Real question:
Have you actually worked with a health coach before?
What was it like?
Was it a good experience? Or was it more frustrating that fun?
The reason I ask is because I’m going to show you behind the scenes. I want to make explicit something that all good health coaches do.
When they meet you for the first time: They are always Assessing Your Readiness.
What do you mean by “Readiness”?
Of course, everyone WANTS to change.
No one says, “I want my health to get worse.”
We all desire to be healthier, fitter, and more energetic. But just because you want something doesn’t mean you’re ready to do what it takes to achieve it.
That’s where readiness comes in.
Readiness is your ability to make the changes you want to make.
It’s not just about having the desire; it’s about having the capacity, resources, and mindset to turn that desire into action.
And when you work with a skilled health coach, they do more than listen to your goals.
They probe, asking about your sleep, stress levels, eating habits, and home environment.
These questions gauge your readiness for change.
They ask:
- Are you overly stressed?
- Can you handle adjustments now?
- What is your resilience like?
Your readiness is a vital factor coaches consider when deciding if you’re ready for lifestyle modifications.
As a health coach, I’ve seen many people start their journey towards better health. Some succeed, others struggle.
The difference lies in their readiness to change.
What Makes You “More Ready”?
As a coach I focus on 5 main areas when it comes to a client’s Readiness. These are
- Sleep, Stress, and Recovery
- Social Support
- Skills and Abilities
- Resources and Surroundings
- “Investment Mindset”
1. Stress and Sleep (Recovery)
How well are you handling stress?
Are you getting enough quality sleep?
These are crucial indicators of your ability to recover and maintain good health.
Chronic stress or lack of sleep keeps your body in a constant state of alert, making it hard to focus on healthy habits.
If you’re struggling in these areas, it is worth addressing them before making major lifestyle changes.
2. Social Support
Do you have a support network?
Friends, family, or support groups can make a significant difference in your journey towards better health.
Having people to support you, hold you accountable, and understand your struggles makes it easier to stay motivated and committed.
Building a strong support system is crucial for making lasting changes.
3. Skills and Abilities
Have you shown discipline and organization in other areas of your life?
If you’ve tackled challenges in your career, education, or personal life, you likely have the skills and mindset for a health challenge.
Assessing your skills and abilities can help you determine if you’re ready to take on a new health challenge.
4. Resources and Environment
Do you have access to essential resources like a gym or kitchen tools?
These could be crucial in your health transformation journey.
Your surroundings and available resources play a significant role in your readiness for change.
Evaluating your resources and environment can help you identify areas where you may need additional support or make adjustments to set yourself up for success.
5. Investment Mindset
Are you ready to invest in your health with time, effort, and mental energy, not just money?
Constructing healthy habits isn’t free.
It costs time, effort, and mental energy.
You need to be willing to trade off something for better health.
This is the investment mindset.
It’s not about spending a lot of money on gadgets or supplements.
It’s about recognizing that true change requires a significant investment.
So… Are you Actually Ready?
My goal is always to maximize someone’s chances of making real health changes. And to do that I’m always making sure they’re ready to do what they need to do.
Many people get excited about making changes and jump straight into setting ambitious goals.
While their enthusiasm is admirable, they haven’t stopped to consider if they’re truly prepared to make these changes stick.
That’s why assessing readiness is so important.
It’s not about judging yourself or feeling guilty. It’s about honestly evaluating your current situation and identifying areas where you might need extra support or preparation.
By taking the time to assess your readiness, you can set yourself up for success.