Excellent effort. That’s what I ask of myself and my clients each day. None of us will create ‘perfect’ outcomes every time. But we can put forth the intention and attention that’s required to potentially do so.

Obsessing is the only way to get great at anything. That’s been my MO my entire life. Obsessing has allowed me to become expert at business startup, research + golf. Obsessing also means I’m never stuck. I can pivot.

Hard truth for sports instructors: While 72% of private tennis, golf, and pickleball coaches earn under $50K annually, the top 8% earn over $100K teaching the same sports. The difference? Business systems, not technical knowledge. Average isn't your destiny.

While the average tennis, golf, and pickleball instructor struggles to break $50K annually, new participant growth is staggering: Tennis up 28%, golf up 17%, pickleball up 159% since 2020. The opportunity for coaches who understand business has never been greater.

With the average self-employed sports instructor making under $45K while working 50+ hour weeks, it's time to confront the truth: Technical expertise alone doesn't build wealth. Business acumen does. The best coaches aren't just great teachers—they're great entrepreneurs.

Industry growth vs. coaching income: Tennis: 21.6M players (+28% growth), yet average coach makes $41K Golf: 37.5M players (+17% growth), yet average pro makes $45K Pickleball: 8.9M players (+159% growth), yet average coach makes $38K The gap is your opportunity.

Current market realities: - 27,000+ tennis pros nationwide - 29,000+ golf instructors - 6,000+ pickleball coaches (fastest growing) Yet most earn under $50K despite booming demand. The problem isn't the market. It's your business model.

The greatest obstacle for most sports instructors isn't technique—it's mindset. You're not "just a coach." You're a business owner who happens to coach. Until you see yourself as an entrepreneur first, you'll keep trading your irreplaceable time for replaceable income.

6 facts about the coaching economy: 1. 78% of sports instructors report feeling underpaid 2. 82% work weekends & evenings 3. 65% have no retirement savings 4. 71% have no systems for passive income 5. 84% compete primarily on price 6. 91% have no written business plan Change

Traditional instructor: - "I'll help you get better" - "I'm available whenever" - "Let me know what you need" Six-figure coach: - "I'll help you achieve X specific outcome" - "Here's when I work with clients" - "This is my proven process" Positioning precedes pricing.

4 immediate shifts for overworked sports instructors: 1. Replace "per session" with "per package" pricing 2. Create boundaries around communication 3. Define a clear ideal client profile 4. Document your methodology step-by-step Implementation beats information every time.

The hourly rate trap keeps most sports instructors perpetually exhausted. Your real product isn't your time—it's the transformation you create. When you package expertise into systems, you break the time-for-money equation that's keeping you broke and burned out.