EP316: Coaching Clients Who "Know What To Do" But Aren't Doing It

Health Coach Conversations

Why do so many clients struggle with follow-through despite knowing what to do? In this episode, Cathy Sykora welcomes Esther Avant, a seasoned health coach with nearly two decades of experience, to explore the real reasons behind client inaction. Esther discusses the importance of meeting clients where they are, using empathy and individualized strategies to build consistency and success. She shares her unique framework for uncovering root issues and how to navigate client resistance without resorting to tough love or giving up on them. This conversation is packed with insights that will help health coaches create better client outcomes and foster lasting behavior change.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why a personalized coaching approach beats a one-size-fits-all model
• Common reasons clients don't follow through, even when they know what to do
• How to help clients break free from all-or-nothing thinking
• Strategies for addressing root causes of inaction without shaming
• How to build trust and honesty in the coach-client relationship
• The role of mindset and self-compassion in sustainable health changes
• When and how to ethically handle resistant or non-compliant clients

Memorable Quotes:

• "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make them drink."
• "It’s not your fault, but it is your responsibility to work on making some changes."
• "You can't stop a bird from landing on your head, but you can prevent it from building a nest in your hair."

Bio: Esther Avant is a health industry veteran with over 18 years of experience in fitness, nutrition, and wellness related roles. She is known for making exercise and nutrition simple and helping her clients address the root issues that have been standing between them and results that last.

Her Gone For Good framework has helped hundreds of women lose weight for the last time and start living their healthiest, happiest, most confident lives.

Her business, EA Coaching, provides full spectrum health & lifestyle coaching through a combination of exercise, nutrition, lifestyle, and mindset strategies.

Esther is also a boy mom and Navy wife who has lived and traveled all over the world while running her EA Coaching.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Esther Avant's Website: www.estheravant.com
• Instagram: @esther.avant
• To Your Health Podcast: Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Esther's Book: To Your Health: A Lifestyle of Health, Happiness, and Confidence – Available on Amazon and other major retailers

Links to Resources:

• Health Coach Group Website: thehealthcoachgroup.com
• Special Offer: Use code HCC50 to save $50 on the Health Coach Group website
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