Why Most Coaches Never Reach Consistent $10K Months (And How You Can Avoid the Same Trap)

How to get out of feast and famine cycle as a coach

For coaches in business for several years, the dream of consistent $10K months often feels just out of reach.

You’ve put in the work, honed your skills, and even seen success here and there. Yet, month after month, you’re stuck in the feast-and-famine cycle, wondering what it’s going to take to break through.

If that sounds familiar, know this: you’re not alone. Most coaches never achieve consistent $10K months—not because they don’t have the potential but because they fall into common traps that hold them back.

Let’s break down why this happens and, more importantly, what you can do to break free.

1. They Rely on Word of Mouth Alone

Many coaches start by landing their first clients through referrals. It feels natural, and the personal connection makes selling easier. But word of mouth isn’t scalable.

Here’s the hard truth: if you’re not proactively marketing your business, you’re leaving your income to chance.

What to do instead: Build a marketing system that attracts leads consistently. Whether it’s through content marketing, webinars, or paid ads, you need a way to bring in new clients predictably. Think of it like planting seeds that grow into a steady stream of leads, rather than hoping for the occasional lucky break.

2. They Underprice Their Offers

Coaches often set their prices based on what they think clients will pay, not the true value of their work. Or worse, they let fear dictate their pricing. The result? They burn out trying to hit $10K months with low-ticket offers.

What to do instead: Shift to high-ticket offers. Yes, it’s scary to raise your prices, but offering premium packages not only allows you to serve clients at a deeper level, it also makes $10K months far more attainable.

For example, instead of trying to land 20 clients at $500 each, wouldn’t it be easier to book 4 clients at $2,500 each?

3. They Don’t Treat Their Business Like a Business

This one might sting a little, but it needs to be said: too many coaches treat their business like a hobby. They avoid tracking metrics, don’t have clear goals, and get caught up in busywork instead of revenue-generating activities.

What to do instead: Run your business like a CEO. Know your numbers—conversion rates, client retention, lifetime value. Focus your time and energy on the activities that directly impact your bottom line, like sales calls, nurturing leads, and improving your offers.

4. They Lack a Clear Niche

If your messaging is vague or tries to appeal to everyone, you’ll end up resonating with no one. Most coaches never hit consistent $10K months because they don’t position themselves as the go-to expert in a specific area.

What to do instead: Niche down. Speak directly to a specific audience with a clear pain point. For example, instead of being a “life coach,” position yourself as the go-to coach for mid-career professionals looking to pivot into a more fulfilling career. Specificity builds trust, and trust turns into sales.

5. They Avoid Sales Conversations

Selling can feel uncomfortable, especially if you don’t have a system or script that works for you. Many coaches avoid sales altogether, hoping their content or email list will magically convert leads.

What to do instead: Master the art of selling. Learn how to conduct sales calls that feel authentic and mutually beneficial. Remember, sales isn’t about convincing—it’s about helping someone make a decision that’s in their best interest.

6. They Don’t Have a Repeatable System

One-off launches and sporadic efforts might bring in bursts of income, but they won’t create consistent $10K months. Without a system, you’re constantly scrambling for the next sale.

What to do instead: Build a rinse-and-repeat system for attracting, nurturing, and converting leads. This might look like a simple sales funnel: a freebie, a nurture sequence, and an offer. Once you have a system in place, you can optimize and scale it.

7. They Struggle with Mindset Blocks

Finally, let’s talk about mindset. Many coaches struggle with imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, or even an unconscious resistance to earning more.

What to do instead: Work on your mindset as much as your strategy. Journaling, hiring a mindset coach, or even just surrounding yourself with supportive peers can make a huge difference. Remember, your results will only grow to the level of your belief in yourself.

The Bottom Line

Consistent $10K months aren’t reserved for the lucky few or the most “talented” coaches. They’re the result of intentional strategy, systems, and mindset shifts.

If you’ve been in business for years but haven’t hit your stride, it’s not a reflection of your abilities—it’s a sign that something in your approach needs tweaking.

The good news? You’re in control of that.

Are you ready to build a business that supports consistent $10K months (and beyond)? Let’s make it happen.

Want to dive deeper?

Check out the Coaches Success Blueprint learn the proven strategies that will help you scale to $10K months.