🎙️ Why Going All In and Committing to Playing Full Out is Crucial for Growing a Successful Coaching Business 🚀

Feeling stuck in your coaching business? Putting in all the hours but not seeing the results you deserve? 🎯

In today’s episode of the Lifestyle Business Quest Podcast, I dive into the ONE thing that separates successful coaches from those who stay stuck: Full Commitment.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this powerful episode:

🔥 My Personal Story: How I rebuilt my business from the ground up during the 2008 recession by going all in when it felt impossible.

🔥 Real Client Transformations: Meet Bill, James, and Sarah, who turned their overwhelm into consistent success by committing fully and playing full out.

🔥 Deep Work & Energy Management: Why focusing on high-impact activities and managing your energy—not just your time—is a game-changer for your business.

🔥 High-Performance Insights: Get inspired by Brendan Burchard, Ryan Holiday, and Mel Robbins, and discover how they’ve mastered the art of commitment and energy management to fuel their success.

🔥 Actionable Strategies: Walk away with practical steps to shift from half-committing to playing full out in your business.

If you’re ready to stop playing small, listen in to this episode. It’s time to level up and go all in! 

- Travis

To Learn more about growing a Thriving Lifestyle Coaching Business, grab your FREE Masterclass Training Today! www.LifestyleBusinessQuest.com

Transcript

Are you tired of feeling stuck in your coaching business? Do you see other coaches thriving and wonder why it’s not happening for you? The truth is, success doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from committing fully and playing full out. Today, I’ll share how I rebuilt my business from near collapse during the 2008 recession, and you’ll hear the raw, real stories of my clients—Bill, James, and Sarah—who each faced their own fears and doubts and made a powerful decision to go all in. Plus, I’ll dive deep into the concept of deep work—a game-changer that most people overlook but is absolutely essential for real, sustainable growth. Get ready to learn how to transform your coaching business by committing fully to the process. Let’s get started.

Welcome to the Lifestyle Business Quest Podcast! I’m thrilled you’re here because today, we’re talking about the single most important factor in building a thriving coaching business: commitment. But not just any kind of commitment—the kind that demands your all, the kind that doesn’t let you quit when it gets hard, the kind that forces you to confront your fears and keep moving forward. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things but still not seeing the results, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, I’m going to take you behind the scenes of my own journey through one of the toughest periods of my life—the 2008 recession. I’ll share how my commitment to keep going, no matter what, helped me rebuild my coaching business from the ground up. You’ll also hear the stories of Bill, James, and Sarah—three incredible coaches who each faced their own battles and found success by going all in. We’ll talk about the difference between treating your coaching like a hobby versus a real business and why deep work is essential to breaking through the noise and achieving true success. We’ll also weave in powerful insights from The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz and learn from high performers like Brendan Burchard, Ryan Holiday, and Mel Robbins, who have redefined what it means to commit fully and manage your energy effectively. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a roadmap to make the shift from half-committing to playing full out.

I want to start by sharing my personal story because I know what it feels like to be on top of the world one day and have it all fall apart the next. Back in 2008, my coaching business was thriving. I had built a seven-figure business that allowed me to live the life of my dreams. I spent my days coaching incredible clients, skiing over 100 days a year, and jetting off to Maui whenever I felt like it. It felt like everything I had worked so hard for was finally paying off, and I was living in my version of paradise.

But that all changed when the 2008 recession hit. Suddenly, everything I had built started crumbling around me. My calendar, which was once filled with back-to-back client sessions, went blank almost overnight. My income, which I had relied on to provide security for my family, disappeared. I went from living my dream life to facing the harsh reality of wondering how I was going to keep my business afloat.

I can still vividly remember the sleepless nights—lying awake in bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with anxiety. I felt like I was failing, like everything I had built was slipping through my fingers, and I didn’t know how to stop it. My wife and I would sit at the kitchen table, going over our finances, trying to figure out how to make it work. I remember the fear in her eyes and the heavy weight of responsibility on my shoulders. We had conversations about selling our house, cutting back on expenses, and even the unthinkable—me going back to a traditional job.

