Reality checks are often needed to make sure we are still on the path we intended to take. For example, do your clients or customers highly value what you offer them? Are they actually implementing it?

Are you a coach or consultant finding yourself puzzled by clients who express a desire to reach their goals but seem unable to progress toward those goals? Have you caught yourself wondering:
– “What’s stopping this person from moving forward?”
– “Why do some of my clients start with enthusiasm but then lose momentum?”
– “Is there something in my approach that’s affecting my client’s progress, or is it a deeper issue?”

If these thoughts resonate with you, then this quick reality check could be just what you need. This tool offers a simple yet insightful way to assess your clients’ progress, especially those who have become stalled, slowed down, or veered off course.

Here’s how to use the Reality Check Template:

Make copies of the template and fill out one for each client. Spend just 5–10 minutes on each, allowing your observations to guide your responses without overthinking. By completing this ‘Reality Check,’ you’ll gain a clearer picture of where your client stands and what they need to advance.

Remember, this isn’t about passing judgment on your clients or yourself. It’s about identifying patterns that might be overlooked, helping you to better support your clients’ journeys.

Client Name

Sarah T.

Progress Level

(High/Mid/Low)       Mid

Engagement Level

(High/Mid/Low)       Mid

Common Excuses or Challenges

“I didn’t have time to
get to it this week.”

“I wanted to think
about it a bit more before doing anything.”

Missed two sessions in
the past two months due to sudden need to reschedule.

What Helped

She responds well to
short-term action steps and weekly check-ins.

When we tied her
actions back to her core values (independence, creativity), she seemed more
motivated.

She liked having a
visual tracker — said it helped her feel “seen.”

What Didn’t Help

Giving her too much
autonomy too early — she got stuck trying to plan everything on her own.

Open-ended reflection
questions — she tends to overthink instead of act.

Email summaries of the
session — she didn’t read them.

What patterns are emerging?

Clients who start
strong often slow down when it’s time to take visible action

The word “should” tends
to show up when there’s fear or misalignment

Planning is used as a
way to delay — especially in clients who seem thoughtful but avoid execution

Structured
accountability seems more helpful than clients expect (even if they resist it
early on)

Where might something deeper be blocking
progress?

I suspect some
perfectionism and fear of judgment. She keeps tweaking things instead of
launching.

Possibly misaligned
goals — she talks a lot about what she “should” do, not what she wants to do.

She may be worried
about what success will demand of her (pressure to keep going).

What’s your takeaway from this client’s
progress so far?

Sarah is capable and
creative, but she needs tighter structure and smaller wins.

I need to keep the pace
moving, even if her verbal processing makes her seem like she’s engaging
deeply.

There’s more hesitation
under the surface than she lets on.

Next Step
Sometimes the real issue isn’t visible on the surface. It’s internal resistance, misaligned goals, fear, or confusion — things the client may not even recognize yet.
Rather than guessing, use the Why Aren’t My Clients Taking Action? Diagnostic Tool to:
 Pinpoint the root cause
 Tailor your coaching to match motivation level
 Save time, reduce frustration, and keep clients moving forward

Download the free Coach’s Diagnostic Tool here: ‘Why Aren’t My Clients Taking Action?’ Diagnostic Tool

It’s ideal for helping you:
 Reflect on what’s been working (and what hasn’t)
 Spot areas where your clients are stuck
 Recommit to your client relationship goals

Once you have identified the problem, how will you correct it?

Motivate Your Clients to Take Action has the answer. This training will walk you through the A.C.T.I.O.N process that helps you:
Build coaching relationships that spark motivation (and keep it going)
Uncover hidden resistance and mindset blocks keeping your clients from moving forward
Set inspiring goals that actually lead to progress
Create simple accountability systems that keeps moving forward
Re-engage clients who’ve started ignoring you

You’ll walk away with a proven system and tools you can plug right into your business,
…and, if you choose, you’ll have a professional course to sell, teach live, include in a membership site or coaching program, or use as part of an even bigger offer.

The Launch Week Discount ends today at Midnight PDT so there’s no time for delay. Get your copy now: Motivate Your Clients to Take Action.

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