Last updated on Jul 4, 2024

Clients are resisting new goals in coaching. How can you help them break through their hesitation?

As a life coach, you often encounter clients who are hesitant to set new goals, which can be a significant barrier to growth. Understanding the root of this resistance is crucial in helping your clients progress. It could stem from fear of failure, lack of self-confidence, or simply the discomfort of stepping out of their comfort zone. Your role is to guide them through these feelings, offering support and strategies to overcome their doubts. By doing so, you enable them to embrace new challenges and the potential for personal development that comes with them.

1 Uncover Fears

Discovering the underlying fears that cause resistance is a vital first step. Engage in open dialogue to help your clients articulate their concerns. Whether it's fear of failure, judgment from others, or self-doubt, identifying these fears can demystify them and reduce their power. Encourage your clients to express themselves without judgment, and listen actively to what they share. This empathetic approach can build trust and make it easier for them to confront and manage their apprehensions.

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Esther Oyetola 🦅

Empowering 9-to-5 Professionals & Aspiring Entrepreneurs to Achieve Their Big Dreams | Self-Actualization Coach | Project Manager for Personal Goals | Author of 'Leading With Accountability' | SDGs 4&8
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Fear is often the biggest reason people resist new goals, especially those that seem beyond their capacity. While some fears may be justified, many can be confronted and overcome. When a client resists new goals and dreams, it's essential to uncover the sources of their fears and identify the specific issues causing the resistance. This can be done by asking reflective questions about their experiences and the roots of their fears. Once the sources of fear are identified, it's easier to provide the necessary resources to help them confront or overcome these fears. Taking it one step at a time, you can set smaller, highly realistic goals that gradually build their confidence and ability to tackle larger objectives.

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2 Build Confidence

Building confidence is key to overcoming hesitation. Start by acknowledging past successes and strengths, as these are the foundation upon which new goals can be built. Help your clients recognize their capabilities and remind them of times they've overcome similar challenges. Confidence grows from small victories, so encourage them to set achievable interim goals. This incremental approach can create a positive feedback loop that reinforces their belief in their ability to succeed.

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3 Embrace Change

Change can be intimidating, but it's also an opportunity for growth. Help your clients see the value in stepping out of their comfort zones by framing change as a positive, transformative experience. Discuss the benefits of personal development and how new goals can lead to a more fulfilling life. Encourage them to visualize the outcomes they desire and the steps needed to get there. By focusing on the positive aspects of change, you can shift their perspective from fear to excitement.

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Ania James

Mental Fitness Coach working with ambitious peri and menopausal women who want menopause to be a time of Big Change and Growth, not decline
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Embrace the Change and Reframe Goals as Opportunities Help clients see goals as opportunities for growth rather than obligations or pressures. Emphasize the positive outcomes and personal growth that can come from setting and achieving new goals. Use positive language and highlight the potential benefits

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4 Set Clear Goals

Clarity is essential when setting new goals. Assist your clients in defining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with their values and aspirations. A clear roadmap not only provides direction but also makes the journey towards new goals less daunting. Encourage them to break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, which can make the process seem less overwhelming and more attainable.

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5 Foster Accountability

Accountability can significantly enhance the commitment to new goals. Encourage your clients to share their goals with someone they trust or with you as their coach. This creates a sense of responsibility and can motivate them to follow through. Regular check-ins can also help maintain momentum and provide an opportunity for reassessment and adjustment of goals as necessary. When clients know they're not alone in their journey, it can alleviate some of their hesitation.

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6 Cultivate Resilience

Finally, cultivating resilience is essential for pushing through resistance. Life will inevitably present obstacles, but resilience allows individuals to bounce back and stay committed to their goals. Teach your clients coping strategies for dealing with setbacks and stress. Help them to develop a growth mindset that views challenges as opportunities for learning rather than insurmountable barriers. With resilience, your clients can face new goals with determination and adaptability.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dr. Hoda Ahmari Tehran

Assistant Professor, PhD in Medical Education, MSc, BSc in midwifery), Chair of Medical Education Department, Life Coach
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🔴By implementing strategies such as active listening, goal setting, and accountability, coaches can guide their clients towards achieving their desired outcomes. ▪️Understand their needs. ▪️Encourage autonomy and creativity. ▪️Celebrate progress and achievements. ▪️Assign a self-reflection homework exercise. Encourage clients to find a quiet place to contemplate their goals. Ask them to select their favourite place and dedicate some focused time to think about what they would like to achieve. ▪️Communicate the vision. Be the first to add your personal experience. ▪️Set Small Goals Every Day

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Robert E. Ward, Jr. (Robbie)

Master Life & Transformation Coach | Founder/CEO | Workshop Facilitator | Strategy Consultant, etc at The Top Hat Enterprise-TM (Cambodia)
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Have them reflect on what they really want in life and why they want it. Next, have them focus on the things they want for themselves, not what other people want for them. If they know what would really make them feel happy and empowered, they should be more inclined to start creating new goals.

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Clients are resisting new goals in coaching. How can you help them break through their hesitation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Uncover Fears

2 Build Confidence

3 Embrace Change

4 Set Clear Goals

5 Foster Accountability

6 Cultivate Resilience

7 Here’s what else to consider

Life Coaching

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Clients are resisting new goals in coaching. How can you help them break through their hesitation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Uncover Fears

2 Build Confidence

3 Embrace Change

4 Set Clear Goals

5 Foster Accountability

6 Cultivate Resilience

7 Here’s what else to consider

Life Coaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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