Table of Contents

Introduction: The Hidden Pitfalls in Coaching Expectations

1.The “Quick Fix” Trap

• Why This Expectation Hurts Your Progress
• Signs You’ve Fallen for the “Quick Fix” Promise
• How LSJ Life Coaching Avoids the Quick-Fix Mirage

2.Believing the Coach Does All the Work

• Why This Mindset Leads to Disappointment
• Shifting to a Collaborative Approach
• LSJ’s Approach: Active Involvement & Partnership

3.Falling for Big Names & Slick Marketing

• Why “Brand” Alone Won’t Guarantee Results
• How to Vet Coaches Beyond the Hype
• LSJ Life Coaching: A Personal Touch Over Flashy Promises

4.My Story: How I Got Ripped Off—and Bounced Back Stronger

5.How LSJ Life Coaching Saves You from These Pitfalls

• Tailored Guidance, Not Generic Templates
• Accountability & Empathy at the Forefront
• Trial & Money-Back Assurance

Conclusion: Building a Coaching Relationship That Works

Introduction: The Hidden Pitfalls in Coaching Expectations

If you’ve ever wondered why some people experience massive success through coaching while others walk away feeling disappointed—or even ripped off—the difference often boils down to misaligned expectations.

Coaching can be incredibly transformative. A good coach will help you gain clarity, break through old habits, and move steadily toward meaningful goals. But the industry is also filled with misleading ads, grandiose promises, and superficial “systems” that target your desire for rapid, effortless change. When you buy into these illusions, you might spend a lot of money and time without seeing real progress. Worse yet, you might leave feeling jaded or believing that coaching “doesn’t work.”

I’m Lauren Selby Jones, founder of LSJ Life Coaching and creator of the Me Time Mentality. Over the years, I’ve worked with clients who initially carried deeply flawed assumptions about how coaching is supposed to unfold. Their stories often begin in disappointment—maybe they hired a “celebrity coach” who never personalised the approach, or they believed the coach would do all the heavy lifting while they sat on the sidelines waiting for miraculous results.

I know how frustrating it can be because I’ve been in the same boat: investing in glossy programs that promised the world but delivered little beyond confusion.

That’s why I’ve made it my mission to spare you from those same pitfalls.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the three most common misguided expectations that derail otherwise promising coaching journeys:

1.The “Quick Fix” Trap

2.Believing the Coach Does All the Work

3.Falling for Big Names & Slick Marketing

By recognising these pitfalls—and understanding how I structure LSJ Life Coaching to avoid them—you’ll be better equipped to choose a coach (or any personal development program) that genuinely supports your growth and respects your individuality.

Let’s dive in and unmask these problematic assumptions, so you can invest your energy in the right place and truly reap the benefits of a transformative coaching experience.

1. The “Quick Fix” Trap

There’s an undeniable appeal to the idea that change can be instant. We see it in headlines like “Shed 20 Pounds in 10 Days!” or “Earn Six Figures by Next Month!”. Unfortunately, the personal development world often capitalises on our desire for immediate results by packaging “overnight success” stories or one-size-fits-all solutions.

• You Underestimate the Depth of Change

True transformation—be it in career, relationships, or personal well-being—usually involves unravelling long-held beliefs and habits. Quick fixes skim the surface, ignoring the underlying layers that need genuine attention.

• You Don’t Build Sustainable Skills

Even if a “rapid result” method delivers a short-term boost, it rarely teaches you the day-to-day practices to maintain growth. Without foundational habits or mindset shifts, you’re likely to revert to old patterns once the initial thrill fades.

• Disillusionment Sets In

When you inevitably realise that immediate, dramatic success is harder to achieve than promised, you might blame yourself, feel like a failure, or decide that coaching doesn’t work. This can shut down your willingness to pursue further growth.

Signs You’ve Fallen for the “Quick Fix” Promise

• Promise of Instant Results: “Be completely stress-free in one week,” or “Double your income in 30 days” with little to no mention of consistent effort.

• No Mention of Accountability: Quick fixes rarely outline how they’ll keep you on track or adapt to your actual life circumstances.

