Have I Spent Money on Programs or Coaches That Didn’t Deliver What I Needed?

The Cycle of Hope and Disappointment

Imagine planting a seed in the soil. You water it, provide sunlight, and wait patiently. But after weeks, nothing grows. You start questioning: Did I plant the wrong seed? Was the soil bad? Or did I just waste my time and effort?

This metaphor often mirrors the experience of investing in programs or coaches that fail to deliver. You start with hope, invest your resources, and wait for results. But when the outcomes fall short, it’s easy to feel frustrated, even betrayed.

If you’ve asked yourself, Have I spent money on programs or coaches that didn’t deliver what I needed?, you’re not alone. Let’s explore why this happens and how to make more empowered choices moving forward.

The First Perspective: Was It the Wrong Fit?

“It’s not about finding the right answer; it’s about asking the right question.” – Unknown

Many times, programs or coaches don’t deliver because they aren’t aligned with your specific needs. The issue isn’t the quality of the program or coach but whether it was the right fit for you.

Here’s what to consider:

• Were Your Goals Clear? If you didn’t have a clear vision of what you wanted to achieve, it’s possible the program or coach couldn’t meet undefined expectations.

• Was the Coach’s Approach Aligned With Your Style? Every coach has a unique method. Some focus on mindset, others on strategy. If their approach didn’t resonate with you, the results would naturally fall short.

• Did You Research Their Expertise? Sometimes, we’re drawn to flashy marketing without digging deeper into the coach’s actual track record or niche expertise.

This perspective helps you see the situation objectively. It’s not necessarily about failure but about alignment.

The Breakthrough Perspective: Did You Fully Commit?

The Second Perspective: Accountability and Engagement

On the other hand, sometimes the issue isn’t the coach or program—it’s our level of engagement. Self-reflection can reveal whether you:

• Followed Through on the Work: Did you complete the assignments, attend the sessions, or apply the strategies provided?

• Communicated Your Needs: If something wasn’t working, did you speak up and seek clarity or adjustments?

• Gave It Enough Time: Transformation often takes longer than we’d like. Did you allow the process to unfold fully?

This perspective shifts the focus inward. It encourages you to ask, Did I show up fully for this investment?

A Story of Misalignment and Adjustment

Let’s meet Laura.

Laura invested $10,000 in a high-ticket business coach who promised to help her scale her online coaching business. She was excited, but six months later, she felt stuck. Her revenue hadn’t increased, and she began questioning if the investment was a mistake.

Here’s what Laura discovered:

1. Misaligned Expectations: Laura realized her goal was clarity on her niche, but the coach specialized in sales funnels. She hadn’t researched their expertise deeply enough.

2. Incomplete Engagement: Laura admitted she skipped half the assignments, hoping to see results without fully committing to the process.

3. Lessons Learned: Despite her frustrations, Laura gained valuable insights on marketing strategies she could use later.

Instead of dwelling on disappointment, Laura pivoted. She hired a niche-focused coach and committed fully to their process. Within a year, her business doubled.

Steps to Make Empowered Investments

If you’ve spent money on programs or coaches that didn’t deliver, here’s how to make better decisions moving forward:

1. Clarify Your Goals

• Define your specific objectives before investing.

• Ask, What do I want to achieve by the end of this program?

• Ensure the coach or program aligns with these goals.

2. Do Your Research

• Review testimonials and case studies to validate their expertise.

• Schedule a discovery call to ask questions about their approach.

• Look for alignment between their values and yours.

3. Commit Fully to the Process

• Set aside dedicated time to engage with the program or coach.

• Complete assignments and take action on what you learn.

• Communicate openly if challenges arise.

4. Reflect on Your Experience

• Even if the program didn’t meet your expectations, ask, What did I learn from this experience?

• Use those insights to refine your future investments.

Aha Moment: It’s About Alignment and Action

The key takeaway is that investing in programs or coaches isn’t inherently good or bad. Success depends on:

• Choosing the right fit for your needs and goals.

• Showing up fully and engaging with the process.

• Reflecting on the experience to extract valuable lessons.

So, have you spent money on programs or coaches that didn’t deliver what you needed? Perhaps. But with the right approach, every investment can become a stepping stone to growth.

Take Control of Your Next Investment

Ready to ensure your next coaching or program investment delivers exactly what you need? Learn how to make smarter choices today ✨