Listen first: Understand why their goals conflict with your advice. Clarify intentions: Align their goals with their core values and long-term vision. Offer alternatives: Present new approaches that still respect their direction while guiding them towards better outcomes. Collaborate: Work together to create a plan that blends your expertise with their ambitions. It’s about finding balance—guiding them without disregarding their own vision.

Out of all the questions I have answered here, this is by far the hardest. I have solid morals and ethics. I would struggle very heavily by advising someone on something I'm afraid I have to disagree with. What if someone asked you the best way to hurt themselves, or what about hurting others? We would not advise them on what they want, but we would recommend them on what they need. I would have them weigh out the options. What is the best-case scenario? What is the worst-case scenario? Who is affected by your decision? Is this truly what is best for everyone? We also have to travel this road with them because we may be advising from a wrong position. We have to be careful to have them always decide in the end.

When your client's goals and your advice are playing tug-of-war, it’s time to become a GPS with multiple routes! Acknowledge their goals, ask questions to understand their vision, and gently nudge them towards more practical paths. If they insist on their way, be flexible—sometimes, a detour leads to the best discoveries (and fewer U-turns).

When your client's goals clash with your advice in life coaching, it's important to approach the situation with empathy and open communication. Start by actively listening to their reasons for pursuing those goals, ensuring they feel heard and understood. Acknowledge their perspective and explore the motivations behind their choices. Instead of insisting on your advice, ask guiding questions that encourage them to reflect on their goals and the potential outcomes. Help them weigh the pros and cons, and gently suggest alternative approaches that align more closely with their aspirations.

When a client's goals clash with your advice as a life coach, guiding them toward success requires a balance of understanding, collaboration, and flexibility: Start by actively listening to your client's goals and reasoning. Understanding their motivations, values, and what they hope to achieve can give you deeper insight into why they might resist your advice. Rather than imposing advice, work together to find a middle ground. Help the client explore different options and perspectives that align with both their vision and your guidance. Once you’ve identified common ground, offer personalized, step-by-step guidance that takes their needs into account. Frame your advice in a way that complements their goals.