• Emphasis on a “Secret” or “Hack”: If the marketing suggests there’s only one hidden trick you’re missing, be wary—it often oversimplifies a much more complex journey.

How LSJ Life Coaching Avoids the Quick-Fix Mirage

• Realistic Timelines

I won’t tell you that your entire life will be transformed in a single weekend. Instead, I’ll help you break down your ambitions into measurable steps, set realistic deadlines, and factor in the unpredictability of everyday life—especially for parents juggling multiple responsibilities.

• Ongoing Check-Ins

Change isn’t linear. Sometimes you’ll have breakthroughs; other times, you might feel stuck. Through regular accountability sessions, we tackle issues as they arise and adjust your plan as needed, reinforcing the idea that progress is an evolving process.

• Focus on Sustainable Habits

If you’re looking to improve your work-life balance, we won’t just talk about “having a perfect schedule.” We’ll create small, repeatable routines (like morning reflections or weekly family activities) that anchor you in your goals & values.

• Compassionate yet Honest

Having been burned by false promises myself, I’m upfront about the effort, time, and emotional resilience true change requires. While this approach might not be as “sexy” as a quick-fix offer, it spares you from the yo-yo effect of fleeting success and big letdowns.

2. Believing the Coach Does All the Work

This second misconception is equally damaging: the idea that once you’ve hired a coach, you can relax, sit back, and wait for them to fix everything. In this scenario, the coach is viewed almost like a magician who waves a wand to vanquish your challenges while you watch from the sidelines.

Why This Mindset Leads to Disappointment

• Coaching Is a Partnership, Not a Service

Think of coaching as a supportive dance—both partners contribute. If you expect the coach to handle it all, you remove yourself from the equation of growth.

• You Lose Personal Agency

When you delegate all responsibility to the coach, you rob yourself of the chance to develop self-accountability, self-advocacy, and problem-solving skills. Even if the coach’s advice is stellar, you might struggle to maintain results once the program ends.

• You’re Less Likely to Engage or Be Honest

A successful coaching relationship relies on open communication about fears, setbacks, and intentions. If you’re not fully committed, you may withhold information or gloss over critical details—limiting the coach’s capacity to guide you effectively.

Shifting to a Collaborative Approach

• Embrace the Hard Work

Yes, a quality coach offers insights, tools, and accountability. But your willingness to engage—through homework, journaling, self-reflection, and consistent follow-through—determines the depth of your results.

• Adopt a Growth Mindset

View challenges as opportunities for learning rather than obstacles the coach must fix for you. This mental shift fosters resilience and positions you to benefit more from each session.

• Celebrate Small Wins

When you understand that you’re an active participant, you also get to celebrate achievements. Even small steps can be deeply gratifying when you know you’ve personally contributed to them.

LSJ’s Approach: Active Involvement & Partnership

At LSJ Life Coaching, I’m very clear that you are the architect of your journey.

What do I bring to the table?

Structured Accountability: Together, we design action steps. But the action itself remains in your hands.

Empathy & Expert Guidance: I provide encouragement and proven strategies, but I also ask tough questions to ensure you’re fully engaged.

Co-Creation of Goals: We set goals collaboratively, factoring in your unique constraints and strengths. This ensures you feel a sense of ownership rather than dependency.

Open Communication: I encourage regular check-ins via messages or calls, so if something isn’t working, you can voice it immediately. This keeps you involved and decision-making transparent.

3. Falling for Big Names & Slick Marketing

It’s hard to resist a polished sales funnel or a brand that everyone seems to be raving about. Online ads often feature celebrity endorsements, dramatic success stories, or glamorous event photos, all designed to create an aura of prestige around a particular coach or program.

Why “Brand” Alone Won’t Guarantee Results

• Personal Fit Is Overlooked

Even a world-famous coach might not resonate with your values, personality, or learning style. You could end up feeling alienated or pressured to conform to a model that doesn’t match who you are.

• Expensive Doesn’t Always Mean Superior

High ticket prices can reflect marketing budgets and brand positioning rather than genuine value. You might pay thousands for superficial content while a lesser-known coach could offer more personalised, effective support.

