The Moment You Decide to Stop Holding Back

There’s a turning point in every founder’s journey. A moment when the idea of coaching is no longer just a curiosity, a “maybe someday,” or a safe daydream. It’s the moment you decide to stop holding back.

For many healthcare professionals, this decision comes after years of showing up for others, carrying heavy responsibility, and quietly wondering if your skills could create impact in new ways. The thought lingers: What if I actually built something of my own? That thought is the seed. The decision to act on it is the leap.

Why We Hold Back

Before the decision comes, most of us wrestle with hesitation. It’s normal. Here are the common reasons:

• Fear of failure. What if I try and it doesn’t work?

• Fear of visibility. What will people think if I put myself out there?

• Fear of not being enough. Am I really qualified to call myself a coach?

• Fear of instability. What if I can’t replace my current income or security?

These questions aren’t weaknesses. They’re signals that you care. But if left unanswered, they can become walls that keep you stuck in “almost.”

The Cost of Holding Back

When you hold back, something important happens: you live out of alignment.

• You continue to give your best energy to systems that may not fully value your contributions.

• You carry a quiet restlessness — knowing you’re capable of more, but choosing not to step into it.

• You miss opportunities that pass by while you wait for the “perfect” time.

The cost isn’t just financial. It’s emotional. Every time you silence your own vision, you shrink a little. And over time, that shrinking becomes heavy.

The Moment of Decision

The moment you decide to stop holding back rarely comes with fireworks. More often, it’s quiet but firm. It sounds like:

• “I don’t want to spend another year wondering.”

• “I owe it to myself to try.”

• “If I can guide others in their growth, I can guide myself too.”

This moment matters because it shifts your energy. Instead of feeding fear, you begin feeding courage. Instead of waiting for certainty, you begin building it.

What Changes When You Stop Holding Back

When you decide, three things unlock almost immediately:

1. Clarity. Suddenly, the questions shift from “Should I?” to “How will I?” That simple reframe opens space for action.

2. Momentum. Even small steps feel different because you know they’re leading somewhere real. Scheduling a call, drafting a website, or enrolling in certification isn’t random anymore — it’s part of a path.

3. Confidence. Each action you take confirms the decision. You no longer need to wait for confidence to appear; you’re building it in real time.

From Hesitation to Courage

Stopping the cycle of hesitation doesn’t mean you eliminate fear. It means you reframe it. Courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s the willingness to move forward in spite of it.

Think of it like standing on the edge of a diving board. Your heart races, your body hesitates, but the leap itself takes just a second. Once you’re in the water, you wonder why you waited so long.

The coaching leap is the same. The hardest part is the pause before. The freedom comes after.

How to Step Into the Decision

If you feel the pull but haven’t yet acted, here are practices to help you cross the threshold:

• Name your fears. Write them down. When they’re visible, they lose some of their power.

• Visualize the gain. Picture the life, impact, and freedom you’ll gain by stepping forward.

• Take a micro-step. Book a conversation, register for training, or announce your intention to a trusted friend.

• Anchor your why. Remember why coaching matters to you. Let that “why” be louder than your fear.

Final Thoughts

There’s power in the moment you decide to stop holding back. It’s the hinge point that shifts everything: your mindset, your actions, your future.

You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to silence every doubt. You simply need to choose. Choose to give your dream a chance. Choose to honor the skills you’ve been practicing all along. Choose to see yourself not just as a helper, but as a founder.

Because once you decide, you’re no longer circling the idea. You’re walking toward it. And that’s the moment your coaching journey truly begins.