But here’s the thing: deep down, I knew I couldn’t go back. I had tasted the freedom of running my own business, of being my own boss, and I knew there was no turning back. So, I made a decision that would change everything. I committed, fully and completely, to rebuilding my business no matter how long it took or how hard it was. I decided that failure wasn’t an option. I wasn’t just going to survive—I was going to thrive.

I dove headfirst into learning everything I could about building a sustainable business. I invested in top mentors, even when it felt like the last thing I could afford. I implemented systems and automation that would allow my business to run without me having to be present every moment. I shifted my entire business model, moving away from one-on-one coaching to group programs that were scalable. And perhaps most importantly, I got back to the basics of why I started coaching in the first place—to help people transform their lives.

During this time, I learned an invaluable lesson about commitment that echoes the principles in The Power of Full Engagement. It’s not just about the hours you put in—it’s about the energy you bring to those hours. Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz argue that managing your energy—not just your time—is the key to high performance and fulfillment. I realized that I needed to not only commit my time but also protect and recharge my energy so I could show up as the best version of myself, even in the toughest moments.

I started implementing daily routines to manage my energy—morning workouts to boost my physical energy, focused blocks of work followed by intentional breaks to renew my mental energy, and connecting with my family to recharge emotionally. By aligning my energy with my commitments, I wasn’t just working more—I was working better. This approach didn’t just help me rebuild my business—it helped me rebuild my confidence, my resilience, and my drive.

The journey wasn’t easy. There were moments when I felt like giving up, times when nothing seemed to be working, and days when I wondered if I was making the right choice. But every single day, I made a conscious decision to keep going. I leaned into my commitment, managed my energy, and slowly but surely, things started to turn around. Clients began to come back, my income began to stabilize, and eventually, my business grew stronger than it had ever been before. Today, I run a business that not only supports my lifestyle but also allows me to help other coaches build their own thriving businesses. But none of this would have been possible without that unwavering commitment to keep moving forward, no matter what.

One of my clients Bill’s story is a powerful example of what happens when you decide to go all in, even when you’re not sure how it’s going to work out. When Bill first reached out to me, he was in a place that many coaches find themselves in—overwhelmed, overworked, and struggling to make any real progress. Bill was putting in the hours, hustling every day, but no matter how hard he worked, he couldn’t seem to get ahead.

Bill was caught in the endless cycle of doing all the things. He was running client sessions, managing his own marketing, trying to keep up with his website, and handling all the admin work that comes with running a business. On the surface, it looked like he was doing everything right. But underneath, Bill was drowning. He was exhausted, frustrated, and starting to lose his passion for coaching because it felt like he was working harder than ever but getting nowhere.

During our first call, Bill opened up about how he felt trapped in his own business. He told me, “Travis, I feel like I’m constantly running, but I’m not moving forward.” That was a pivotal moment because it highlighted what so many coaches struggle with—being busy but not productive. Bill was spending his days putting out fires and dealing with the urgent but not spending any time on the important work that would actually grow his business.

We immediately integrated the principles from The Power of Full Engagement into Bill’s routine. I explained to him that his issue wasn’t just about time management—it was about energy management. Bill was pouring all his energy into shallow work, leaving him drained with nothing left for the high-impact activities that would move the needle in his business. We restructured his day, creating blocks of time dedicated to deep work, and more importantly, we built in intentional breaks to renew his energy.

We also implemented the Perpetual Client System, which automated Bill’s lead generation and client onboarding processes. This gave Bill back his time, but more importantly, it allowed him to focus on the work that truly mattered. Bill committed fully to the process. He didn’t just dip his toes in—he jumped in headfirst. He showed up to every call, implemented every strategy, and leaned into the discomfort of doing things differently.

Within a few months, Bill’s business was transformed. He went from feeling overwhelmed and stuck to consistently bringing in $15,000 a month. But the most significant change was how Bill felt. By managing his energy, not just his time, he went from feeling drained and depleted to energized and inspired. He finally had the freedom to spend more time with his family, pursue his passions, and show up as the coach he always knew he could be. Bill’s commitment to going all in didn’t just change his business—it changed his life.

