In a world that often demands certainty, many of us find ourselves circling the same decisions, unsure why we can't move forward. Sabrina, founder of Coaching with Sabrina, works with clients to uncover what's really standing in their way. In this interview, she shares her approach to building self-awareness and confidence.
The Hidden Sign You Might Need Coaching
When asked about the most common sign that someone could benefit from coaching without realizing it, Sabrina points to a specific pattern. "When someone keeps circling the same decision or challenge and can't seem to move forward," she explains. "An outside perspective can help uncover what's actually getting in the way."
This resonates with research on decision fatigue, which shows that repeated deliberation without resolution can drain mental energy and reinforce feelings of stuckness.
Career Change or Personal Shift?
Many clients come to coaching unsure whether they need a new job or a new direction entirely. Sabrina helps them distinguish between the two by examining what feels out of alignment. "Is it the role, company, or career itself, or have their values, priorities, and sense of fulfillment changed?" she asks. From there, she guides clients to determine whether they need a different professional environment or whether the career question points to a broader shift in what they want from life.
This distinction can be valuable, as career transitions sometimes reflect broader changes in a person's values, priorities, or sense of fulfillment.
The First Few Sessions
Sabrina's coaching process begins with clarity. "We start by getting clear on what the client wants to change or work toward and what may be standing in the way," she says. From there, the work moves into identifying patterns, exploring new perspectives, and turning insights into practical steps that clients can apply immediately.
When Stuckness Has No Name
For clients who feel stuck but can't pinpoint why, Sabrina takes a slower, more curious approach. "I slow things down and ask questions that help us look beneath the surface of what they're experiencing," she shares. She reframes the feeling of stuckness not as a lack of direction, but as a signal. "Feeling stuck is less about not knowing what to do and more about uncovering the beliefs, fears, or expectations making it difficult to move forward."
Guided reflection can help clients regain a sense of agency by identifying the beliefs, fears, or expectations that may be keeping them stuck.
The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
When asked about the single most impactful mindset shift she's observed in her clients, Sabrina's answer is clear. "Recognizing that they don't need to have everything figured out before taking the next step," she says. "Clarity often comes through action. Even a small shift can create momentum and open up possibilities they couldn't see before."
This insight echoes the action-first approach advocated by many psychologists, who note that movement—even imperfect movement—often generates the clarity we seek.
Practical Takeaways
For readers considering coaching, Sabrina's approach offers a few guiding principles:
- Notice the loops. If you're circling the same decision without progress, an outside perspective may help.
- Examine alignment. Ask whether your dissatisfaction is about your environment or your deeper values.
- Start small. You don't need a full plan to take the next step. Action creates clarity.
Sabrina Rivera is the founder of Coaching with Sabrina, where she supports clients navigating career transitions, professional growth, and personal change. Learn more at Coaching with Sabrina.