Have you ever wondered why some things seem difficult to change? And yet, many things seem easy. Our life education and experiences, beliefs, values, likes and dislikes form a lens from which we see and operate in our world.
You would think that a person would always choose what’s in their best interest. Yet, some of our actions seem to sabotage the very outcomes we desire.
The Doctor’s Visit
Let’s take a look at Mary’s story. She is a post-menopausal woman who was shaken after her annual physical with her family doctor.
Mary learned that her blood pressure and cholesterol were a little higher than expected. She was also told that she is pre-diabetic. And, learning that her blood sugar was too high scared Mary.
She wondered how long her blood sugar was elevated. Mary feared she was on her way to full blown diabetes unless she made some changes. She thought about the people in her life who have struggled with this disease and became determined to turn her own health around.
Change Doesn’t Come Easy
Her awareness was the starting point, but change doesn’t come easy. She begins to think about things she can change as she puts her regular coffee creamer back on the shelf.
She sees the label that says “reduced sugar” and puts that creamer in her grocery cart instead. Later that night, she celebrates a friend’s birthday with drinks and a pasta bar.
“Some of our actions seem to sabotage the very outcomes we desire.”
By now you might be screaming that she just needs more education. What if she bought books, researched on the internet, and attended seminars?
Education is great but think back to the lens we talked about earlier. Awareness and education are catalysts of change, but lasting change happens when it’s in alignment with the other goals in your life.
The Wellness Coach
The role of a Wellness Coach with this client is to hold a space for her where she can evaluate all of her goals and see the big picture. For example, Mary has a goal of reducing her blood sugar. She also values spending time with friends and celebrating special occasions.
The coach doesn’t tell the client what to do but supports her in finding her own solutions. The coach asks the right questions to help Mary find the right answers.
At the IAWP, Wellness Coach students learn and practice a variety of coaching theories and techniques. They also study the process and theories of change. They learn how to help clients like Mary using our proprietary CORE Coaching Method.
Want to learn more about how to coach clients or how to become a Wellness Coach? Click here to download your complimentary career kit.