Motivation: The Career Coach’s Perspective

Much has been written about motivation—studies, statistics, theories—but what happens when a client comes to you without it? How do you guide someone who feels stuck, frustrated, or disconnected from their goals?

As a career coach, you often find yourself navigating these waters. Motivation ebbs and flows, and feeling frustrated or lost is part of the journey. But when your client feels unable to move forward, how do you get them back on track?

Start with the Big Why

When motivation wanes, it’s easy to forget the real reason we started. People often begin with surface-level goals:

• “I want to get in shape.”
• “I want a promotion.”

But the deeper, emotional motivation—the Big Why—is what truly drives action. For example, they might not want to be in shape just for the sake of it, but because they want to stay healthy for a loved one or contribute to a cause they care deeply about.

As a coach, remind your client of their Big Why. Help them reconnect with the emotional core of their goals. It’s not just about the task at hand—it’s about the bigger picture they care about.

Reevaluate and Adapt Goals

Motivation often stalls because the original plan no longer fits the current reality. Ask your client:

• What has changed since we started?
• What goals have been achieved?
• Are some goals no longer relevant, and have others gained importance?

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