How can you coach for wellbeing and resilience without risking burnout?

1 Know your limits

One of the first steps to prevent burnout is to know your limits and boundaries. You can't help everyone, and you can't do everything. Be realistic about how many clients you can handle, how much time and energy you can devote to each session, and what kind of support you need. Learn to say no to requests that are beyond your scope, or refer them to other professionals. Don't overcommit yourself, or take on more than you can handle.

2 Manage your expectations

Another key factor to avoid burnout is to manage your expectations, both of yourself and of your clients. You are not a miracle worker, and you can't solve all your clients' problems. Your role is to facilitate their learning, growth, and change, not to fix them. Be clear about what you can and can't do, and what you expect from your clients. Don't set unrealistic goals, or assume responsibility for their outcomes. Celebrate their progress, but also acknowledge their challenges and setbacks.

3 Practice self-care

Coaching can be emotionally and mentally draining, especially if you deal with complex or sensitive issues. That's why you need to practice self-care regularly, and prioritize your own wellbeing and resilience. Make sure you get enough rest, exercise, nutrition, and hydration. Find ways to relax, recharge, and cope with stress. Engage in hobbies, interests, and activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Seek support from your friends, family, or peers when you need it.

4 Keep learning

One of the best ways to prevent burnout is to keep learning and growing as a coach. Learning new skills, knowledge, and perspectives can help you stay motivated, inspired, and curious. It can also help you improve your coaching practice, and offer more value to your clients. Seek feedback, mentorship, and supervision from other coaches or experts. Join coaching communities, networks, or associations. Read books, articles, or blogs on coaching topics. Attend courses, workshops, or webinars.

6 Review your purpose

Finally, one of the most powerful ways to prevent burnout is to review your purpose as a coach. Why did you choose this profession? What is your vision, mission, and values? What are your goals, and how are you achieving them? How are you making a difference in your clients' lives? Reminding yourself of your purpose can help you reconnect with your passion, motivation, and meaning. It can also help you align your actions with your intentions, and focus on what matters most.

7 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?