A Coaching Model Created by Robert Steg
(Healthy Lifestyle Coach, UNITED STATES)
In this coaching model, the word “HEALTH” inside of a Heart is being used as an acronym for each step that is taken in the coaching process. Because this model is designed for Health and Wellness coaching, it is fitting that the word “HEALTH” be used here, because “heart health,” both physically and emotionally, is ever important in our clients’ well-being. I start out with each step by posing some important questions to the client. Then I explain the rationale behind each step and the questions involved. Each step will begin with a letter from the word, “HEALTH”.
Heart
When a client is considering making a change in their life regarding their health and wellness, it is important to establish their reasons for wanting to get there, and how it aligns with their core values. Not only must they feel motivated to get there, but they must believe that it is possible and that they will feel better about themselves when they do. They must also believe that whatever changes they make in their lifestyle are feasible to maintain in the long run or they are more likely to become disillusioned and give up at some point. In short, they must be motivated to start the process, and they must stay committed to reaching whatever goals they have set for themselves. The goals should be as specific as possible in order for them to know when they have arrived. However with health and wellness, it is a little trickier, because most people tend to be vague about their goals, so it is important to focus on the process and the subtle changes that they are making along their journey rather than on the end result. Because situations are constantly changing, this process becomes ever more critical in their keeping up with their health and wellness lifestyle.
Enthusiasm
Whenever a person embarks on a program to either lose weight or get healthier in general, they are almost always very enthusiastic in the beginning. Whatever motivator they started out with is usually very powerful for them. It might be some event in the future that they are looking forward to attending thinner or in better shape. On the other hand, it might be something they are moving away from, like obesity and the health risks associated with that such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, etc. In both cases it is important to make every attempt to keep this enthusiasm at a high level so that the client remains focused on their goals for the duration of their program.
Action Plan
Once the client has made up their mind that they are ready to commit to a health and wellness goal, it is important to support them in establishing an action plan. Although this plan does not and probably should not be set in stone, it is important to establish some guidelines for the client, so that they have a framework within which to work. Once specific structures are in place, it will be easier for them to follow a routine that works best for their lifestyle on a day to day basis. As long as the client believes that these structures will support them in reaching their health and wellness goals, they are more likely to stick with them. The next part of their action plan is to allow for challenges that they may encounter along the way. The more they can prepare for these challenges, the better they will be equipped to overcome them. Their main objective would be to stay focused on their routine in spite of these obstacles, and then move forward, concentrating on their action plan and emphasizing the process rather than the results. As long as they have a solid routine to fall back into, they will more likely do that rather than get bogged down with the challenges that they have encountered. This routine that they have now integrated into their lifestyle should be their anchor that they can use to keep them focused regardless of any obstacles or difficulties occurring in their life.