Hitting a Wall? Why Your Clients Might Be Struggling to Reach Their Goals (And How to Help)

It’s one of the most challenging parts of coaching: you’ve poured your energy into a client, crafted what seems like a solid plan, but the needle just isn’t moving. Progress stalls, milestones are missed, and both you and your client start feeling frustrated.

When clients struggle to hit their goals, it’s rarely due to a single factor. Often, it’s a combination of things, some obvious, some hidden beneath the surface. Instead of getting discouraged, view this as an opportunity to deepen your coaching relationship and become an even more effective problem-solver.

Let’s explore some common reasons why clients might be hitting a wall and how you can help them break through.

1. Are the Goals Really Right?

Sometimes the issue lies in the foundation itself. Revisit the goals with your client:

• Clarity & Specificity: Are the goals crystal clear (SMART)? Vague goals like “get fitter” or “be happier” are hard to track and achieve.
• Realism: Was the initial goal too ambitious for the timeframe or their current circumstances? Life happens, and goals may need adjustment.
• Client Buy-In: Is this truly their goal, or is it influenced by external pressure (family, social media)? If their intrinsic motivation isn’t strong, adherence will suffer. Ask: “On a scale of 1-10, how important is this goal to you right now?“

2. Is the Plan Still the Best Plan?

Even well-laid plans may need tweaking. Consider:

• Personalization: Does the plan still fit their evolving needs, preferences, and abilities? Maybe it’s become too easy, too hard, or simply boring.
• Progression: Is there appropriate progression built in, or have they hit a plateau that requires a strategic change (e.g., different exercises, new business tactics, adjusted intensity)?
• Engagement: Is the client finding the process engaging, or does it feel like a chore? Lack of enjoyment is a major barrier.

3. Consistency, Adherence & Life’s Curveballs

Often, the plan is sound, but execution falters.

• Consistency: Are they sticking to the plan consistently? Use tracking tools and check-ins to get an honest picture.
• Time & Energy: Are unexpected life events, increased stress, poor sleep, or lack of time genuinely getting in the way? Help them strategize realistic adjustments, not excuses.
• Skill/Knowledge Gaps: Do they fully understand how to execute the plan (e.g., exercise form, implementing a business strategy)? Sometimes a bit more education is needed.

4. Exploring the Mental Game: Mindset & Beliefs

For many clients, the biggest hurdles are internal.

• Limiting Beliefs: Do they harbor beliefs like “I’m not the kind of person who…” or “I’ll probably fail anyway”?
• Fear: Fear of failure or fear of success can lead to self-sabotage.
• Confidence: Has a lack of early wins or perceived setbacks damaged their confidence?
• Coach’s Role: Help them identify these mindset blocks. While staying within your scope of practice (referring out for deeper therapeutic issues is key!), you can use motivational interviewing, reframe challenges, and celebrate small wins to build confidence.

5. Strengthening the Connection: Communication & Trust

A breakdown in communication can mask underlying issues.

• Honesty: Does the client feel safe enough to be completely honest with you about their struggles, doubts, or slip-ups?
• Active Listening: Are you truly listening to understand their perspective, or just waiting to offer solutions?
• Regular Check-Ins: Frequent, meaningful communication (beyond just scheduled sessions) helps you catch potential issues early. Using integrated communication tools within a coaching platform can make these quick check-ins easier to manage.

6. Measure What Matters: Tracking & Accountability

You can’t manage what you don’t measure effectively.

• Relevant Metrics: Are you tracking the right things? Sometimes focusing on effort, consistency, or habit formation is more valuable than purely outcome-based metrics, especially during tough phases.
• Shared Visibility: Ensure the client understands what is being tracked and why. Seeing progress, however small, can be motivating. A shared dashboard or tracking system can be invaluable here.
• Accountability Structure: Does the client respond well to the current level of accountability? Some need more structure, others less. Discuss what works for them.

Moving Forward Together

Stalled progress is a normal part of many coaching journeys. By approaching it with curiosity, empathy, and a structured troubleshooting process, you can uncover the root causes and collaborate with your client on effective solutions. Your role evolves from instructor to detective and supportive partner, strengthening the coaching relationship and ultimately helping your client get back on the path to success.

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Disclaimer: Coaches should operate within their scope of practice. If clients present significant mental health challenges or issues beyond your expertise (e.g., clinical depression, eating disorders), please refer them to a qualified healthcare professional.