Becoming a life coach is an incredible and fulfilling path, especially now, when more people than ever are seeking guidance, clarity, and support in their lives. Whether you feel called to help others navigate major life transitions, break through limiting beliefs, or achieve their biggest goals, your unique perspective and skills are so incredibly valuable to others. People need what you bring to the table!  We will say it again…. People need what you bring to the table!  You are more valuable than you know!

Yet, despite the growing demand for coaching, many aspiring life coaches hesitate to take the leap—often because of misconceptions about the industry. You may have heard that you need years of experience, an advanced degree, or an ‘expert-level’ mastery of life itself before you can start coaching. Maybe you’ve been told that life coaching isn’t a “real” career or that it’s impossible to make a living from it.

In this post, we will break down the most common myths about becoming a life coach and reveal the truth behind them. 

If you’ve ever wondered whether this path is truly for you, keep reading—you will be totally surprised by what you learn.

Myth 1: Becoming a Life Coach Means I Need a “Square” Personality or Must Be an Extrovert

Think about the most impactful people in your life—were they all the same? Probably not. And the same goes for life coaches. Coaching isn’t about fitting into a rigid mold or forcing yourself to be someone you’re not. Yes, professionalism is important, but the most successful coaches lean into their authenticity, not a cookie-cutter persona.

Here’s the truth:

• You don’t need to be extroverted to be a great coach. Many successful coaches are introverts who excel at deep listening, thoughtful questioning, and creating a safe space for clients.
• Your personality is your strength. Whether you’re structured and analytical, warm and empathetic, or bold and direct, the right clients will be drawn to you.
• People hire real humans, not generic coaches. Clients don’t want a one-size-fits-all expert—they want someone they connect with.
• Authenticity is key. The more you embrace your unique style, the more you’ll attract clients who need exactly what you bring to the table.
• Professionalism doesn’t mean being “stiff.” You can be professional and true to yourself—whether that means using humor, storytelling, or a no-nonsense approach.

So, no, you don’t need to be an extroverted, ultra-polished guru to succeed. You just need to be you.

Related Read: How to Become a Life Coach Without Losing Your Authentic Self 

Myth 2: A Life Coach Doesn’t Provide Real Benefits (Or, It’s Just Giving Advice)

That couldn’t be further from the truth. Think about anyone outside of yourself—mentors, teachers, or leaders—who has helped you grow. Did they simply give you advice, or did they guide you to think differently, challenge your perspective, and hold you accountable? That’s what life coaching is all about.

Here are some common transformations that life coaching provides:

• Clarity & Direction – Helping clients define their goals, values, and next steps.
• Breaking Limiting Beliefs – Identifying and rewiring negative thought patterns that hold them back.
• Improved Confidence – Encouraging self-trust and self-worth through mindset shifts.
• Stronger Decision-Making – Teaching clients to make aligned, empowered choices.
• Better Time Management & Productivity – Helping them create structure and eliminate distractions.
• Emotional Resilience – Supporting them in handling setbacks and stress more effectively.
• Career or Business Growth – Guiding them toward professional success and fulfillment.

If you specialize in areas like relationship coaching, business strategy, leadership development, or wellness, you can also help people:

• Strengthen personal and professional relationships.
• Build successful businesses or career paths.
• Develop healthier habits and improve overall well-being.

Truth: Becoming a life coach isn’t about handing out advice—it’s about asking the right questions, helping clients find their own answers, and holding them accountable so they can achieve lasting transformation.

Myth 3: You Have to Have Your Life Completely Figured Out

If this were true, there would be no life coaches! No one has a perfect life, and you don’t need to have everything sorted out to help others. In fact, your own experiences—challenges, setbacks, and personal growth—make you a better coach!

Here’s the truth:

• Coaching is about guidance, not perfection. Your role isn’t to be a flawless guru; it’s to support, challenge, and empower your clients.
• Your struggles make you relatable. Clients often connect more with coaches who understand real-life struggles rather than those who seem like they have it all together.
• You can coach and grow at the same time. Personal development is a lifelong journey. The best coaches are always learning, evolving, and improving—just like their clients.
• Coaching is about asking the right questions. You don’t need all the answers—you need the ability to help clients uncover their own.
• No one expects you to be perfect. What clients want is authenticity, insight, and support—not someone who claims to have all the answers.

Truth: The best coaches are not perfect—they are human, experienced, and committed to growth. Your journey is part of what makes you a powerful coach.

Myth 4: I Can’t Earn $X/Year as a Life Coach

Life coaching can be very profitable. People want guidance, structure, and accountability. More importantly, they want a faster path to transformation and real, lasting change—which is exactly what coaching provides. People are are willing to invest in that type of support.

There are multiple ways to build a thriving coaching business, including private coaching, group programs, workshops, digital products, and corporate contracts. Whether you choose to work within an organization or run your own practice, the earning potential is substantial.

Here’s what the numbers say:

• Salaried coaching positions in organizations typically pay between $51K and $92K per year (Glassdoor), with an average of $67,800 annually (ICF).
• Self-employed coaches charge anywhere from $100–$150 per hour when starting out, while experienced coaches earn $250–$350+ per session.
• The average coaching session fee is $244 per session, with coaches seeing about 12.2 clients per week—adding up to $2,976.80 per week in earnings.
• Over the course of a year, that translates to a six-figure income.

