Next, the client will identify the Underlying beliefs and emotions they feel are holding them back. What is it that is causing their current life rating to not be closer to the 10 Dream Life? At this point, the coach may need to utilize various tools to support the client in identifying the possible obstacles, barriers, and challenges. Here is where the down and dirty work begins, as the coach supports the client to look deep within themselves to peel away each layer of the self-defeating beliefs and emotions that they have, and may have been carrying around for many, many years. The coach will be fully tuned in, using powerful listening, to pay attention to not only the words being said, but the message behind the words, and the emotions that carry each sound.
For the third step, the client and coach will work together to Set goals in order to move forward toward a 10 Dream Life in the focus area. This is a goal, or a set of mini goals, that the client will commit to and use action steps to achieve their goal. The coach will encourage the client to think of past situations in which they have successfully problem solved, so that strengths that the client possesses can be used. Utilizing a client’s strengths will not only increase their confidence, but also provide them insight to the fact that they truly possess the tools and skills within themselves to make powerful changes. Although they are seeking support from a life coach, they will hopefully develop the insight that it is their own strength that ultimately created the change!
If the client acknowledges the fact that they are a person who is motivated and driven by specific reward systems, or more tangible structure when working on a goal, rewards and consequences can be tied in with the goals set by the client. The client will be asked to establish a “shock” and a “spark” related to the goal.
The “shock” is similar to a consequence in which the client will give themselves a “shock” when they realize they have not followed thorough in taking action toward their goal. It is not meant to be a negative consequence, but rather, an eye-opener. It will allow the client to immediately self-evaluate what challenges or obstacles got in the way, as well as self-evaluate their commitment toward reaching their goal. The “spark” is similar to a reward or “treat” as a way for the client to acknowledge their commitment toward their goal. It is important that we all take time to celebrate and acknowledge our positive actions, as little as they are, in order to stay motivated and encouraged!
In the last step, the coach and client will evaluate progress toward reaching each set goal, and examine what was lost and/or gained as they moved toward their goal. This step will provide valuable information to both the coach and the client. The coach can evaluate their own coaching process. What were their own strengths and weaknesses throughout the sessions? Did the coaching take into account the client’s personality, cultural differences (if applicable), needs identified on the intake form? The client will identify what action steps or strategies were the most effective and useful, as it will be important for the client to remember these, and store them away in his or hers “tool box.”
The client should be celebrated and deeply acknowledged for the growth and change, along with their commitment to do the work! In the future, when the client encounters a crossroad or challenging area, they can dig into their tool box for the strategies and techniques that were effective for them when involved in the coaching process! It may also be necessary to adjust action steps or create new goals, if necessary. For example, after many sessions, the client may feel that one or several goals that were set up at the beginning are no longer important, not as much of a priority, or not really in line with the values and desires that they are now more aware of. Or, a client may move through their progress at such a nice, steady pace, they find they need to develop additional goals, or new goals, to further their progress. So, while evaluating a client’s progress may feel like a step that is marking the end of a journey, in actuality, it may just be the springboard of a whole new journey, for both you and the client!