How to Support Clients Struggling to Meet Wellness Goals
Achieving wellness goals can be a challenging journey for many individuals. This article delves into effective strategies for supporting clients who are facing difficulties in reaching their health and wellness objectives. Drawing on insights from experts in the field, it offers practical approaches to help clients overcome obstacles and make sustainable progress.
- Explore Roadblocks with Compassion and Curiosity
- Focus on Clear Data and Adaptable Habits
- Uncover Hidden Factors Blocking Progress
Explore Roadblocks with Compassion and Curiosity
When a client isn't making progress toward their wellness goals, I approach it with curiosity and compassion rather than judgment. I explore possible internal or external roadblocks, such as unresolved trauma, burnout, perfectionism, or self-doubt, that may be keeping them stuck. Together, we revisit their goals to ensure they're still aligned with their values and current season of life. I also assess whether our strategies are realistic and supportive or if adjustments are needed. Sometimes slowing down is part of the healing process, and I help clients honor that without seeing it as failure. We work to gently uncover and reframe limiting beliefs while building safety and trust. My goal is to empower them with insight, flexibility, and renewed motivation.
Focus on Clear Data and Adaptable Habits
In fitness and health coaching, I see wellness as a long-term endeavor. Stagnation or periods without visible progress are not just common—they're expected. In my earlier years, I used to take this very personally, feeling like it was entirely my responsibility to ensure a client's success. However, over time, I reframed that mindset. Now I ask, "What is my responsibility here?"—and focus on clear communication, clear data, and clear fundamentals.
When a client isn't making progress, the first step I take is gathering objective data. Feelings are important, but they aren't the whole story. We need clear ways to measure what's happening: movement, nutrition, sleep, hydration—simple, trackable basics.
I also ensure that the fundamentals of the program are rock solid and easy to maintain, even when life gets challenging (because it always does). The simpler and more adaptable the habits, the more resilient the client becomes over the long haul. For example:
* Meal structure: 3 balanced meals a day plus one high-protein snack. No need for complicated fasting windows—this simple rhythm naturally creates fasting periods between meals and overnight.
* Meal building: Every meal is built around whole foods, protein first, and fiber, with only clean, unprocessed oils. Fat intake usually falls into place naturally with the protein.
* Sleep hygiene: Prioritizing consistent bed and wake times.
* Water intake: Focusing on basic hydration without drinking calories.
* Movement: I encourage clients to move daily in whatever way fits their capacity—strength training when possible, but also walks, exercise "snacking," and short, simple movement sessions.
When a client is stuck, I revisit these basics with them. I help them reconnect to their day-to-day capacity, not their ideal capacity, and adapt from there. The real magic happens when clients learn consistency through adaptability. That's where resilience is built—and that's what creates real, lasting success over time.
Uncover Hidden Factors Blocking Progress
When a client isn't making progress, I see it not as failure, but as information and an opportunity to become curious. Together, we explore what's really going on beneath the surface—and often, that's where the shift begins.
Healing doesn't happen in a vacuum. Sleep, stress, self-worth, hormones, past trauma, environment (including the people around us), and even subtle resistance—these can all quietly block progress.
From there, I may adapt the approach: simplify goals, reframe expectations, or focus on nervous system support before pursuing results. Sometimes what a client needs most isn't a new action step—it's permission to rest, feel, or forgive themselves.
We work together to celebrate subtle wins as well—like showing up, saying no, or simply noticing a pattern—because healing isn't linear, and progress isn't only found on the scale or schedule.
