I worry I'm not qualified. I'm not gonna bury the lead—that's it.
I was a good fencer, but not a great one (in my eyes). I know some things about psychology, emotional processing, and nervous system regulation, but I don't have a degree in any of those things. When I first started doing this, I was legitimately afraid the people I was training and competing with would laugh at me, at my audacity in thinking I had something to offer.
At some point I realized I wasn't marketing to my peers, and those more successful than me. I wasn't telling anyone 'hey I can help you make the Olympics' and that helped me feel more comfortable, but it was still scary to advertise myself as a mental coach—even after I got great feedback from clients. Maybe it was a fluke—maybe I could only do it once or twice, or with certain people.
Now I'm working with clients who are better than I ever was: I have clients on the national teams of four different countries. I've had a friend and client say about my sessions "They're helping me try to qualify for the Olympics!" I've been an integral part of getting an excellent fencer from 'no national medals in 5 years' to winning a Div I NAC and making top 8’s (or better) at every single junior NAC in the season. And I'm still viscerally scared that a better fencer than me will ask me how I can help them, and I won't have an answer that feels true.
What's important to me about doing this work is to help every fencer (and athlete) I can enjoy this sport. Whether at the level of, recreational, local, or regional fencing, or, yes, trying to qualify for the Olympics. I know that at any level, the stress, the pressure, and the self-criticism can be overwhelming. Maybe for some people all I can be is a listening ear that understands the struggle, and maybe for some people I can offer more.
But I guess as I write this I'm realizing I can honestly say I have something to offer to everyone.
One more thing I'll add—I had a lot of doubt in myself as a fencer, and it held me back. I didn't really believe I could compete at the highest level—and sure enough, that came true.
If I let the same doubts stop me from offering whatever coaching I could, and figuring out how to make it better . . . that wouldn't have gone anywhere either.
So even if you're scared—give it a shot.
P.S. This did start out as a marketing email, but I didn't know where it was going to end up. I just started writing honestly, and kept writing until I was crying (I may be a little short on sleep right now)
So anyway, if you want to work with me, doubts and all, you can click here to buy a package and get on the waitlist or book a free consult with me. . . whatever your goals may be.