The “Right Time” Myth and When to Start Therapy or Coaching
You’re doing it all; juggling your to-do list and making it all happen, finding time (somehow!) to show up for everything you have to, and likely feeling like things are fine. While the world sees a high achiever and someone they can rely on to keep crushing life, you might feel this inner tug to find more balance and connection to yourself.
The thing is, we tend to put aside what would make it a little bit easier because we don’t “need” anything more. We don’t want to add one more thing to our already busy list. But wouldn’t it be nice to feel like you’re being supported along the way? Imagine not having to wait for things to explode to claim more space just for you? And what would it be like to step into a new level of personal growth regardless of the obligations on your plate or the lack of time on your calendar?
Trust me, we understand those thoughts of:
“I really want to start therapy, but it’s easier to wait until work lightens up.”
“It would be nice to see a coach and work on what matters to me more, but it feels like my schedule won’t ever open up”.
“I need to start focusing on my self-care and nutrition, but it’ll be easier to focus once the weather changes.”
It would be SO nice to see this ideal opening of time when things feel simple and easier to start the coaching, therapy experience, or any other activity that supports your mental health and wellbeing. Still, the reality is that sometimes waiting for those openings is why we may never seek support or develop those routines and self-confidence that could have really helped in those chaotic moments.
So today, let’s talk about why those busy seasons might actually be the best time to start prioritizing yourself, your well-being, and truly claiming space for yourself without needing a crisis moment or breaking point to hit. You don’t have to carry it all alone.
The “right time” myth
If we’re being real, there’s this secret belief we all carry that there’s going to be this magical season where the calendar clears, the to-do list shrinks, and we finally have the capacity to do all the things that hit the back burner when life picks up. It makes sense to think like this, especially when we’re just trying to get through a busy time and need to be hopeful that there will be a break of some sort on the horizon. If you’re honest with yourself, has this break ever manifested in the way you imagined it would?
It’s important to note that thinking of a less chaotic time is also an intuitive hit from within that we’re needing some pause, slowing of the pace, and having some help wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world.
And if we’re honest, sometimes the idea of waiting feels a little protective. Starting something new that’s only for you, like therapy, coaching, couples therapy, or a new routine, can feel vulnerable and challenging. We know things may have to shift, so thinking “I’ll start later” is our brain’s way of keeping us safe from the perceived discomfort of it all.
But here’s the question worth asking: If life is always full, what would it mean to stop waiting for a perfect opening and know you deserve the space to build support into the life you already have?
Why busy seasons are the best time to focus on wellbeing
Starting therapy or coaching in a busy season can be more impactful than waiting until life calms down because that’s usually when you need the grounding and coping tools most. Having it all together can get exhausting even for the most successful people, and everyone needs a moment sometimes.
Here’s a little visual: Imagine you want to learn to swim in the ocean, but you only practice when the water is calm. You might not be able to practice as consistently, always waiting for some uncontrollable factors like wind, rain, currents, or other people in the water. If you were open to practicing when the water is a little choppy, not only would you become a stronger swimmer, but you’d be much more resilient in the event that a storm hits.
Getting started in a new routine that helps you take care of yourself while things are a little messy around you is just like learning to swim in choppy waters, and the result can be feeling like you’re more prepared for those bigger storms (life's challenges), knowing you’ve built the foundational skills you can rely on to keep you afloat.
A few more reasons proactive support helps you in the long run
Stress can help you practice: When there’s a lot going on, any mindfulness, reflection, and support take on different meanings and can usually feel a lot more impactful. The benefits of therapy and coaching gives you coping skills that impact your daily life and offer a safe space to find emotional support.
You can see what really works: It’s easier to find what works for you when you can try new things like carving out time for a therapy session weekly or experimenting with a new skill your coach suggests to better care for yourself in these hectic moments. You can notice how your body and mind respond, but also how to integrate everything into your lifestyle so it supports you instead of feeling like a new to-do list.
You build resilience: Starting in busy seasons helps you feel more capable of handling whatever comes next. Practicing when you’re in the thick of things helps you focus on any slower moments on building that consistency and making sure you have everything you need in place to withstand any new stressors or unexpected shifts.
You learn to listen inwardly: By starting support now, you practice noticing your own internal signals instead of waiting for outside circumstances to dictate when and how you can take care of yourself. Maybe you take a five-minute walk after lunch because your body feels tight and needs movement, not just because your schedule suddenly allowed it. Over time, tuning into these cues helps you build sustainable habits that fit who you are and what you need, no matter what’s happening around you for a better sense of self.
“As an executive, I often ignored the signals my body was sending me—something I didn’t fully recognize until I began working with Holly. Through our sessions, I also came to understand that I wasn’t as harsh as I had feared, as long as I was speaking up intentionally and appropriately. Gaining this awareness has helped me feel more grounded and back in control.”
-Executive coaching client, 2025
The emotional costs of waiting to ask for help
We don’t always talk about this part, but putting off wellness carries its own weight. When you tell yourself, “I’ll start later”, it lingers in the back of your mind and feels heavier as each week passes in the thick of things.
The mental load of putting yourself to the side can feel like:
Guilt for not doing it yet
The sense of falling behind on your goals and intrusive thoughts of failure
Emotional pain that gets suppressed when there doesn't seem to be a clear reason
Low energy from carrying stress without outlets or moments to release
Resentment toward yourself or others for always being “too busy”
You can also notice physical symptoms or health problems that show up in different ways and impact quality of life. These are your internal wisdom to take a moment even if you don't consider yourself to have severe mental health concerns. It's okay to answer this call and seek professional support.
Waiting rarely means that life gets easier, because the achievement you’re working towards is probably only going to open up new doors and new challenges that call your attention. We don’t want to take away that drive, but support it so you have the capacity to take on more AND the permission to do it in a way that doesn’t mean putting everything else on hold.