As you gain experience, build your brand, and offer additional services like courses or group coaching, your income can scale even higher. So yes—you can make a great living as a coach. It’s all about how you position yourself, the value you bring, and the strategy you use to grow.

Related Read: Life Coach Salary Insights: How much can you actually earn?  

Myth 5: Becoming a Life Coach Doesn’t Require a Certification

This one comes with a twist! Technically, no, you don’t legally need a certification to become a life coach—there are no strict industry regulations requiring one. However, jumping into coaching without proper training puts both you and your clients at a severe disadvantage.

Here’s why certification matters:

• You’ll gain essential coaching skills. Coaching isn’t just about giving advice—it’s about powerful questioning, deep listening, and guiding transformation. Certification programs teach you proven techniques that make your coaching truly effective.
• It builds credibility and trust. Clients want to know that you’ve invested in your craft and have the knowledge to help them. A certification gives them confidence in your expertise.
• You’ll avoid costly mistakes. Without proper training, it’s easy to overstep boundaries, give ineffective guidance, or struggle to deliver real results. A structured program helps you coach ethically and effectively.
• You’ll attract higher-paying clients. Many clients (especially those in corporate or high-performance coaching) look specifically for certified coaches and are willing to invest more in someone with credentials.
• It helps you stand out. With the coaching industry growing, having a certification can set you apart from the many untrained “coaches” offering vague, surface-level advice.

While you can technically coach without certification, a strong foundation in coaching principles is what separates hobbyists from true professionals. Investing in proper training not only boosts your confidence but also ensures your clients receive the best possible experience.

Related Read: Why Life Coaching Courses Are the Key to Becoming a Successful Coach

Myth 6: You Must Have Years of Experience Before Coaching Anyone

Many aspiring coaches hold themselves back, thinking they need years of experience before they can start helping others. But the truth is, you don’t need decades of expertise—just the ability to guide, support, and help people get results.

Here’s why experience isn’t the barrier you think it is:

• Transformation doesn’t require tenure. Clients aren’t looking for a coach with the longest résumé—they want someone who can help them achieve real change now.
• Even new coaches can create profound results. If you have the right tools, frameworks, and coaching techniques, you can help clients move forward from day one.
• Everyone starts somewhere. The best way to gain experience is to start coaching. The more you practice, the more confidence and skill you build.
• Your personal journey counts. Many coaches attract clients who relate to their own experiences. If you’ve overcome challenges and achieved growth, you already have valuable insights to share.
• It’s about the client, not you. Coaching isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about facilitating breakthroughs by asking the right questions, listening deeply, and offering accountability.

Truth: You don’t need to wait until you feel “ready” (because, honestly, you may never feel 100% ready). What matters is your commitment to learning, growing, and helping clients move forward in their life for transformational change.

Myth 7: The Same Clients Will Stick with Me Always

It would be great if clients stayed with you indefinitely, but the reality is that coaching is about progress, not permanence. Your goal is to help clients grow, reach their goals, and ultimately become more independent—not to keep them dependent on you forever.

Here’s why it’s normal (and even a good thing) for clients to move on:

• Clients evolve. As they conquer their challenges and reach new levels, they may no longer need the same type of coaching.
• Different seasons, different needs. Someone who needed career coaching a year ago might now need leadership coaching—or may simply be in a great place and ready to move forward on their own.
• You’re helping them succeed. When a client no longer needs coaching, it’s a sign that you’ve done your job well. They’ve grown, gained confidence, and are in a better place than when they started.
• There will always be new clients that will be there for coaching.  Get rid of the scarcity mindset. As your reputation grows, you’ll attract fresh clients who are at the stage where they do need your expertise and are ready to grow and thrive!
• Some clients do return. They might come back for a new challenge, a different type of coaching, or simply because they valued your guidance previously and are looking to again benefit from your assistance in their new phase of life that they are in.

The truth: Coaching is about transformation, not attachment. If your clients outgrow your coaching, take it as a sign of success—you helped them get where they needed to be!

Bonus Myth: There’s Too Much Competition, So You Won’t Stand Out

It’s easy to look at the growing number of life coaches and think, How will I ever stand out? But the truth is, there may be many coaches, but there is only one YOU. Your unique voice, experiences, and approach will attract your ideal clients, or the clients that are just right for you and resonate with your style.

Here’s why competition shouldn’t hold you back:

• Your perspective is unique. No one else has your exact background, insights, or way of coaching. Your story and approach will naturally attract the right people.
• Not every coach serves the same audience. The coaching industry is broad—there are niches within niches. Whether you focus on career transitions, confidence-building, or high-performance leadership, your ideal clients are looking for your expertise. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise!
• Clients want connection, not just credentials. People choose coaches based on how they make them feel and whether they get them. Your personality and authenticity matter just as much as your skills.
• There’s more demand than ever. More people are seeking guidance, clarity, and support in their lives. The coaching industry is expanding, not shrinking.
• Success is about positioning, not competition. If you clearly define who you help, how you help them, and the results you deliver, you’ll naturally stand out.

Truth: The coaching industry is growing—but so is the demand. Your ideal clients are out there, waiting for someone exactly like you.

Thinking of Becoming a Life Coach?

Why not become the absolute best coach you can be with the Gold Standard of online life coach certification? At the Aurum Lumos Institute, we don’t just certify coaches—we empower transformational leaders that make huge impacts in the lives of others!

Join our free information session to learn how you can build a thriving coaching practice, master powerful techniques, and create real impact in people’s lives.  We are so excited to see you there!