Early on in my first business I had big aspirations, plans and goals, but I felt like I was spinning my wheels. I went to a chamber of commerce meeting and met a woman who offered business coaching and made an appointment with her.
She helped me break my goals down into small steps and create a list of actions necessary to attain each goal. Every week I was accountable for completing specific, measurable actions toward my goals. She even had a visual image gauging my progress each time we met. At the end of the time-frame we had set, I had achieved my goal of publishing a workbook and DVD!
As someone who was not very good at asking for help, the coaching experience really changed my perspective on this. Over the years I have worked with a variety of coaches and each experience has added value to both my personal and professional well-being.
Recently a client requested an on-site health coaching program for their employees with a focus on fitness and nutrition. The company operates 3 shifts and requested coaching be conducted early morning, mid-day and late afternoon. A week prior to the start of the coaching program flyers promoting the program were posted in work areas, on the website and sent via email. An online scheduler was used for employees to book their appointments with the coach. A month into the program, a survey was sent to participants . The results were outstanding.
100% of respondents indicated they are more physically active, they are eating healthier, and they are implementing lifestyle recommendations made by their coach.
86% of respondents are seeing a positive impact on their health as a result of the coaching.
Coaching works because it provides support and accountability. A good health coach will take time to get to know a client’s goals and help formulate a plan to help reach those goals. The right coach will guide their client to make well defined, measurable goals, and will keep them on track by holding them accountable for making forward progress. Health coaching that achieves lasting results uses a personalized approach that fits an individual’s unique life circumstances.
Below are comments from a few of our coaching participants:
“My weight is on track for overall goal by early February for a 40 pound loss. The tools and knowledge given by my coach far exceeded my expectations.”
“I have been able to improve my energy level significantly and feel alive again. My coach provided little tricks that I could incorporate into my current lifestyle to make eating healthier easy and even… dare I say it…FUN! The best part is that they are working and I don’t feel like it’s a chore!”
“I met my goals of learning how to read food labels, how to count calories, better options/substitutes of foods, exercises, and losing a little bit of weight.”
More and more companies are experimenting with hiring health coaches to encourage engagement in wellness programs. These companies know that there is a direct correlation between healthy employees and company performance. If you are seeking to improve engagement in your wellness program or would like to start a wellness program at your workplace, click here to receive more information.
