Getting your online life coach certification? Buckle up—because it’s a ride. 🌀

At first, you’re like: “Yes! I’ve found my calling!”

Then comes: “Wait… what even is that framework again?”

Followed by: “OMG I just coached someone and it actually helped???”

It’s a rollercoaster of clarity, confusion, confidence… and yes, the occasional imposter syndrome whispering, “Are you sure you can do this?”

But by the end? You’re standing tall, heart full, and thinking: “That was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” 🙌

So whether you’re just toying with the idea of becoming a coach, leveling up with a second certification, or here strictly for the GIFs (no judgment), we’ve used Giphy to sum up the emotional journey of becoming a certified life coach.

Enjoy the ride 🎢👇

Stage 1: Doing Some Research (a.k.a. The Curiosity Stage)

It all starts with a simple Google search: “What is life coaching?” or “Can I actually become a life coach?”

Next thing you know, you’re deep in YouTube videos, reading blog posts, and attending a free info session like “Is Life Coaching Right for Me?” from places like Aurum Lumos.

You tell yourself you’re just exploring… but let’s be honest—you’re already picturing your dream clients and mapping out your future coaching practice.

(Spoiler: life coaching IS right for you.)

Stage 2: Deciding to Get Your Life Coach Certification

That spark hits—you’re ready to do something more meaningful, help others, and maybe even build a business. You start imagining a whole new path and whisper to yourself, “I could actually be a life coach…”

Related Read: 5 Signs You’re Ready to Start Life Coach Training

Stage 3: Choosing the Right Certification Program

You finally find the one. The curriculum clicks. The vibe is right. The testimonials feel like they’re written by future-you. You enroll—and it’s officially real.

Stage 4: The Welcome Email Hits Your Inbox

Your heart skips a beat. You’re in! You screenshot the email. You post it on Instagram. You tell your dog. You’re ready to start your new chapter.

Stage 5: First Day of Class / Orientation

Nervous? Yes. Excited? Also yes.

You log into the student portal, open your first module, and suddenly it’s real—you’re officially training to become a life coach.

 The layout is clean, the content is speaking your language, and you feel a little thrill as you hit “Start.”

(If you’re an Aurum Lumos student, maybe you even register for your first live office hours session—because while it’s self-paced, support is always just a click away.)And just like that, you’re in it. The first step of many, but it already feels right.

Stage 6: Learning the Tools and Frameworks

You’re geeking out over models like GROW, NLP, and mindset techniques that actually make a difference.

Your inner personal development nerd is thriving. You’re taking notes like your future depends on it (because, in a way, it does).

Also, real talk: “Why didn’t anyone teach us this in school?!”And if you’re an Aurum Lumos student, this is where you meet the ALI Framework—a signature coaching method that ties it all together and makes you feel like, “Okay, I can actually do this.”

Stage 7: Practice Coaching for the First Time

Terrifying and exhilarating. You coach someone… and they actually feel better. You get off the call and shout, “I DID THAT.” Imposter syndrome takes a seat—for now.

Stage 8: Hitting a Confidence Wall

At first, you were flying. Then—boom. The overwhelm hits.

Suddenly, everything feels hard. The modules feel heavier. The practice questions feel trickier.

You start second-guessing your instincts, your notes, even your why.

You wonder, “Who do I think I am to coach someone else?”

Imposter syndrome pulls up a chair.

But deep down, you remember: this is normal. Growth is messy. Every great coach has had a moment like this.

So you take a breath, rewatch a training, maybe join an office hours session or message a mentor—and you keep going.

Because that future version of you? They’re cheering you on already.

Stage 9: You Start Realizing… You Can Do This

Something shifts. The training starts to click.

You’re not just absorbing information—you’re applying it. Concepts like values work, powerful questioning, and the ALI Framework are no longer just notes on a page—they’re tools you’re starting to own.

You’ve quieted the self-doubt (at least for now), and a quiet confidence begins to grow.

You catch yourself thinking things like, “That was actually a great coaching question,” or “Wait, I know how to handle that scenario.”

This is the moment where it stops feeling hypothetical… and starts feeling real.

You’re doing it. You’re becoming a coach.

Stage 10: You Take the Life Coach Certification Exam

You take a deep breath. This is it—the final step between you and that official certification.

You’re a little nervous (okay, maybe a lot), but then you remember: You’ve done the work. 

You’ve studied the tools, practiced the frameworks, and run through the common scenarios plus troubleshooting steps.

You’re more prepared than you think.

And if tests usually give you the jitters? No worries. With a certification program like Aurum Lumos, you’ve got the option to retake the exam—because we believe in mastery, not pressure.You click “Begin,” and before you know it… you’re at the finish line.

The Final Stage: Celebration – You’re a Coach!

You did it. You passed. You’re officially certified.

You might cry. You might dance. You might immediately text three friends and your mom with 47 exclamation points.

It’s more than just a piece of paper—it’s a symbol of everything you pushed through: the doubts, the growth, the ah-ha moments, the becoming.

Now, you’re not just someone who loves personal development.

You’re a certified life coach.

And whether you’re launching your own practice, adding coaching to your current work, or just feeling more empowered than ever—this is your moment.

Celebrate it. You earned it. 

How Did That Journey Feel?

Maybe this post was a crystal ball showing you what’s ahead. Or maybe your path will have a few unexpected twists and turns. Either way, one thing’s for sure: the journey to getting your life coach certification is transformational.

You’ll grow. You’ll stretch. You’ll probably overthink. But you’ll also learn how to truly listen, empower others, and trust yourself in ways you never expected.

Each stage—from the first spark of curiosity to that final moment of celebration—isn’t just about becoming a coach. It’s about becoming you, more fully and confidently than ever before.

And while no two certification journeys look exactly the same, the most important part is that you start. You take that first step. You follow the nudge.

Because on the other side? There’s a version of you that knows their purpose, leads with clarity, and is ready to change lives—starting with your own.

So whether you’re still in research mode or already visualizing your graduation selfie—just know: this journey is worth it.

And when you get to that celebration stage? We’ll be cheering you on the loudest. 🎉

Ready to Start Your Life Coach Certification Journey?

Aurum Lumos would love to have you!

If you’re looking for not just any certification, but the gold standard of life coach training—where personal growth, expert guidance, and practical tools come together beautifully—join us at the Aurum Lumos Institute.

Our self-paced, supportive certification program is designed to help you become a confident, impactful coach—without the overwhelm.

✨ Ready when you are.
🎓 Learn more & watch our free info session instantly here.

Your journey starts now—and we can’t wait to celebrate with you at the finish line.