“That moment when they lean in…”

There’s a moment I look for in every coaching session. It’s small, subtle, often almost silent. But it means everything.

It’s that moment when they lean in.

• When something lands

• When a thought shifts

• When the mist lifts and clarity suddenly takes shape

• When the story they’ve been telling themselves starts to sound a little different

Their body language gives it away.
 The shoulders drop. The breath steadies. The eyes widen.
 And that’s the point where change begins to take root.

Over the past month, every brave and brilliant business owner I’ve worked with has had that moment. Each has shaken off an old cloak of doubt, fear or self-criticism and stepped forward with a new sense of calm certainty.

For me, it’s the air punch under the desk. The quiet “yes” that says we’ve just struck gold.

Why this matters

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a fog of hesitation or second-guessing, you’ll know how heavy it feels. The harder you try to push through it, the thicker it seems to get.

The truth is that most of us don’t need to work harder to get unstuck. We need to see differently. The fog begins to lift when we stop trying to fix everything from the outside and start exploring what’s really happening inside.

So how do you do that for yourself?

Here's three simple ways to lift the fog:

1. Listen to your language
 – Notice how you talk to yourself when something feels difficult. Do you say “I can’t” or “I haven’t yet”? The tiniest shift in language opens space for possibility. Try replacing final statements with curious questions: “What would make this easier?” or “What if I tried a different approach?”

2. Step back before stepping forward
 – When you feel overwhelmed, pause before you act. Take five minutes away from the desk. Change your view. Slowing down interrupts the automatic patterns that keep you stuck and helps your brain re-engage with choice rather than fear.

3. Borrow perspective 
– You don’t have to untangle everything alone. Sometimes clarity comes from a question asked by someone who isn’t caught up in your story. Talk it through with a trusted friend, mentor or coach. The simple act of being heard often brings the first flicker of light through the fog.

Finding your own “leaning in” moment

"That moment when they lean" in isn’t reserved for coaching sessions. It’s available to all of us when we start to let go of the unhelpful stories we’ve been carrying.

If you’ve been feeling weighed down by self-doubt, hesitation or habits that no longer serve you, perhaps it’s time to create your own leaning-in moment.

P.S... You don’t have to do it alone

My 'Stop Being Stuck' 1:1 coaching programme is designed to help you shake off that heavy cloak, challenge old beliefs and rediscover your natural clarity and confidence.

Because the moment you lean in, everything starts to move forward.