Let’s talk about the awkward thing no one really wants to admit. You’ve hired a coach. Check-ins are happening. Meal inspiration with practical tips are shared weekly. Sessions are going smoothly. But the results? Still not what was expected.
So what gives?
Why Hiring a Coach Isn’t a Shortcut
One of the most common misunderstandings about coaching is the assumption that simply hiring a coach guarantees progress. But coaching doesn’t work like magic. It provides direction, structure, accountability, and support but not automatic transformation.
Real progress happens in the in-between moments. When no one is watching. When food choices are mundane. When motivation is low. When it’s easier to fall back into old routines. This is where change is built.
The Missing Piece: Ownership
A coach can hand over the tools and lay out the plan, but following through? That part is still up to the client. Coaching is not a shortcut, it’s a framework. Think of it as getting a map. The route is outlined, but the steps still have to be taken.
Every goal set in a coaching relationship is designed to build consistent, sustainable habits. That means the work has to be done outside the sessions, repeatedly and intentionally. If progress is stalled, it may be time for an honest self-check:
- Are the weekly action steps being followed?
- Are check-ins being done honestly or being avoided altogether?
- Is there consistent follow-through or just bursts of motivation?
- Is there an expectation that things will change without making real changes?
These aren’t judgments – they’re important questions to reflect on.
How to Get the Most Out of Coaching
Not everyone is ready to change just because they want change. Wanting it and working for it are two different things. Being ready means showing up even when it’s inconvenient, unexciting, or challenging.
That’s the heart of coaching: having guidance when motivation runs out. But the responsibility for action always remains with the person seeking change.
If results aren’t showing up, there’s no need to throw in the towel. Instead:
- Reflect: What hasn’t been getting done?
- Refocus: What’s one thing that can be consistently prioritized this week?
- Re-engage: Reconnect with the reason this journey started in the first place.
Progress isn’t passive. It doesn’t happen to someone – it’s CREATED by them. Coaches help chart the path. But the commitment to walk it must come from within.
Looking to have a coach support your journey, schedule a complementary discovery session with our General Manager and Nutrition Coach, Kat Entwistle. She will get you connected with the right coach for your needs, from nutrition to training, we’ve got you covered!