“I didn’t know that small intentional steps through coaching could lead to such large mood shifts. Beth has introduced a lot of tools and habits to help quiet my everyday anxiety. She’s also help shift my perspective to focus more on things within my control so I’m able to see tangible results in my everyday life.”
- Life coaching client, 2025
The benefit of working with a therapist or coach who understands the specific concerns and stressors of high-functioning professionals is that they get it and can get creative with you to find small shifts that make a big difference in the way you’re already living and working. We’re here to help you find what that looks like, and we will never expect that you have endless time and energy, because let’s be real–who does?
Let’s talk about what this looks like to step into more space for you while you’re managing a loud outer world.
How to start small when life already feels full
You’re certainly not alone if you’re thinking, “This all sounds great, but how on earth am I supposed to add one more thing to my plate right now?”. Just reaching out and getting to know a coach or therapist, or taking a step to surround yourself with empowering podcasts or books, is a signal that you are reclaiming time (in a way that works) to feel your best. These new ways to bring your individual needs to the forefront aren't a sign of weakness, but a strong first step toward shifting the quality of your life in busy times and in the best times.
The smallest steps can be the ones that fit into the cracks of your busy day, yet make the most significant difference. It’s here that we let go of this notion that everything has to be overhauled and “fixed” to start feeling better. Most of the time it’s just about beginning and experimenting with something new in your day-to-day based on your goals.
Examples of small steps that feel big
Maybe instead of committing to a year of coaching or therapy, you schedule that first consult call to see how it feels and go from there. Sometimes that first conversation is enough to bring clarity and a sense of relief you didn’t realize you needed.
You might envision yourself some day with a regular workout routine of taking an hour a day to invest in your strength. Letting yourself start today with a 10-minute walk between meetings can reset your brain and body more than you think and build momentum that you can tap into as you build toward your goals.
You might be putting off mindfulness or reflections in a journal you bought 3 months ago (we get it!). What if you tried taking 5 minutes to jot down some areas of life that are draining your energy to open up awareness and inspiration about where you can focus first to feel the weight lifting.
If you have no idea what can feel supportive right now, you might go for a walk totally unplugged and ask yourself the simple question of, “What do I need right now?” then let your thoughts run without judgment to see what comes up.
These micro-steps aren’t about perfection at all. They’re about creating little openings of relief and showing yourself that you can focus on what you need while tending to everything else life brings you. Each small action reminds you that you can care for yourself even in the busiest seasons. Over time, those small investments stack up into noticeable shifts in how you feel, without waiting for life to slow down.
Not only does listening to your own signals help you care for yourself in a way that actually fits, it also brings in fresh energy. Introducing novelty into your routine can bring out some new energy, creativity, and perspective on life. That momentum can carry into your to-do list, making it feel a little less draining and a lot more doable.
"I'm blessed beyond measure that Lisa's approach has made it easier for me to open up and share my thoughts and feelings. Her empathetic and non-judgmental ways enable me to feel understood and supported throughout our sessions. What truly sets Lisa apart is her ability to share her knowledge in a compassionate way while demonstrating she "gets" me. Her use of supplemental resources and tools have been a surprising benefit to her meaningful methodology."
- Therapy client, 2025
Reframing “busy” as a signal, not a barrier
What if we flipped the story? Instead of saying, “I’m too busy to start therapy or coaching right now,” that sense of not having much room for anything else can be a meaningful signal from within to seek support and feel held in it all.
Here’s what that can sound like:
“I’m so overwhelmed at work. Maybe therapy could help me manage it better.”
“This season with the kids is nonstop. I can lean on my coaching sessions to help me find balance and feel some release this week.”
“I’m carrying so much stress. This is a great time to find support and not have to take on everything alone.”
Busy times are when you might need support the most, from regulating your nervous system to establishing simple nutrition and sleep habits, and maybe that’s good news. Because it means you don’t have to wait anymore.
Starting therapy, coaching, or any wellness habit right now in the middle of the chaos is actually one of the most compassionate choices you can make. It tells your brain and body: “I’m worth caring for, even here, even now.”
Many people find benefits that impact every part of life, for example:
Moving to a new city and navigating making friends
Understanding relationship dynamics
Bringing your best efforts at work or in a new job
Navigating a rough patch and feeling stuck for a long time
Improving physical health outcomes
Working through communication skills that allow you to express what you need
So let this be your sign. You don’t need a cleared calendar, a new season, or a quieter schedule to begin. You just need a small step today.
“I've learned that coaching can help with a lot of different issues and/or goals that one may have. That coaching has both breadth and depth when it comes to what it can help with. Whatever I bring to Jess, whether it's a concern/worry, or it's something I want to change or build, she's able to calm me down, and or give me steps to begin to work on something. And if what we discuss in that session doesn't work, the next time she'll have more ideas on what to do. It feels like a very collaborative process, and I always feel supported.”
- Mind body wellness coaching client, 2025
A moment to reflect: 3 questions to check in with yourself
As you’ve read, you might have seen yourself in some of the examples or experienced some reflection moments that brought just a little bit more clarity to what feels best for you right now. Before you go, check out these three questions that will help you tune into yourself even more:
What’s one area of your well-being you’ve been waiting to start?
What small step could you take to help you enjoy the busy nature of life?
What would it be like to start today? What thoughts do you want to acknowledge?
Remember, reaching out for a therapist's help or exploring what a coach in your corner feels like isn't about needing a mental health crisis or really hard time. While we can support you through those moments too, we love to help you take what's working and make it work even more in alignment with what lights you up inside and helps you enjoy what you're working towards.
We’re here any time you’re feeling called to curiosity about coaching or therapy, and ready to meet you with compassion and empowerment in the ways you need most.
