4 Tips to Boost Your Quality of Life, Lead by Example, and Become a Client Magnet
Clients work with you because they need help implementing the changes they can’t make on their own. Oftentimes, our clients have a good idea of what they should be doing but they have trouble putting the pieces together or they have difficulty staying on track.
As a Health Coach, you mentor your clients and guide them towards achieving their goals. You help them achieve a healthier lifestyle through education, support, and accountability. Part of your role as a mentor is to show that while life happens outside our control, there are ways they can make even small changes to improve their well-being.
As you work to build your business and take on clients, you start working more hours. Before you know it, you may find that you have fallen into the same trap you are helping your clients escape from.
You want to help people so much that you end up forgetting about yourself.
Health Coaches are sensitive, loving, and giving people. These are qualities that make you great at what you do, but it’s also why it can be easy to move yourself off of the top of your own priority list. I have been guilty of this myself, and I know of many other coaches that struggle with the same thing.
It’s important to occasionally take a step back and make sure we are doing the same thing we tell our clients to do.
Remember what flight attendants tell passengers before take off? “Put on your own oxygen mask first, before helping someone else with theirs.”
For some people, the idea of putting themselves “first” seems selfish, or maybe even self-indulgent.
If you struggle with this too, think of it as putting yourself on the same level as those you care for. If you want to help your clients the best way possible, it’s important to lead by example and “walk the walk.”
To be there for your clients, you have to allow yourself to enjoy the lifestyle you want them to achieve.
You are a walking billboard for your business, right?
In your relationship with clients, you will be working together to find the best solutions for them. While your coaching skills and knowledge are key to helping clients achieve their desired results, they will also observe what you’re doing. Your results are their motivation, and the struggles you have overcome (or are working on overcoming) are their inspiration.
This doesn’t mean you have to be perfect. Quite the contrary; people will be more drawn to you when they see that you are human too. On the other hand, if you are living a life that is totally out of alignment with what you coach, you will likely be stifling your growth and your success.
To make sure you are (and stay) focused on yourself, think of the teachings you share with your clients. Make time to review your day and put your own coaching into practice.
Here are a few of my favorite ways to do just that:
1. Nurture your body
In the beginning, it’s common to let the excitement of your new business become your main focus.
While it’s a beautiful gesture towards your clients, remember that you also have needs. Adequate sleep, exercise, and proper nutrition should be top priority. Plan your day around your priorities and responsibilities and don’t ignore your own well-being.
What does self-care look like to you? I think it can be very different for everyone. How can you fit self-care into your schedule on a regular basis?
When I wake up in the morning, I ask myself “What’s the most important thing I can do today to take care of myself?” Usually, the answer is to fit in 30-60 minutes of exercise in the morning (between shuffling kids to different schools at different times). Sometimes it means meal planning for the week and getting to the grocery store to stock up on plenty of healthy food options.
I’ll be honest, there are days when I don’t really feel like exercising, but if I then ask myself “So you don’t have 30 minutes to take care of yourself today?” I almost always make myself do it! It’s funny how we can guilt ourselves into doing things. In this instance, guilt can be a good motivator!
2. Schedule breaks
Working flexible hours is one of the benefits of being a Health Coach. Yet, not having to work from 9 to 5 can also turn against you if you’re not careful. Make sure you schedule a lunch break and stretch breaks throughout the day.
Are you scheduling at least one day off each week? Save at least one day every week for yourself. Schedule fun activities, social events, or family time. If you are more of an introvert, some alone time may be more appealing. Breaks are important and help you stay on track in the long run. When you get back to work, you’ll be reenergized instead of feeling burned out.
3. Expect the unexpected
Life happens for everyone. No matter how organized you are, some unexpected event or emergency may require your attention. There’s no reason to feel guilty when the unexpected happens.
Sometimes it may feel like you’re taking three steps forward and two steps back. This can happen to all of us at times.
Do what you have to do, and get back on track when you can. You will be teaching your clients how to balance life, so it’s important that you’re able to do the same.
4. Know your limits
As a business owner, you will have to deal with other responsibilities aside from working with clients.
Be realistic about the time you’ll spend marketing your business and doing bookkeeping, for example. Do you have the time and the knowledge to do all aspects of owning a business? Do you need the support of a virtual assistant or a bookkeeper?
You don’t want to be stressed out about not being able to handle everything. Hiring professionals for the support of your business will give you the free time you need to work with clients, pursue business growth, and enjoy balance. Start with something small and delegate more tasks as you’re able.
Those are some ways to get started on self-care. But maybe you’re still asking – What’s really in it for me?
Some positive side effects of taking care of yourself include leading by example and understanding through experience.
When helping a client who struggles with work-life balance, you will be much more convincing if you share the way you overcome your own struggles. It will also allow you to feel your client’s “pain” from their point of view. You will be able to create even better solutions for them since you have “been there, done that.”
Being a business owner means you have a lot on your plate. Keeping your priorities in mind can help you strategize your time to scheduling things in your calendar so other commitments don’t get in the way. For example, I do my best to make appointments after 11:00 a.m. so I don’t have an excuse not to exercise.
Tip: When in doubt, ask yourself “What would I tell my clients to do in this instance?” Ha! You might not always like the answer, but you know what you should do.
Self-care really is important for everyone, and that includes you as a leader and a mentor to others.
I’d love to hear what you think! Feel free share your challenges around this topic or any tips you have found helpful.
FREE resources: If you’d like to streamline your initial client consultation, save time and get to the root of exactly how you can help your prospective clients, be sure to grab your FREE Discovery Session Guide with complete scripting HERE.