Today I’m bringing you something a little bit different from my usual format because I’ve been inspired this weekend by two books I've read on my recent trip away. I’ve been diving into fiction lately — my way of relaxing and unwinding — and the wisdom that’s come through has been magical.

I just started reading The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, and I also finished The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. What blew me away was how both authors, in their introductions and Q&As, shared advice that’s incredibly relevant to life coaches growing their businesses and I had to share it with you.

Whether you’re aiming to sign 3, 5, or even 10 clients per month, building your coaching business requires navigating visibility, creative output, and feedback — just like authors and artists. Most coaches I work with are aiming to replace their corporate salary and make coaching their primary source of income, so these lessons are especially relevant.

Hearing from creatives who’ve succeeded in different industries — authors, musicians, actors — offers so much wisdom for life coaches. These creatives face massive exposure, visibility fears, and public opinions on a much larger scale. If you feel nervous about being seen, imagine what it’s like for someone with millions of fans, critics, and followers.

Tolkien’s introduction in The Lord of the Rings is a treasure trove of wisdom. One passage, in particular, stood out to me:

My business is for life coaches. My friends and family are not coaches, nor are they interested in becoming one. So why are they following my business page?

That’s the question I want you to ask yourself: Are your friends and family potential clients?

If they’re not, do they need access to your professional space?

One key difference between coaches and authors is that our work is constantly evolving. Books are finalized, songs get recorded, but our coaching evolves with us. Some of my trainings from three years ago are still brilliant today — not because they are perfect, but because they were the perfect transmission for that version of me. Trust that your work today is perfect for today’s clients.

Nicholas Sparks also shared advice for aspiring writers that applies beautifully to coaching businesses:

This episode is my invitation to you to embrace your own creative evolution, just like Tolkien and Sparks. Share your passion. Trust that your work will reach the people who need it most — and it’s okay if it doesn’t please everyone.

Your audience needs your unique voice and perspective, and it’s a gift that your visibility is still manageable. As you grow, you’ll build the foundation to handle more exposure. Until then, enjoy the creative process — and keep coaching.