• You Don’t See Behind the Curtain

Slick marketing rarely reveals the high churn rates or dissatisfied clients. You see only curated testimonials—often the “best-case” scenarios—without the everyday struggles many face.

How to Vet Coaches Beyond the Hype

• Request a Free Discovery Call

A big brand might not offer this, which is a red flag. Quality coaches understand the need for a mutual fit. If they do offer a call, pay attention to how well they listen and whether they show genuine interest in your background.

• Read or Watch More In-Depth Testimonials

Look for success stories that mirror your own situation—similar family structure, career stage, or personal aspirations. If you see mostly vague praise like “She’s amazing!” but no concrete results or context, dig deeper.

• Assess Values Alignment

A brand can be big but still authentic. Ask direct questions about their philosophy, approach to accountability, or how they handle personal obstacles. If the answers feel in line with your values, that’s a good sign.

LSJ Life Coaching: A Personal Touch Over Flashy Promises

While I wholeheartedly value professional branding and clear communication, my focus is on personal connection. I want us to have a real conversation—hearing about your life and your challenges, and figuring out how we might work together in a way that feels genuine.

When you invest in LSJ Life Coaching, you’re not just buying an “image” or an abstract system. You’re entering a collaborative relationship with someone who’s walked the path of trial, error, and ultimate transformation.

4. My Story: How I Got Ripped Off—and Bounced Back Stronger

Let me share a little about my own journey, which shaped how I approach coaching today. Years ago, I was juggling multiple children, a demanding schedule, and big aspirations for my personal and professional life. Feeling overwhelmed, I turned to online ads promising immediate relief and massive results.

• The “Quick Fix” I Fell For:

I once signed up for a program claiming to “Transform Your Life in 7 Days or Less.” At first, it felt thrilling—maybe there was a missing piece that would magically reorganise my chaos. Reality soon bit: the “lessons” were generic PDFs with no accountability or nuance. I’d been sold on a dream with zero structure to support real-life changes.

• The Celebrity Coach Story:

Another time, I spent a substantial sum on a famous brand’s group coaching. They had glamorous social media clips featuring success stories and name-dropped popular influencers. However, the actual sessions were pre-recorded videos with thousands of participants. I never got a chance to ask a single question. Feeling alone, I realised I’d paid a lot of money to watch curated content that offered no personal feedback.

Both experiences left me frustrated, not just financially but emotionally. I doubted my ability to change, and for a while, I swore off coaching entirely. Yet the nagging feeling that there must be a better way kept me searching.

Eventually, I discovered more down-to-earth coaches, and mentors who listened to me, who answered my questions, and who guided me step-by-step. That’s when transformation started happening. But they still didn't get life as a parent. They expected me to do 25 hours of high-performance habits and tasks in a 24-hour day and told me to outsource my family.

Today, as the founder of LSJ Life Coaching, I carry these memories into my own practice. My approach is deliberately shaped to avoid leaving anyone stranded or disappointed:

• No Overhyped Promotions: I believe in transparent communication about what’s realistic.

• One-on-One Engagement: Even when I run group programs, I ensure personal touch points so you never feel like a number.

• Free Call: I always suggest a free initial chat to confirm a mutual fit. If we’re not aligned, I won’t enrol you—simple as that.

I want to spare you from the heartbreak and confusion of investing in a “too good to be true” scheme. If you’re reading this, you deserve better. For you and your family!

5. How LSJ Life Coaching Saves You from These Pitfalls

Let’s revisit the three misguided expectations and outline how LSJ Life Coaching specifically prevents you from falling into those traps:

Tailored Guidance, Not Generic Templates

Instead of marketing “one magical system that works for everyone,” I:

Start with a Deep Dive: Through our initial free consultation, I get to know your story, values, obstacles, and dreams.

Co-Create a Roadmap: We’ll map out goals in phases, considering your lifestyle (especially if you’re a parent, like me), financial resources, and schedule.

Adapt and Evolve: If a strategy doesn’t fit you perfectly, I tweak it. No forcing a square peg into a round hole.