James, another awesome client of mine's journey is one of courage, vulnerability, and the power of self-belief. When James first joined my program, he was struggling with something that many coaches face but rarely talk about—self-doubt. James was an experienced coach with a deep passion for helping others, but he was constantly second-guessing himself. He would see other coaches thriving on social media, landing high-ticket clients, and building successful businesses, and he couldn’t help but feel like he wasn’t good enough.

James’ self-doubt showed up in every aspect of his business. He hesitated to put himself out there, worried that people wouldn’t see the value in his work. He was reluctant to raise his prices, fearing that no one would pay. He would start projects but never finish them, always thinking they weren’t good enough. James was playing small, not because he didn’t have the skills or the knowledge, but because he didn’t believe in himself.

When we started working together, it became clear that James’ biggest obstacle wasn’t external—it was internal. He was stuck in a loop of comparison and self-doubt that was keeping him from showing up fully. Our first step was to get James to commit to something bigger than his fears. He had to decide that his mission to help others was more important than his insecurities. He had to choose to go all in, even when he didn’t feel ready.

We incorporated principles from The Power of Full Engagement, focusing on managing James’ emotional and mental energy. One of the key takeaways from the book is that the quality of our energy, not just the quantity of our time, is what determines our success. James began to work on his mindset daily, creating rituals that helped him build confidence and resilience. He started each day with affirmations, journaling, and visualization exercises that aligned his energy with his goals.

James embraced deep work, dedicating time each day to refine his message, develop his offers, and connect with his ideal clients. He stopped focusing on what everyone else was doing and started focusing on how he could serve at the highest level. James’ transformation wasn’t about becoming someone he wasn’t—it was about becoming the best version of who he already was.

As James leaned into his commitment, everything changed. His confidence grew, his income tripled, and he started attracting clients who were excited to work with him. But more than that, James became a leader. He stopped hiding, stopped second-guessing, and started owning his expertise. Today, James is making a massive impact in his niche, and his story is proof that when you commit fully to your growth and manage your energy wisely, you unlock potential you never knew you had.

Finally, coach Sarah’s journey is a powerful reminder that doing more doesn’t always mean doing better. When Sarah came to me, she was completely overwhelmed. She had spent years trying every strategy she could find—courses, webinars, social media challenges—but nothing seemed to work consistently. Sarah was chasing every shiny object, hoping that the next tactic would be the one that finally brought her success. But instead of clarity, she found herself feeling more scattered, more stressed, and more unsure of her path.

Sarah was trying to be everywhere at once. She was creating content, running ads, launching programs, and constantly pivoting her strategy. She was busy from morning till night but never felt like she was making real progress. When we first spoke, Sarah admitted that she was exhausted. She said, “I feel like I’m doing everything and nothing at the same time.” Sarah’s biggest challenge was that she was spreading herself too thin, trying to do it all without a clear focus or direction.

We started by stripping everything back. I told Sarah that she didn’t need to do more—she needed to do less, but do it better. We focused on simplifying her business, cutting out the noise, and zeroing in on what truly mattered. Sarah committed to blocking out time for deep work—dedicated sessions where she could focus on high-impact tasks without distractions. This wasn’t easy at first because Sarah was used to being in constant motion. But once she started embracing deep work, everything began to shift.

Drawing on the principles from The Power of Full Engagement, we also looked at how Sarah was managing her energy. We created a daily structure that included energy renewal practices—short breaks, movement, and time away from screens. By focusing on her physical, emotional, and mental energy, Sarah learned to work smarter, not just harder.

Sarah used her deep work sessions to refine her offers, craft her message, and build a streamlined client journey. She also committed to showing up fully in her marketing, putting herself out there in a way she never had before. Sarah’s transformation wasn’t just about finding the right strategy—it was about committing to the right work and showing up with intention.

Within a few months, Sarah’s business was thriving. She went from feeling like she was spinning her wheels to running a focused, profitable business that consistently attracted her ideal clients. Sarah’s revenue more than doubled, but more importantly, she found joy in her work again. She was no longer overwhelmed; she was energized and excited about the future. Sarah’s story is a testament to the power of going all in, committing to deep work, and managing your energy as your most valuable resource.

