Here's a step-by-step plan of how I will help my client 1. Acknowledge and Validate their Emotions by Listening actively to their pains and the empathize with them 2. Reframe Perspective and Focus on the Present by helping my client focus on changing negative thinking focus especially on what they can control. This will be done by breaking down their goals into smaller steps. 3. Identify and Build on Strengths. This I would do by helping them Recognize past successes, Identify and emphasize their strengths and then Leverage on the strengths to overcome obstacles. 4. Establish a support system: Offer ongoing support and regular check-ins to help your client stay motivated and on track.

Sometimes it's just a matter of getting back on the horse. Other times it's not that simple, and that requires some reflection. Is the goal still achievable and realistic? After this setback, is it still something the client wants to pursue? Assuming they want to continue, does it require a change in approach? In any case, try to focus on what can be learned from the experience, and what is an appropriate path forward.

When a client hits a snag in reaching their goals, I encourage them to pause and reflect. After all, setbacks are often growth opportunities in disguise. Together, we revisit their "why"—the deeper purpose driving their goals—to reignite motivation. I remind them that flexibility improves our ability to adapt; goals often evolve as we learn and grow. We’ll chunk goals into smaller, actionable steps to build momentum and rebuild confidence. When adjustments are needed, we work together to asses how they will align with their values and vision. We celebrate progress so far. however small, recognize that a snag may just be a detour, not a dead end, helping them stay focused, resilient, and excited for the journey.

Possibly pushing straight to motivation is not actually what is most helpful for a client. If they have just experienced some form of loss in any area of life, then helping them sit with their grief and being present for them is far more valuable to them in that moment. Motivation will return as they start to move through their emotions. Pushing someone to be ok when they're not rarely leads anywhere helpful.

Acknowledging their feelings is important, but it doesn't necessarily bring awareness to the cause. Identifying the root cause of the setback is key. Asking my client, "Why is achieving X important to you?" helps uncover their deeper motivation—the spark that originally fueled their passion for the goal. Goals may evolve as circumstances change. It's essential for clients to reflect on past experiences with goal-setting and identify the core reasons behind any lack of action. Once they understand why they struggled, awareness is created, leading to clarity and the necessary steps to move forward with accountability.