Why Preparation Makes a Difference
It’s possible to go into your first coaching session with a “let’s see what happens” attitude. But research shows that conscious participation in the process—clarity of goals, active engagement, and work between sessions—significantly improves coaching outcomes.
Preparation isn’t about coming up with perfect answers; it’s about creating a little clarity.
Step 1: Outline a Rough Direction
“I don’t know exactly what I want” is perfectly valid. But it’s helpful to ask yourself: “Which area of my life or work is capturing my attention the most right now?”
This area could be your career, a relationship, a decision, your identity, a transition, or something else. It doesn’t have to be pinpoint precise—a general direction is enough.
Step 2: Think About Your Biggest Obstacle Over the Past Six Months
Even saying, “I feel like something is standing in my way, but I can’t quite put my finger on it,” is enough. Thinking about this obstacle—you don’t have to write it down—provides a strong starting point for the first session.
Step 3: Write Down What You Want to Ask the Coach
The first session is a two-way street. The coach is evaluating you, and you’re evaluating the coach. Preparing a few of the 9 questions listed in the previous article keeps the session engaging.
Step 4: Set Up Your Environment
For an online session: a quiet room, notifications turned off, camera on. Physical preparation directly affects the quality of your focus. “Put your phone away 5 minutes before the session starts” is a simple but effective ritual.
Step 5: Let Go of Expectations of Perfection
The first session isn’t an exam—it’s a chance to get to know each other. “I didn’t know what to say” or “I couldn’t give clear answers to my questions” are completely normal. Coaching exists precisely to work within this uncertainty.
Cevvela’s Perspective
- Preparation isn’t about having perfect answers; it’s about creating a little clarity—and even that speeds up the process.
- The first session is a two-way process: the coach is evaluating you, and you’re evaluating the coach.
- “I don’t know what I want” is a valid starting point—that’s exactly why coaching exists.
- Preparing your physical environment directly impacts the quality of your focus.
- Cevvela’s first session is free and non-binding—it’s to assess mutual compatibility.
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