You’re Not Behind: A Letter to IIN Graduates

Dear IIN Graduates,

It’s been a year since I graduated from IIN, and I can honestly say—it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions.

This past year, I’ve felt everything from “I could be the best coach in the world” to “I want to quit and never do this again.” And the reason I decided to write this is simple: knowing we’re not alone makes it a little easier.

Knowing that we’re not the only ones struggling.

Not the only ones doubting ourselves.

Not the only ones feeling uncertain.

Because uncertainty doesn’t mean failure—it means growth.

We Are So Hard on Ourselves

As IIN graduates, we come out inspired, motivated, and full of ideas. And then reality hits. We start questioning everything:

Am I doing enough?

Why isn’t this happening faster?

Why does everyone else seem so confident?

But here’s something I’ve learned: you don’t need everyone to believe in you. You only need one person—you.

You got this, even on the days it doesn’t feel like it.

Trust Yourself (Even When You’re Unsure)

Self-trust doesn’t mean you never doubt yourself. It means you keep going despite the doubt.

You’re allowed to try something and change your mind.

You’re allowed to evolve.

You’re allowed to pivot.

Pivoting Is Not Failing

So many of us think we need to have everything figured out right after graduating. But the truth is, clarity comes from doing—not from planning.

Pivoting doesn’t mean you gave up.

Pivoting means you’re listening to yourself.

Pivoting means you’re learning what actually lights you up.

Consistency Looks Different for Everyone

There were moments when I was writing every single week.

Then it became twice a month.

Then it turned into just a newsletter.

And guess what? That was still progress.

Consistency isn’t about doing the same thing forever. It’s about staying connected to your purpose—even when the format changes.

Be Inspired by Others, But Be Yourself

It’s great to learn from other coaches. To admire their success. To get inspired.

But comparison will drain you fast.

Your voice matters.

Your story matters.

Your way of coaching matters.

No one else can do it the way you do.

Focus on the Now

Over the past year, I went from writing regularly…

to writing less…

to focusing on newsletters…

to writing for a local magazine…

to creating coaching programs for adults…

to publishing my very first children’s book.

If you had asked me a year ago if this is what I’d be doing, I wouldn’t have believed you.

And that’s exactly the point.

Instead of obsessing over the end result, focus on what you can do *now*:

* What feels exciting today?

* What feels aligned right now?

* What small step can you take this week?

Enjoy the Process (Even When It’s Hard)

Yes, it’s stressful.

Yes, it’s uncomfortable.

Yes, there will be moments of doubt.

But you are building something that matters to you.

You are learning.

You are growing.

You are becoming.

And that is more than enough.

If you’re an IIN graduate reading this and feeling lost, unsure, or behind—please know this:

You’re not behind.

You’re not failing.

You’re exactly where you need to be.

Keep going. Trust yourself. And allow the journey to surprise you.

Love,

Dani @danifaig