"Procrastination and Professional Coaches: Why We Leave Continuing Education to the Eleventh Hour"

Hey there, Coach! If you're anything like me, you know that continuing education is essential for staying on top of your game. Yet, somehow, we often find ourselves scrambling at the last minute to meet those certification deadlines or complete those required courses. So, why do coaches have a knack for procrastinating regarding continuing education?

1. Coach, heal thyself: We're experts at helping our clients set goals and create action plans, but when it comes to our own professional development, we sometimes suffer from a touch of "do as I say, not as I do" syndrome. We're so busy nurturing others' growth that we occasionally neglect our own.

2. Busy bees: Life as a coach can be a whirlwind of sessions, client meetings, and administrative tasks. We're often caught up in the hustle and bustle of helping others achieve their goals, leaving little time to focus on our own growth. It's like the cobbler's children having no shoes!

3. The master of deadlines: Admit it, Coach – some of us thrive under the pressure of a looming deadline. The rush of adrenaline as the clock ticks down can be oddly invigorating. So, why start early when we can experience the thrill of a last-minute sprint?

4. Jack of all trades: Coaches wear many hats, from counselor to strategist to motivator. We're constantly adapting to our clients' needs. This adaptability can sometimes lead to us adapting to procrastination, too. We become skilled at "winging it" at the eleventh hour.

5. Pursuing perfection: As dedicated coaches, we often set high standards for ourselves. We want our continuing education experiences to be perfect, which can lead to analysis paralysis. We delay getting started because we're waiting for the "perfect" moment, course, or opportunity.

6. The fear factor: Sometimes, deep down, we fear change or doubt our abilities to learn something new. Procrastination can be a way to avoid confronting these fears. After all, if we don't start, we can't fail, right?

But here's the kicker, Coach – continuing education isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about staying at the top of our game, evolving with the ever-changing coaching landscape, and ultimately serving our clients better. Investing in our growth makes us better equipped to help others grow.

What‘s on your learning agenda this month?

I am getting off my butt and finally connecting with coaches interested in growth and learning.

Stay tuned! - JB