A client stuck in inaction might not yet understand what’s holding them back. Motivational Interviewing begins by exploring this: “What’s been keeping you from moving forward?” As they share doubts or fears, you reflect back: “It sounds like part of you feels unsure, but another part sees the need for change.” Drawing on past successes, you ask, “When have you felt unsure before but still managed to take action? What helped you then?” This opens space to identify patterns, like fear of failure or lack of clarity, and frame small, manageable steps that feel safe and achievable, breaking the cycle of inaction.

To guide a client stuck in a cycle of inaction using motivational interviewing: Express Empathy: Listen actively and validate their feelings without judgment. Explore Ambivalence: Help them articulate the pros and cons of change versus staying the same. Evoke Their "Why": Ask open-ended questions to uncover their personal motivations and values. Highlight Discrepancies: Gently point out gaps between their goals and current behaviors. Support Self-Efficacy: Reinforce their strengths and past successes to build confidence in their ability to change. This approach fosters empowerment and encourages them to take meaningful steps forward.

When the client is stuck in cycle of inaction, The MI approach of partnership and collaboration works best. By compassion, patience, and curiosity we explore what it’s like to be in that hole, & why might they want to climb out. We evoke. What do they need from us, other people, or what resources in order to begin the climb out. But it should not be a hole puller-outers, as that process can break our backs! Pulling them out of a hole doesn’t tend to create longevity of change. We don’t want them keep coming back to do it for them, while what we are striving to do is connect them with their inner strengths and abilities and resources to cultivate their ability to change.

As a Lifestyle Medicine Physician & Master Health Coach, I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients move from inaction to change. 1️⃣ Explore Ambivalence – I ask, "What are the benefits of staying the same? What would change bring?" This helps them recognize their internal conflict. 2️⃣ Evoke Change Talk – "On a scale of 1-10, how ready are you?" If they say 5, I ask, "Why not lower? What would move you to a 6?" 3️⃣ Reinforce Self-Efficacy – Identifying past successes builds confidence. "What strengths helped you overcome challenges before?" When clients find their own motivation, change becomes inevitable.