Now, let’s talk about three high performers who exemplify what it means to commit fully and manage your energy effectively: Brendan Burchard, Ryan Holiday, and Mel Robbins.

Brendan Burchard, one of the world’s leading high-performance coaches, often emphasizes the importance of living and working with full engagement. In his book *"High Performance Habits,"* Burchard shares that one of the key habits of high performers is seeking clarity—not just in what they need to do, but in how they want to feel. Burchard’s approach isn’t just about getting more done; it’s about generating the energy you need to show up fully engaged. He talks about “bringing the joy” to every task, every interaction, and every moment, which aligns perfectly with the idea of managing your energy to fuel your success.

Burchard’s work also highlights the importance of setting intention before every major task or meeting. He suggests taking a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and ask yourself, “Who do I want to be in this situation? How do I want to feel? What do I want to bring to the table?” This practice is all about aligning your energy and intention, which not only increases your productivity but also makes you feel more connected and fulfilled in your work.

Ryan Holiday, author of *"The Obstacle Is the Way,"* teaches a powerful philosophy based on Stoicism, which is all about turning challenges into opportunities and managing your inner world to create outer success. Holiday’s commitment to deep work is legendary. He sets aside uninterrupted blocks of time every morning to write, free from distractions, focusing entirely on producing his best work. Holiday’s approach is a perfect example of deep work combined with mental discipline. He doesn’t just show up—he shows up fully committed to creating something meaningful.

Holiday also emphasizes the importance of controlling what you can and letting go of what you can’t, a principle that has helped him stay focused and committed even when faced with setbacks. His story is a reminder that obstacles are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones if you approach them with the right mindset and energy.

Mel Robbins, known for her “5 Second Rule,” brings a unique take on commitment and energy management. Robbins teaches that it’s not about waiting until you feel motivated—it’s about taking action even when you don’t feel like it. Her “5 Second Rule” is a tool for breaking through procrastination and self-doubt. It’s about counting down from five and moving into action before your brain can talk you out of it. Robbins’ approach is all about creating momentum through micro-commitments and small wins that build your confidence and keep your energy high.

Mel also emphasizes the importance of controlling your morning routine. By starting your day with intention, setting clear goals, and aligning your actions with your values, you can set the tone for a productive, energy-filled day. Robbins teaches that action breeds confidence, and confidence fuels further action, creating a positive cycle of commitment and energy management.

If you’re ready to shift from half-committing to going all in, here are three actionable steps inspired by Burchard, Holiday, Robbins, and The Power of Full Engagement:

1. Block Out Time for Deep Work Every Day with Intention: Following Ryan Holiday’s practice, set aside at least one hour each day for deep work. This is your time to focus on your most important tasks. Before you start, take a page from Burchard’s book—pause, take a deep breath, and set your intention. Ask yourself how you want to show up during this time and what energy you want to bring to your work.

2. Use the 5 Second Rule to Break Through Resistance: Inspired by Mel Robbins, when you find yourself hesitating or procrastinating, use the “5 Second Rule.” Count down from five and take immediate action. This will help you break through mental barriers and start building momentum, especially during moments when commitment feels hard.

3. Reflect, Adjust, and Renew Your Energy Weekly: At the end of each week, review how your deep work and energy management practices went. Reflect on what energized you and what drained you. Make adjustments to protect your energy, such as adding more breaks, refining your morning routine, or setting stronger boundaries around your work time.

Remember, your energy is your most valuable asset, so treat it with the care it deserves.

Commitment, deep work, and full engagement are the keys to turning your coaching business from a side hustle into a thriving, impactful enterprise. My story, along with the journeys of Bill, James, and Sarah, and the insights from Brendan Burchard, Ryan Holiday, and Mel Robbins, show that when you decide to go all in, incredible things happen. It’s not about being the smartest or the most talented—it’s about showing up fully engaged, every single day, and doing the work that truly matters.

Thanks for joining me today on the Lifestyle Business Quest Podcast. Remember, success isn’t reserved for those who work the hardest—it’s for those who commit the most, manage their energy, and show up with intention. Keep showing up, stay focused, and let’s go all in together. Until next time, keep moving forward and play full out!