Let’s be real for a second.

Starting something new—especially something that feels big and important like a coaching business—is not always easy. You might feel excited at first, like, “Yes! I’m finally going to do this!” But then, before you know it, doubts sneak in. Fear shows up. Confusion settles in. And suddenly, you’re stuck.

I’ve been there.

For the longest time, I knew I was called to do more. I knew I was supposed to help people—coach them, walk with them, encourage them. But for years, I didn’t move. I stayed in my head, making excuses, second-guessing myself, and letting fear run the show.

If that sounds familiar, keep reading. I want to share the 4 big things that blocked me from stepping into my calling. Maybe you’ve been dealing with them too. The good news? Once I recognized them, I was able to break free—and you can too.

Let’s dive in.

1. I Thought My Calling Had to Look Like Someone Else’s

Here’s what happened.

I kept comparing myself to other coaches and online entrepreneurs. I’d scroll through social media and see people doing big things—hosting live events, running group programs, launching courses, showing up on YouTube—and I’d think, “That’s what I need to do too.”

But deep down, it didn’t feel right for me. I wasn’t excited about doing all those things. In fact, they overwhelmed me. But because those were the only models I saw, I thought that was the way to step into my calling.

So I waited. I waited until I felt “ready” to do all those things… and guess what? I never did. I kept putting it off because I was trying to fit into a version of calling that wasn’t mine.

Eventually, I realized something powerful: My calling doesn’t have to look like theirs. It’s okay if I’m not a big event person. It’s okay if I want to work with people one-on-one or start small.

And friend, the same is true for you.

If you’re waiting to feel confident doing something that doesn’t even align with how God wired you, you’ll always feel out of place. Start where you are. Start with what lights you up. That’s the key.

2. I Believed I Had to Be Perfect First

Whew. This one had me in a chokehold.

I thought I needed to have it all figured out before I could coach anyone. Like, I needed to have the perfect website, the perfect niche, the perfect business model, the perfect client transformation.

But the truth? Perfection is a lie that keeps you stuck.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Clarity comes with action, not before it. The more I showed up, the clearer things became. The more I tried things, the more I learned what worked and what didn’t.

You don’t have to be perfect to start. You just have to be obedient.

If you know you’re called to help people, start helping them. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s small. God doesn’t need your perfection—He just wants your yes.

So yes, I started before I felt fully ready. And honestly? I’m so glad I did.

3. I Was Afraid of What People Would Think

Oof. This one stings a little.

I used to care so much about what people would think. I worried, “What if they don’t take me seriously? What if they think I’m not qualified? What if they laugh at me?”

Sound familiar?

This fear held me back for years. I kept dimming my light so I wouldn’t ruffle any feathers. I didn’t want people to think I was “too much” or “too spiritual” or “too ambitious.” So I kept playing small.

But here’s the deal: When you’re called to something, you’re not called to please people—you’re called to be faithful.

And listen, people will always have opinions. Some will support you, some won’t. But that can’t be the reason you hide. Your calling is too important.

Once I decided to care more about God’s opinion than people’s opinions, everything changed. I started showing up with boldness. Not because I had all the answers, but because I finally believed in the One who called me.

You don’t have to wait for everyone to approve. Just go. Your people—the ones you’re meant to help—are waiting for you to show up.

4. I Didn’t Trust That God Would Equip Me

Here’s where it gets real.

I knew I had a calling. I even believed that God gave it to me. But deep down, I didn’t fully trust that He would give me what I needed to walk it out.

I thought I had to have it all together. I thought I needed more training, more time, more credentials. I kept saying, “God, I’ll go when I feel more confident.”

But you know what He kept whispering? “Go, and I’ll give you what you need along the way.”

That hit me.

God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called. If He’s asking you to do something, He’ll equip you with everything you need to do it. Period.

And let me tell you: He’s been so faithful.

Every step I’ve taken—He’s met me there. Every time I’ve felt unsure, He’s reminded me that I’m not doing this alone. He’s walking with me. And He’s doing the same for you.

So if you’ve been holding back because you’re afraid you won’t be enough, here’s your gentle reminder: God is more than enough. Lean on Him.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

Listen, if you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure or scared, I get it. I’ve been there too. These four calling blockers—comparison, perfectionism, fear of people, and lack of trust—kept me stuck for far too long.

But the moment I started breaking free from them, things shifted.

I stopped overthinking and started doing.

I stopped doubting and started believing.

I stopped hiding and started showing up.

And you can too.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to take the first step. And then the next. And then the next. One obedient step at a time.

So, here’s your invitation: Stop waiting. Stop holding back. Stop talking yourself out of what God is calling you into.

Your calling is real. Your voice matters. Your story is needed.

You’re ready—even if you don’t feel like it yet.

So go for it, friend. God’s got you.