The goal of coaching is that clients get the help they need and then “graduate.” Coaching is finished when clients meet their goals, feel that they are on the right path and can sustain it themselves, or they need a break. Completing coaching doesn’t mean clients will never struggle again, but they will have new skills and a new relationship with those struggles. For example, one client came to coaching with “imposter syndrome,” through coaching she learned to recognize her sense of being an imposter as a story she told herself, and she learned to challenge the story. Now she is able speak up in meetings, ask questions, and know she has a place at the table. The feeling that she is an “imposter” may come up again, but she has learned to challenge that thought rather than see it as truth and let it determine her behavior or view of herself. She “graduated” when she was comfortable doing this on her own.
For anyone who works toward changing habits or achieving goals, whether coaching clients or not, it is important to sustain the change. Maintaining hard-won changes and continuing to grow is a journey. Here are some tips to stay on track when coaching is over or on a pause:
Continue to pay attention to progress: Make a regular habit of reviewing the past months and note challenges that have been overcome and celebrate achievements. Note progress, note when ease or joy is present, note what still needs work. This fuels resilience and provides a sense of progress.
Continue to update a vision of the future: The process of updating a vision, allows for the incorporation of new knowledge and skills, and helps maintain focus on what is important, even as this may change over time. This keeps the journey relevant and ignites motivation.
Set new milestones: Reflect on one’s growth and passions to set new, inspiring goals. Build on past successes to define your future.
Embrace the emotional landscape: Understand that emotions are information and are often fleeting. Practice mindfulness and stay present. Notice both the positive and negative, and remember, highs and lows are part of the journey and learning. Don’t give up when a rough patch is inevitably encountered!
Celebrate: Acknowledge milestones, big and small. Reward yourself for your attention, hard work, and dedication.
Finally, remember, we don’t have to journey alone. Reach out to your coach (info@peghuntcoaching.com) or support network when you need encouragement and guidance. With determination and perseverance, you can sustain change and continue to grow and thrive.
© Peg Hunt, MS and Anne Garing, PhD
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