden health scare, a long-term medical condition, or an unexpected life event, the key to staying grounded and serving your clients well lies in mastering self-regulation and practicing intentional self-care.
I’m not the only coach who has found themselves side-lined with ‘life stuff’ - Let me share a few stories of coaches who’ve walked this path and found ways to honor both their personal wellbeing and their professional commitments.
A Sudden Health Scare: Giving Yourself Grace
Jenna, a seasoned coach, had a transient ischemic attack (TIA)—a “mini-stroke”—that left her struggling with memory and focus for several months. As someone who prided herself on being sharp and attentive during sessions, this was a devastating blow. At first, Jenna felt ashamed and tried to push through, but she quickly realized that pretending everything was fine was not sustainable.
Instead, she made a conscious decision to communicate her situation to her clients. She explained that while she was taking steps to recover, she might occasionally need to pause during sessions to gather her thoughts. To her surprise, her clients responded with understanding and compassion—many even admired her vulnerability and honesty. Jenna also adjusted her schedule to include longer breaks between sessions, giving her time to rest and reset. Finally, she realized the way she had always taken session notes wasn’t working anymore. So, she made some adjustments that allowed her to be more present. Through self-compassion and open communication, Jenna continued to coach effectively while prioritizing her recovery. Her story highlights the importance of grace and communication during a sudden challenge, while our next example features a story of long-term adaptation.
Adapting to Long-Term Challenges: Reimagining Your Business
For Marcus, a coach who developed a chronic autoimmune disorder, the impact on his energy levels was profound. Coaching back-to-back sessions all day—something he had thrived on for years—was no longer feasible. At first, Marcus felt like he was letting his clients down, and he desperately didn’t want to get a negative reputation as his business was growing into a new level of success. But he soon realized that his situation was an opportunity to rethink his business model and align it with his new reality.
Marcus transitioned to a hybrid coaching format, offering group coaching programs in addition to one-on-one sessions. This allowed him to serve multiple clients at once while conserving his energy. He also embraced asynchronous coaching through voice and video messages giving clients the flexibility to engage with him on their own schedules. And now he’s developing an AI version of himself! By leaning into creativity and adaptability, Marcus not only managed his condition but also discovered a business model that worked better for him and his clients. In his business this crisis led to a foundational business transformation! For our next coach, the situation she faced was unimaginable and required a temporary full stop.
Healing from Trauma: Knowing When to Pause
For Sarah, a coach who was the victim of a violent crime, the emotional and physical toll made it impossible to continue her work as usual. Despite her initial instinct to push through, Sarah recognized that she needed time to heal and recover fully. With the support of her own coach and therapist, she made the tough but necessary decision to take a few months off.
Sarah approached her clients with transparency and professionalism, letting them know about her temporary leave and offering referrals to trusted colleagues who could support them during her absence. While she worried initially about the impact on her business, Sarah found that this honest communication deepened her clients’ respect for her. Taking time to recover allowed her to return to coaching with renewed strength and focus, and her clients welcomed her back with open arms.
Key Takeaways for Managing Yourself During Difficult Times
These examples are just a few of the kinds of ‘life matters’ that can show up for any one of us! In my case, I had to admit that my workload, and the volume of hours sitting at the desk, had to see some permanent, albeit moderate changes.
Coaching is a career that offers rare opportunities to make these types of adaptations when needed. But we must recognize and embrace the need to adjust when it presents itself, and we must be willing to make the modifications that can best serve us and, in turn, our clients.
These stories remind us that crises are part of being human—and as coaches, we are no exception. When life becomes overwhelming or overly taxing, here are some strategies to help you manage:
Feel What You’re Feeling. It’s okay to feel vulnerable, scared, or unsure. Allow yourself to process your emotions without judgment. Journaling, meditation, or simply talking to a trusted friend or therapist can help you gain clarity and acceptance. Apply all the best practices you rely on to support your clients, but this time it’s for YOU.
Set Boundaries Between Personal and Professional. Create rituals to transition into coaching mode. Deep breaths, grounding affirmations, or a short walk can help you focus on being fully present for your clients. Be willing to experiment with various practices to find the one that works for you or at least works for you right now.
Lean on Your Support Network. You don’t have to shoulder everything alone. Whether it’s a mentor, a peer coaching group, the GCC, or a therapist, seeking support helps you process your experience and stay grounded. Seriously, being connected is a critical component of your well-being, and that is what the GCC was built for.
Adapt Your Business Model if Needed. If your situation requires long-term changes, consider creative adjustments. Group coaching, asynchronous coaching, or even reducing your client load can help you maintain your business while taking care of yourself. This could mean clustering all your appointments on one day or limiting appointments to just a few per day. Again, be willing to experiment.
Know When to Pause. Sometimes, stepping away is the best decision you can make. Taking a temporary leave to rest and recover doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re honoring yourself and your clients by ensuring you can serve them at your best. Stepping away when needed is absolutely a sign of wisdom, professionalism, and self-respect and strength.
Practice Self-Compassion. Be gentle with yourself. Be fair with yourself and your expectations. Watch your self-talk and behaviors. You are human, and it’s okay to have hard days, weeks or even months. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you offer your clients.
You Are Not Alone
Whether you’re facing a sudden health scare, adapting to a long-term condition, or healing from trauma, remember that you’re not alone. By prioritizing self-regulation and self-care, you ensure that you can continue to show up for your clients with integrity and compassion.
Your well-being matters. Not just for your clients, but for you. Take the time you need, lean on your support systems and structures, like the GCC, and know that you have the strength to navigate whatever comes your way. You’ve got this.
 | A guest post by
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