How would you guide a client facing resistance in taking the necessary steps towards their goals?

I help my clients clear hidden thoughts and beliefs from their subconscious using Rapid Resolution Therapy??. This technique tackles and resolves deep issues, bringing more clarity, peace, and progress into my clients’ lives.

Working with the client to understand what stops them from moving forward through active listening, reframing exercises and visioning. Providing them the space to feel safe in releasing internal fears and doubts. Coaching through awareness, through what and how experiences have affected them.

Internal resistance is often rooted in the client's unique communication style profile. Some styles are wired to embrace change while others are more reflective or motive-focused. Understanding the roots of internal resistance will equip the client and the coach to begin to tackle the fruit (the specific obstacles to progress).

Ah, identifying blocks that are causing resistance - this is what coaching is all about! I find that using visuals and metaphors helps immensely with blocks. Even that word, block, what a great visual! What does the block look like? Sound like, feel like? How big is it? And: what is its purpose...? I see my client's body soften and relax when they have insight into the purpose of the block. Only then, when awareness is created, is there be a choice point for the client do move forward differently.

Make sure the step are aligned with client's current resourcefulness. 1) Remember that client's first step does not have to be perfect. Rather it needs to be something they can easily do, that gives them a positive result towards goals. 2) Attaching a previous success of the client to current action to make it more appealing. 3) Trying it out in their mind helps to identify any resistance to the action or about the action. For an example: a client that wants to transition from being an employee to an being entrepreneur does have not have to create a business plan after the first session. Rather they can speak to few of their friends that did the transition successfully and and identify three key lessons for them.

It is important to ensure that goals are tied to a higher objective or purpose that resonates with the client on physical, mental, emotional, and often spiritual levels. In the absence of a purpose, goals often become irrelevant.

In the journey of life coaching, resistance is like a stubborn knot in a client's path. After identifying these knots, it's crucial to help clients weave a tapestry of realistic, achievable goals. Think of it as creating a patchwork quilt - each small, manageable task is a colourful square, contributing to the larger, beautiful picture. Setting SMART goals, we're essentially giving our clients a compass and a detailed map. This approach not only makes the destination clearer but also allows for regular pit stops to celebrate progress. It's like planting seeds of motivation along the way, gradually diminishing the power of resistance.

Coaching is never “once and done.“ We serve our clients by creating frameworks for feedback and further interactions. It is also important to focus on effort made and character development, not just end-results and innate abilities. I value the work of Carol Dweck and others in this area, as my upbringing did not give me this perspective. Results can by more than 50% greater when highlighting progress through the lens of effort made.

I always ask "what will support you with XYZ?" These can be people, places, pets, environment. I may also ask if the client would like me to check in with them at the top of our next session. If there is hesitation, I will inquire into that as it usually means there is more resistance that needs to be teased apart.

Your ATTITUDE is everything! Resistance will always be there. A great coach helps the client to embrace obstacles and challenges as part of the journey and teaches them tools to manage their mindset and FOCUS in times of resistance. Here's the truth. Wherever there is a challenge, there is also a solution. There are always two poles of everything. You have the power- no matter what your situation - to decide what you are going to focus on. Your focus will decide how fast you move forward and overcome the resistance. Either you keep focusing on the problem and stay stuck, or you focus on the solution and move forward with hope, confidence and determination. You are a powerful creator of your life - not a victim of life circumstances!

In the coaching arena, resistance is always somewhere around, slowing progress. To guide clients through it, we must cultivate resilience. Think of resilience as a sturdy sail that helps navigate stormy seas. Techniques like mindfulness and cognitive restructuring—tools that act as the ropes and pulleys of their mental ship. Encourage clients to see challenges not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for growth. This shift in perspective transforms resistance into a stepping stone. For spiritual coaches, integrating shadow work can illuminate hidden fears, turning shadows into guiding stars on their journey.

When I think of resilience, my favorite quote from the West World Series comes to mind: “Evolution forged the entirety of sentient life on this planet using only one tool: the mistake.”

The science of resilience comes from the field of Positive Psychology and refers to our ability to navigate challenges without succumbing to overwhelm and burnout. While some social archetypes tell us that to be resilient we must be "tough", the science of resilience reveals that those who weather challenge well have common factors including optimism, strong relationships, shared resources, and a belief in their own ability to solve problems and achieve their goals. As a coach, I help my clients foster resilience first by addressing their foundational needs - are they sleeping, eating consistently, moving their bodies, and connecting with those they love. That helps them maintain a stable identity outside their goals.

Given my comments about communication styles in Section 1, I would add that flexibility can be understood in terms of adapting to differing communication styles for the sake of positive connection. This trains the client to think more widely as they navigate around obstacles to progress, and provides an additional benefit of reinforcement from those around as the client makes progress. We are seldom drawn to affirm someone who is in a distressed place, but often acceptance and affirmation are powerful catalysts for flexibility.

Flexibility is not something you have to force yourself into accepting. Flexibility is a powerful tool that is available to you to navigate your life circumstances. Take ownership of flexibility- use it to your advantage. You cannot eliminate situations that you can’t control, but you can control how flexibly you approach them. This would enable you to ride the wave of life rather than to be crushed by it.

So many times we don’t celebrate because in the moment we don’t exactly know how, and then the moment is gone. Plan your celebration ahead. Think about what you will do. Imagine how it would feel when you are celebrating. This simple strategy would help you get more excited about the process and have more energy for achieving your goals!

Celebrating starts with measuring at the start of creating a goal. If we don't know where we started, how will we know how far we have come? Measure, track, celebrate. I've had some clients who were surprised to see that yes, they did make progress toward their goal - and it may not be in the way they originally planned. Helping them see that there are many ways to achieve goals is a great way to start to overcome resistance.

Help your client identify the root cause of their resistance by asking open-ended questions and listening actively: probing questions are useful here. Encourage them to break down their goals into smaller, manageable steps. This approach makes progress feel more attainable and less overwhelming, increasing their confidence and motivation to take action.

Seeing clients face resistance can be challenging, even with non-attachment. As empathetic coaches, we often feel what our clients are going through. Remember that the client is always in the driver’s seat. They are the experts in their own lives. Our role is to support them, not to take over. When a client faces resistance, actively listen and hold space for them to allow them to explore different perspectives without judgment. Encourage them to fully experience their emotions. Creating a safe environment for these feelings can help them process. Celebrate the wins. Shifting the focus to what's going right can help clients find gratitude even within the resistance. This gratitude can lead to growth helping them achieve their goals.