What Do You Do When You’re Doing Everything Right... and It’s Still Not Working? By Sharif Colbert | LifeCoachATL
- LifeCoachATL
- 3 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Some mornings hit different. Not because something’s wrong but because you’re tired of doing everything right and still not seeing it line up.
I’m Sharif Colbert, founder of LifeCoachATL, and I’ve been reflecting on how even when you’re coaching others to stay strong, there are days you have to coach yourself too.
I’ve been putting in the work... coaching, creating shirts, renting cars on Turo, staying positive, staying grateful. I’m out here pushing. But lately, the return hasn’t matched the effort. And when that happens, even the most optimistic part of you starts whispering, “Maybe it’s not working.”
When the Coach Feels Stuck Too
People assume that because I’m a coach, I’ve got it all figured out. Truth is, I’m in the same fight everyone else is, trying to make something out of the time I’ve been given.
I’m leading safe-space groups for men. I’m hosting retreats where brothers sit down, take off the mask, and breathe for a second. I see breakthrough in those rooms every single time.
And yet, even while I’m helping others heal, I still have nights where I question things.
When It Hits at Home
Last night, an argument ensued between my significant other and me and yeah, some hurtful but true things were said. In that moment, instead of feeling like we were a team who could conquer the world, I felt… well, like the Wi-Fi dropped during the championship game. Alone and buffering.
The funny thing is, I know my partner believes in what I’m doing. I’m not even upset. It was just a reminder of where I’m at right now and how in this season, nobody really cares what you accomplished last year. It’s about now.
And if I’m honest, “now” feels like a lot. My dad’s been in the hospital, and I’ve been trying to navigate everyone’s emotions... coordinate calls, manage updates, be the calm voice in the group chat. Add that to coaching, leading men’s groups, retreats, and trying to make this business work… it’s a lot for one person to carry.
But that’s the part people don’t see. The part where the coach still has to coach himself.
Sitting in the Silence
This morning, I didn’t turn on any music. Didn’t call anyone. Just sat in silence.And here’s what I realized, staying positive isn’t pretending everything’s fine. It’s believing that even when things aren’t fine, you still are.
I’m still showing up. I’m still building. I’m still becoming.
And even with the gym, meditation, and taking care of myself, some days are still hard. But the difference now is perspective. Because when I look back, I know that without those habits, I wouldn’t even be standing. They don’t erase the storm, but they help me hold my ground when it hits.
The Grind Between the Glow-Ups
We don’t talk enough about the gap between trying and arriving. That space where faith and frustration live side by side. But that’s where the story gets written... in the grind between the glow-ups.
If you’re in that space right now, I want you to know you’re not alone. You’re not lazy. You’re not behind. You’re just in the stretch that builds resilience. Keep going. The seeds you planted haven’t broken the surface yet but that doesn’t mean they’re not growing.
Pops Prompt:
What’s one area of your life where you’re still showing up — even though it doesn’t look like it’s paying off yet?
Closing Thoughts
If this message hit home, I’d love to help you keep showing up in your own life.Learn more about my coaching programs and men’s groups at LifeCoachATL.com.
Because you deserve peace at home and it starts with you.
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