When I first thought about starting my coaching business, I assumed it would be smooth sailing. I had already built a successful service-based business, so I figured transitioning to coaching would be easy. But wow, was I wrong!

The same fears and doubts I faced when starting my first business came rushing back. This time, it felt even more intense because the online business world was completely new to me. I quickly realized that there were major “calling blockers” keeping me stuck. These blockers were limiting beliefs, fears, and thought patterns that held me back from stepping into what I knew I was meant to do.

I want to share these blockers with you today because I know I’m not the only one who has struggled with them. If you’ve ever felt stuck, confused, or afraid to start your own business, you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about these calling blockers and how I broke free from them.

1. My Failed Corporate Career

Oh boy, this one was a big one for me.

I thought I had moved past it because I had already built a successful service-based business. But when I decided to launch my coaching business, all the insecurities from my corporate failure came rushing back.

I kept thinking: What if I fail again? What if people see me as a fraud?

Even though I had proven to myself that I could build something successful, my past still haunted me. It felt like a heavy chain pulling me down, making me second-guess every step.

But then I reminded myself of a powerful truth: My past does not define my future. Just because something didn’t work out before doesn’t mean I’m doomed to fail again. I had to shift my mindset and see my past as a lesson, not a life sentence.

2. The Fear of Failure

This one? Oh, it had me in a chokehold.

I had a friend who started a podcast, but she eventually stopped. I really looked up to her, and when she struggled, I told myself, If she couldn’t make it work, what makes me think I will?

That thought alone kept me stuck for years. Every time I felt the nudge to start my coaching business or launch my podcast, fear gripped my heart. I convinced myself that my business would fail just like my friend’s did.

But you know what broke me free? Truth. I went straight to God’s word and reminded myself:

• My path is different from hers.
• God has a unique process for me.
• I don’t have the full context of why she stopped her business, and it’s not my place to compare.

Once I embraced those truths, it was like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I no longer let fear dictate my decisions. And guess what? You’re reading this blog post right now because I pushed past that fear!

3. Lack of Clarity

For the longest time, I struggled with clarity.

I knew I wanted to help people, but how? Should I focus on coaching, courses, a membership site? Should I talk about business, faith, or both?

The more I overthought it, the more confused I became. Instead of taking action, I kept waiting for a “lightbulb moment” that never came.

Then I realized something huge: Clarity comes from action, not overthinking.

I decided to just start. I put myself out there, tested different things, and trusted that the path would become clearer as I moved forward. And you know what? It did. If you’re struggling with clarity, my advice is to stop waiting for the perfect plan. Take a step, then adjust as you go.

4. Fear of Being Seen

This one hit deep.

I wasn’t just afraid of failure—I was afraid of people seeing me fail. I worried about what my friends, family, and even random internet strangers would think.

I thought:

• What if they judge me?
• What if people don’t take me seriously?
• What if I embarrass myself?

This fear kept me hiding behind the scenes for way too long. But one day, I asked myself: Am I really going to let the opinions of others keep me from my calling?

The answer was no.

I had to make a choice: Live in fear or step out in faith. I chose faith. And let me tell you, the freedom that came with that decision was life-changing.

How I Broke Free

Overcoming these calling blockers wasn’t an overnight thing. It took intentional effort, mindset shifts, and a whole lot of prayer. But here’s what helped me the most:

1. I replaced lies with truth. Every fear and doubt was met with God’s word. I wrote down scriptures and declarations that reminded me of who I am and what I’m capable of.
   
2. I took action despite fear. I stopped waiting for fear to disappear and started moving forward anyway. Fear didn’t go away overnight, but as I took steps, it lost its power over me.
   
3. I surrounded myself with the right people. I found mentors, coaches, and a supportive community who encouraged me and helped me stay accountable.
   
4. I shifted my focus from myself to service. When I stopped making it about me and started focusing on the people I was called to help, everything changed.
   

Final Thoughts

Friend, if you’re struggling with calling blockers, know this: You are not alone. Every successful entrepreneur has faced fears, doubts, and setbacks. The key is not letting them keep you stuck.

If you’re ready to break free from these blockers and step into your calling, I want to invite you to check out the Business Clarity Blueprint. It’s a free guide that will help you get clear on your business idea and take the first step toward launching your dream.

You can download it at startthatbusinesspodcast.com.

Also, if you’re serious about starting your business and need one-on-one guidance, schedule a coaching session with me. I’d love to help you move forward!

Let me know in the comments—which calling blocker have you struggled with the most? And if this post encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs it!

Until next time, remember: You have everything you need to start that business.