Coaching and the Art of Not Face-Planting on a Drag Lift

I went snowboarding recently. And despite years of experience, I arrived at the slope with my heart pounding so hard I was convinced the café had given me full-caf instead of decaf. They hadn’t. But my nerves were very real.

You see, I love snowboarding. I’ve been doing it for years. But a few years ago, I cracked a rib (badly) and bruised others (equally badly) on day three of a holiday. Let’s just say the remainder of the trip involved a lot more lying down and very strong painkillers than actual snowboarding. Ever since, there’s been a little voice in my head whispering, Be careful. You know what happened last time…

Fast forward to this week, and I’d booked a snowboarding lesson. Not just any lesson—one that would start with something I actively avoid every single trip: the drag lift. If you’re unfamiliar, a drag lift is like an untrustworthy acquaintance who promises to get you to the top but may also unceremoniously dump you halfway up while making sure everyone notices.

So, naturally, on my very first attempt, I stopped the entire thing for everyone. Brilliant.

Fortunately, there was a lovely instructor at the bottom who didn’t let me spiral into embarrassment. Instead, he calmly talked me through how to get on, how to hold on (for dear life), and how to relax into it—because apparently, being dragged uphill while standing on a slippery plank is something that should feel natural.

Then he said something simple but powerful: Look up the mountain.

Now, to clarify, we were in an indoor snow dome. Not exactly the Alps. But still, that shift in perspective helped. Instead of thinking about the clunky mechanics of getting on the lift, I was thinking about where I was going.

And once I got to the top? I fell over. They had to stop the lift again. Yep, my skills were really shining that day.

But here’s the thing—I got back on. Again. And again. Until I could do it without a second thought.

The Lesson in Coaching (and Snowboarding)

Enter my snowboard coach. After my third successful drag lift attempt, I told him, If you take nothing else away from today, know that getting me comfortable on a drag lift is a miracle.

His response? I haven’t done anything. You’ve done it all.

And that’s the thing about coaching.

I had to book the session. I had to show up. I had to face my fear, step onto that lift, fall off, get back up, and do it again. My coach didn’t do that for me. What he did do was guide me, notice what was holding me back, tweak my approach, and remind me that I was the one making progress.

It wasn’t just about technical skills. It was about confidence. He helped me iron out a small flaw in my turns that had been making me nervous on steeper slopes. He reminded me that I didn’t need to be perfect—I just needed to be me on the board.

By the end of the lesson, I felt elated. Not just because my snowboarding had improved, but because I’d been reminded of something fundamental: When you want to do something better, braver, bolder—it’s already in you. You just need the right support to bring it out.

What Coaching Really Does

Coaching isn’t about handing you a magic formula or making you follow a rigid set of rules. It’s about someone listening to what’s really going on beneath the surface and helping you unlock what you already have.

Whether it’s snowboarding, running a business, or making a big decision, coaching is there to:
✅ Give you the tools that work for you (not just a one-size-fits-all approach).
✅ Help you see what’s holding you back (whether that’s a technical issue or a mindset block).
✅ Keep you moving forward when fear or self-doubt creeps in.

But ultimately? You are the one who takes that first step.

Even when your heart is pounding.
Even when you think you’ve had a full-caf coffee.
Even when you fall off the drag lift.

You get back up. You keep going. And when you do? You realise you were always capable—you just needed the right support to see it.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, unsure, or overwhelmed in your business (or on a snowboard), maybe it’s not about needing more skills. Maybe it’s about finding the right coach to remind you of what you already have.

Because trust me—if I can learn to love the drag lift, you can absolutely do whatever it is you’re setting out to do.

With purpose,
Clare

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Most days’ you’ll find me coaching for CMR Focus + Growth, and building Conscious Entrepreneurs. Occasionally, I’ll be on a drag lift, looking up the mountain!

If you want to work with a values-led coach who’s aim is to connect you with growth and purpose without losing focus and purpose.  Book a call – it’s free

What could go right? 🙂