Marathon coaching happens when you’re fully committed to long-term success in your coaching business.

If someone had told me when I started my business that I’d still be in the coaching business fifteen years later, I probably would’ve laughed. Not because it was unbelievable or impossible. It’s because at that time, it was hard to see beyond what was in front of me or even imagine that far ahead.

Over the past fifteen years, I’ve coached entrepreneurial leaders, CEOs, corporate managers, speakers, trainers and consultants. I’ve coached leaders of non-profit organizations and solopreneurs. I’ve coached other coaches and I’ve seen quite a few of my coaching colleagues come and go in the marketplace.

And, I’m still here.

It doesn’t mean I haven’t experienced the stuff that makes so many others quit. It doesn’t mean it’s been easy. I’ve failed. I’ve struggled at times.

Yes, I’m still here.

Marathon coaching requires…

  1. An understanding of marathon coaching. Remember, you’re in business to create long-term, sustainable success. Coaching is like a marathon which means it requires prolonged effort, endurance and attention. You must train for the long distance, find your own pace, recognize the tough spots of the course, and anticipate opportunities to move ahead.
  2. A bulletproof mindset.  Your mindset is founded in real world principles that rid you of liabilities that hold you back. I’m talking about limiting beliefs, bad habits, outdated ways of thinking, naysayers and gremlins, environmental hindrances or anything else that stifles your success.  Listen, to adapt the right mindset, you must start by looking in the mirror. Once you begin to better yourself, it will be easier to recognize the other liabilities and address them appropriately.
  3. Dogged persistence.  Build your perseverance muscle so you’re ready to jump hurdles and overcome obstacles when they surface. It’s so easy to think of calling it quits when things seem to go wrong in your business, but when you’re marathon coaching, it’s just not an option. Use innovation to move past fear and anything else so you can persevere.
  4. Powerful resilience. It doesn’t mean you don’t stumble or even fall. Let me tell that we’ve all experienced tough times. Despite those challenging times, get up, get in consistent action and keep moving forward. #KeepItMoving
  5. Personal and professional integrity. Very simply, honor your commitments and cherish the people in your life. If you’re unable to keep your word, practice great communication so you can revisit, revise and recommit.  Look, relationships are the new currency of the 21st century! That means, your #RelationshipGoals must be go beyond treating people as you wish to be treating. It means you’re also focused on cultivating partnerships, strategic alliances, long-term client relationships and the highest rapport with service providers.

What are your #MarathonCoaching goals?

Sound off in the comments.

WendyY Bailey is often called a Force of Nature and a trendsetter in the coaching industry and for good reason. With more than 20 years of experience, she brings fearless innovation and bold strategy to entrepreneurial leaders, coaches, speakers, trainers, and consultants across the globe serving clients across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Spain, and Italy. Affectionately known as “WendyY” by clients, business associates, and colleagues, she’s also lovingly called “Auntie” or “Mama Coach” for her signature blend of Southern charm, fierce wisdom, and deep coaching insight. That special mix helps her clients double, triple, even quintuple their bottomline profits. WendyY is an internationally recognized thought leader, award-winning coach, two-time bestselling author, and sought-after business mentor.