Not Seeing Measurable Results from Coaching? Relax.

Most life coaches have chosen their profession because, in some capacity, they wish to help others.  As humans, it’s natural to want to see the results of our work – especially right away.  And when we don’t see them somewhat soon, we may find ourselves becoming concerned.  We may even question our abilities as life coaches.

However, it is very important to remember that, in many cases, this kind of work has a build-up effect.  It takes time to see the significant effects we’re looking for, as it is a process.  Keep in mind that when our clients come to us initially, it’s usually because they feel their lives have gotten out of control.  They feel overwhelmed and often don’t even know where or how to begin.  So, it will take some time for them to adjust to the new routine we’re encouraging them to adapt.

Essentially, they’re undergoing an enormous overhaul of their lifestyle.  You could think of it as something like a person who has lived in a major city for his or her whole life and then he or she is taken to live in a rural setting, out in the country or wilderness.  At first, this drastic change will be a shock to the individual’s system.  Time is needed to adapt and get used to it – and the beginning may come with some hesitation, fear, or anxiety.  This way of life is foreign to them and they must find a way to get comfortable with it.

Of course, as time goes by, they become more and more accustomed to their new surroundings.  Similarly, your clients’ new routine and lifestyle will become their new normal.  Only once they’ve adjusted to the new changes can they begin to do the deeper work that brings about those results.

These time delays are why it is so strongly recommended that clients commit to no less than one year of coaching.  It allows time for the adjustment period, the deep and serious inner work, rebirth, and finally, learning to maintain this new lifestyle.  As you can imagine, each person you work with will need to spend more time in some of these areas than others.  So, there is no “one size fits all” approach, which means there is no way to predict when you will begin to see the big results of the coaching.

In the meantime, avoid judging your abilities as life coach based on the amount of time it takes to see results within your clients.  Practicing mindfulness daily can help with this immensely.  Try doing a mindful “body scan” meditation.  Lying or sitting in a comfortable position, start with a few deep breaths.  Then check in with every part of your body working from your toes to the top of your head.  Allow yourself to feel any physical sensations that may be present as you go along – and some thoughts or emotions may come up, as well.  When they do, view them objectively, free from judgment or attachment.  Simply be a witness to the present moment.  You can do this exercise as often as you’d like.  It can be for five minutes or 45 minutes – you decide.

Do feel free to check out the mental health aids my page on ‘The Relentless Coach’. You will find a considerable set of Meditations that work very effectively for mental healthcare workers such as yourself. You deserve the most care here, after all a lot of people depend on your mental well-being.