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Spotting Red Flags in Your Atlanta Coach? Here’s What to Do
So, you’ve hired a coach—maybe a life coach, fitness trainer, or business mentor—and something feels… off. Maybe they’re always canceling last minute, pushing shady supplements, or just giving you bad vibes. Trust your gut, Atlanta. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Let’s talk about how to handle this without wasting your time, money, or energy.
1. Recognize the Red Flags Early
First, know what you’re dealing with. Here are some common warning signs:
- They don’t listen. If every session feels like a monologue about their achievements, not your growth, that’s a problem.
- They make unrealistic promises. “Lose 30 pounds in two weeks!” or “Make six figures in a month!”—yeah, no.
- They’re unprofessional. Chronic lateness, no clear plan, or crossing personal boundaries (like oversharing or being too pushy).
- They blame you for lack of progress. A good coach helps you troubleshoot, not shame you.
Real-life example: A friend in Buckhead hired a “high-performance” coach who kept rescheduling sessions and then blamed her for “not being committed.” Spoiler: She fired him and found someone better.
2. Speak Up (But Keep It Cool)
If you’re noticing small issues, address them directly. Try:
- “I noticed we’ve had to reschedule a lot lately. Can we lock in a consistent time?”
- “I’m not comfortable with [specific behavior]. Can we adjust?”
Their response tells you everything. Defensiveness? Excuses? Red flag. Willingness to improve? Green light.
3. Know When to Walk Away
If the coach ignores your concerns or the red flags pile up, it’s time to bail. You wouldn’t keep eating at a restaurant that gave you food poisoning, right? Same logic.
Pro tip: Check your contract for cancellation policies. Some Atlanta coaches require notice—others don’t. Don’t ghost, but don’t feel guilty for leaving either.
4. Find a Better Fit
Atlanta’s full of amazing coaches. Ask for referrals, read reviews, and interview candidates. A good coach will:
- Ask you questions about your goals.
- Have a clear, structured approach.
- Make you feel empowered, not drained.
FAQs
“What if I’ve already paid upfront?”
If they’re not delivering, request a partial refund. No luck? Consider small claims court or leaving an honest review to warn others.
“How do I avoid bad coaches in the future?”
Look for credentials, testimonials, and a trial session. If they refuse a trial, that’s a red flag itself.
“Is it me or them?”
If multiple people have had issues (check reviews), it’s them. If it’s just not clicking, it might still be worth finding a better match.
At the end of the day, coaching is about your growth. Don’t settle for less, Atlanta.
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