It's natural to feel this way at times. Change isn't easy. It takes work and you will make mistakes. It's part of being human. When things get hard: 1. Acknowledge that they are. Allow yourself to feel your feelings. Sit with them. 2. Find a way to channel your emotions — that could be through some form of writing, creative expression or movement. 3. Reflect on what has brought on the overwhelm. What can you do differently going forward? 4. Remember your WHY. Remember the reason you started on this path. Reconnect with what's important to you. 5. Give yourself permission to start again. Start small. And rebuild from there. Remember: you're always in a better position after a bump — you now have more learnings to help you in future.

It is important to find out what the reason is that the client feels overwhelmed. Is the pace too fast? The advice to abstract? The feelings too strong? Maybe also insecurity and fear? Once it is clear what the reason behind the thought of quitting is, it can be addressed. Instead of working on the original goal, there should be a couple of sessions focusing on the underlying worries and thoughts of the client. Once that work is done the coach can get back to the original topic and proceed slowly and with the information in mind what could make the client feel overwhelmed.

Start with the source of the overwhelm. Is it the default condition, are their extenuating circumstances, are other people the source, or is it self imposed? If you can isolate the source, then you discuss options or possible solutions. Maybe you need to take a break to deal with something else. Or perhaps you need a new job. Perhaps you need to set better boundaries with those around you. Or maybe you just need to not be so hard on yourself.

When a client feels overwhelmed and wants to quit, I first guide them in regulating their breathing and calming their nervous system. Then, we identify the root causes of their overwhelm, breaking it down step by step. I validate their feelings, acknowledging that feeling overwhelmed is a natural response to stress. Together, we analyze which actionable steps can ease the pressure and collaboratively create a clear, manageable plan to move forward, ensuring they feel supported and empowered.

I'd gently tell them, “I see how heavy this feels right now, and it's okay to pause and breathe.” I'd remind them of their strength and the dreams that brought them here, even when the road feels hard. Together, we'd find one small, hopeful step forward, because their journey is worth it.

I will start to listen to him and elicit all the reason behind that. I will try to paraphrase to him what he said. Let him talk about all the advantages and disadvantages of taking such a decision. Let him make his own plan. Later, discuss with him the possibility of his plan. follow each session what has been achieved and keep reminding him about his goal and plan and each step.

As a coach, we must understand the depth of emotions and root cause. What we see outside is just the reaction, I will try to understand the cause. After validating and listening to the story behind, we will be in a better position to do next. We need to ensure that the client is gaining confidence by achieving smaller goals and then align them to the final goal. Appreciate the progress made.

1. I remind them of their strengths and past successes, helping them reconnect with their “why.” 2. I help them break things down by asking, “What’s making you feel overwhelmed right now?” 3. We then take a step back and look at their bigger picture—what’s really at stake and why they started in the first place. 4. The key is to remind them they don’t have to do it all at once and that taking a break or adjusting the path is okay too.