“Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.” —Frederick Buechner

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to find your place in the world as a coach. Especially when you struggle with the lack of clarity or feel pressured. I see this process of finding a niche more as a self-discovery process, a journey of reflection on who you are and what you’re meant to be. I strongly believe that you will be able to find the people you are meant to serve and unlock the revenue stream from this space.

Here are some simple steps to help you move forward:

Take a good inventory of who you are.

Knowing yourself, what your values are, and what motivates you are simple but powerful steps to take if you want to gain clarity on your niche. With so many people claiming to be coaches, having a distinct niche and a framework to work with is essential to your success as a coach.
When you know what you like and dislike, as well as what kind of people you prefer to work with, it is much easier to build a successful business. It’s not about being perfect, but rather being yourself. We are all unique, and there is a reason why. Don’t be afraid to embrace your quirks because they are what make you so special and impossible to copy.
People are looking for a guide to show them the way, not a hero who intimidates them. They want to see your struggles and how you overcome them. They want to be inspired to find their path. This is easier to do when they see that it is possible, that it can be done by a human with flaws just like them, not by a perfect hero. The human connection appears when we are vulnerable and talk about our issues. Victories give people something to hope for, but the world needs more role models that inspire, not intimidate.

Pay attention to the things you love to talk about.

You tend to talk about topics that have impacted you, subjects you resonate with, or situations that make you take a stand. Your message is not something you invent, it’s something you live. It’s hidden in your story, in your struggles so far. Sometimes, you have to get out of your way and out of your head to see it.
The first thing you should do is write your storyline and try to find patterns. See what situations have influenced you more. What are your best achievements thus far? What is something that has always been there?
If you were to say something about yourself that you are proud of, what would it be?
When you talk with someone new, what’s something you quickly observe about them? What advice do you feel the urge to give even though you remain silent? Observe yourself talking to different people and see what’s constant.
What kind of advice do your friends ask you for? What kind of problems do they bring to you to discuss?

Test the idea.

Spend some time contemplating the concepts you’ve uncovered thus far. Explore your feelings and see what becomes possible.

What services can you offer?
What problems can you solve?
In which way do you want to make the world a better place?
What’s something you will do no matter what?
Have a conversation with your family and friends about all these subjects, and observe yourself when this happens. What’s your energy level? Do you feel drained or empowered? It’s easy to stop, or could you talk for hours about the subject?
Envision yourself being successful and see how it feels. What emotions arise?

Listen to your inner guidance and accept what is coming.

You were always aware. Our minds are too busy trying to figure it out mentally, but the truth always lies in simplicity.
Ask yourself how you would describe your life in one sentence. Go with what comes first to mind without trying to make sense of it at this point. When you stop looking for reasons and go with the flow of things, you’ll discover the answers you’re looking for. Acquiring new skills or becoming an even better person isn’t what this is about. Confidence in listening to your innermost wishes is the key. It’s about realizing that your adventure so far is what makes you unique and valuable to others. Getting started doesn’t need to be a hassle. It’s the easiest path, but only if you allow yourself to take it. Step away from your reasoning mind and follow your emotions.

Have fun.

Make sure you have fun. Your life is here and now. Your expertise is likely to be found in the activities you love doing. Choose wisely the people you work with. You are not for everybody, and not everybody is for you. Build an attitude of being in service, but take care of yourself too. It doesn’t make sense to build a business that soon will overwhelm you.
What makes you uniquely YOU is the intersection of who you are and the things that excite and motivate you. Pursue these passions to the fullest. You’ll become an even more valuable commodity in the marketplace. The more authentic you are, the more people you will attract, and work will become a flow.