Why This Matters:

• You won’t be lured by illusions of a quick fix or a generic plan.
• You stay motivated because our approach feels personal and relevant.

Accountability & Empathy at the Forefront

To combat the idea that the coach does all the work—or that you have to figure everything out alone—my process focuses on:

Regular Check-Ins: We schedule frequent calls or messages so you’re always aware of your progress and can voice any hiccups.

Candid Conversations: If I sense you’re holding back or going off-track, I’ll address it with empathy but also honesty. Growth demands real talk.

Emotional Support: Coaching isn’t just about strategies; it’s about confidence, self-worth, and tackling limiting beliefs. I’ve been there, and I’m ready to listen without judgment.

Why This Matters:

• You learn the difference between accountability (the coach supports, encourages, and gently pushes) and autonomy (you make the choices).
• You avoid the trap of paying for a program, then realising you’re left on your own once the credit card is charged.

Trial & Money-Back Assurance

Sceptical about big names and lofty ads? I’ve got you covered:

Free Introductory Call: Before you spend a penny, we chat—voice or video—to see if we connect. If our values clash or your goals need a different approach, I’ll gladly refer you elsewhere.

Money-Back Guarantee: If, after we begin, you find the process completely mismatched to your expectations, there’s a clear path to walk away without regrets. I’m that confident in the value I deliver.

No Hidden Fees: I’m transparent about costs, session counts, and any group vs. individual components.

Why This Matters:

• You side-step the heartbreak of investing in a program only to feel cheated once you see what’s behind the curtain.
• You can relax and focus on actual growth, not on second-guessing whether you’ve just been “sold” on an empty promise.

Conclusion: Building a Coaching Relationship That Works

Your coaching journey doesn’t have to be littered with disappointment, buyer’s remorse, or vague outcomes. While the industry may host plenty of questionable offers, it also contains dedicated professionals who genuinely care about your transformation.

Let’s recap the three misguided expectations and how to steer clear of them:

1.The “Quick Fix” Trap

• Recognise that meaningful change requires time.
• Reject illusions of overnight success.
• Embrace a process that builds sustainable growth rather than fleeting wins.

2.Believing the Coach Does All the Work

• Accept that you are the protagonist of your change story.
• Engage wholeheartedly: attend sessions, complete exercises, and be open about challenges.
• Look for a coach who sees you as a partner, not a passive client.

3.Falling for Big Names & Slick Marketing

• Look beyond branding to see if the coach’s values align with yours.
• Demand transparency and personal connection.
• Don’t let high prices or celebrity endorsements overshadow the need for genuine fit and personal relevance.

LSJ Life Coaching exists precisely for those who want real transformation—without the fluff, hollow sales pitches, or one-size-fits-all frameworks. Having travelled down the road of hype and disappointment myself, I make sure you get the empathy, structure, and accountability you deserve.

I have travelled to over 30 countries in Europe and multiple states in the USA with my family and worked with different races, religions and cultures. I am patient and honest so I will make time for you if you are the right fit, if not, I will refer you and still wish you every success.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Book a Free Call with LSJ

You’ve read about the pitfalls, and you know there’s a better path to coaching success. So why not explore that path with someone who’s been in your shoes—and has designed a program specifically to address these challenges?

Here’s Your Invitation:

• No Pressure, No Hidden Fees: Let’s talk openly about where you are, what you want, and how we can possibly work together.

• Assess Our Compatibility: My top priority is ensuring we’re a good match, so you don’t repeat the unfortunate experiences I once had.

• Get Clear on Your Next Steps: Even if we decide not to move forward, you’ll walk away with greater clarity on what you should look for in a coach or program.

Click Here to Book a Free Call with LSJ:

https://www.laurenselbyjones.com

Final Thought: Don’t let these three misguided expectations sabotage what could be a life-changing coaching experience. Arm yourself with the right knowledge, align with a coach who respects your individuality, and remember—you hold the power in your own personal growth.

My role is simply to guide you, support you, and keep you accountable in reaching your next level.

I look forward to hearing your story and helping you avoid the mistakes that once trapped me. Let’s do this—together!