So many coaches and entrepreneurs get stuck in the cycle of procrastination. They know what they need to do—create content, network, reach out to clients—but they just can’t seem to take action. For years, I’ve worked with people who are struggling, and what I’ve found is that their problem isn’t a lack of business strategy or marketing knowledge. The real challenge is almost always internal.
That’s why I was so excited to talk with ChewHoong Koh, an incredible business coach who specializes in helping purpose-driven entrepreneurs overcome procrastination. Her approach is unique because she goes beyond traditional marketing and sales tactics to focus on what’s happening on the inside. What I learned from her completely reframed how I think about building a business.
The 80/20 Rule of Success
In our conversation, ChewHoong shared a powerful idea she learned from Tony Robbins: business success is 20% external strategy and 80% internal work.
Think about that for a second. We spend so much time and money on business courses, funnels, and social media hacks, when the real leverage is in our mindset, our emotions, and our energy. We can have all the knowledge in the world, but if we’re not aligned internally, we’ll never take the action needed to succeed.
As ChewHoong put it, “It’s not just mindset, it’s also emotional, and I’m going to introduce a new concept: energetics.”
She explained that while we might say affirmations like, “I am a successful coach,” our emotions and energetic state might be saying the opposite. If you feel frustrated or worried, that’s the energy you’re putting out. And people will feel that lack of confidence or authenticity, even if they can’t put their finger on it.
This hit home for me. We can only force ourselves to do things we don’t feel aligned with for so long. Eventually, we burn out, give up, or get stuck in a trap where we are making money but feel miserable.
Be, Do, Have: Flipping the Script
ChewHoong introduced me to a powerful philosophy that completely changes the game: instead of do, have, be, we should focus on be, do, have.
The traditional model says: “I will do the work (hustle, market, grind) so I can have a successful business so I can be happy.”
The problem with this is that it delays our happiness and fulfillment. ChewHoong’s philosophy flips it on its head: “I choose to be in a state of joy and alignment. From that place, I will do the right activities. As a result, I will have the business success I desire.”
This simple reframe is a game-changer. It means we stop “should-ing” all over ourselves. Instead of doing what we think we “should” do, we ask ourselves, “What activities will make me feel joyful?” When we find the overlap between what we need to do and what feels good, our actions become effortless.
ChewHoong shared the story of a client who hated online networking but loved meeting people in person. When they focused on what brought her joy, she quickly built a successful business doing exactly that.
Healing the Past to Build the Future
One of the most profound parts of our conversation was when ChewHoong shared her own story of procrastination and near bankruptcy. She realized her constant overthinking and inaction came from “small-t traumas” from her childhood—being told she wasn’t smart or good enough. These experiences created a subconscious belief that limited her for years.
This is a powerful lesson for all of us. If you’re stuck in a pattern of procrastination, perfectionism, or impostor syndrome, it’s a clear sign that you need to go inward. As ChewHoong noted, these patterns often come from past hurts and limiting beliefs that our logical mind can’t always access. This is where working with a coach can make all the difference.
My Biggest Takeaway
I walked away from this conversation with a renewed belief in the power of internal work. As entrepreneurs, we often feel like we need to be perfect, but ChewHoong’s approach reminds us that vulnerability and self-awareness are our greatest strengths.
When you feel stuck, instead of pushing harder on the external strategies, stop and ask yourself:
- What is my big “why”?
- What do I want to be today?
- What actions would feel joyful and aligned with that state of being?
Taking a step back to work on these internal questions can propel you forward faster than any marketing tactic ever could.
Connect with ChewHoong Koh:
- Achieve Your Goals Fast Visualization: https://thrive-with-success.kit.com/fb9f91c8fd
- ChewHoong on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chewhoong.koh