What do you do when your client lacks motivation to change?

1 Understand the reasons

The first step to help your client overcome their lack of motivation is to understand the reasons behind it. There are many possible factors that can affect your client's motivation, such as fear, self-doubt, low self-esteem, lack of clarity, conflicting values, or external pressures. By asking open-ended questions, listening empathically, and reflecting back what you hear, you can help your client identify and explore the root causes of their resistance to change.

2 Use the stages of change model

The stages of change model is a useful tool to assess your client's readiness to change and tailor your coaching approach accordingly. The model describes six stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination. Depending on which stage your client is in, you can use different strategies to help them move forward. For example, if your client is in the precontemplation stage, where they are not aware of the need to change or they are in denial, you can use motivational interviewing techniques to raise their awareness and elicit their ambivalence. If your client is in the contemplation stage, where they are aware of the need to change but they are still undecided, you can use decisional balance exercises to help them weigh the pros and cons of changing and staying the same.

4 Build on strengths and values

Another way to boost your client's motivation is to help them build on their strengths and values. Strengths are the positive qualities and skills that your client possesses and can use to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Values are the core beliefs and principles that guide your client's actions and decisions. By helping your client identify and leverage their strengths and values, you can help them increase their confidence, align their goals with their purpose, and find meaning and fulfillment in their change process.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?