3 Important Reasons Why You Should Not Promise A Big Transformation If You’re A Coach
And what you can do instead
You might want to transform your clients’ reality and very well be capable of it.
However, your big promises might be your downfall.
Big promises are usually associated to big changes. Problem is, big changes usually enlist your potential client’s nervous system against you.
Here’s why promising and delivering small might yield you a lot more success.
The 42 seconds that shifted my perspective
When Joe Rogan interviewed him last year, Mr. Beast shared a 42-second piece of wisdom that made me review how I look at my coaching offers.
It’s worth listening to. Press “play” on the video below. It starts at the perfect point. Watch for 42 seconds, and then we’ll continue with that context in mind.
Let’s unpack what Mr. Beast just shared.
The challenge with promising huge transformations
When you promise huge transformations, you enlist four enemies.
The first is your client’s comfort zone.
Many new coaches assume that clients are ready to make significant changes immediately. However, drastic changes can trigger resistance due to the Status Quo Bias, where people prefer to stick to their current state.
Ignoring this can lead to clients feeling overwhelmed and abandoning your program.
The second is what your client already has.
They might focus on delivering a complete overhaul rather than reinforcing what clients already have. This mistake ignores the Endowment Effect, where people value what they currently own or do more than new, unfamiliar alternatives.
The third is your client’s natural aversion to complexity.
Coaches might design intricate plans and expect clients to follow them without providing clear, simple steps.
Complexity can be daunting, and it can make it hard for clients to know where to start.
The fourth is your client’s emotional fuel tank.
New coaches often miss the emotional aspect of change.
Big transformations can be emotionally taxing, and if you don’t address this, clients might struggle with the psychological impact. The fear of loss and the discomfort of leaving the familiar can impede progress.
What to do instead?
You can do solve these four errors by adopting three principles.
Fly under the Comfort Zone radar
Start by introducing small, manageable adjustments that align with clients’ existing habits and routines. This minimizes resistance and helps clients stay within their comfort zones, increasing their likelihood of sticking with the program.
By making incremental changes, you respect the Status Quo Bias and reduce the risk of overwhelming clients.
Build upon instead of replacing
Build on their existing strengths and positive habits rather than proposing a complete overhaul. This leverages the Endowment Effect, where people value what they currently possess more than new alternatives.
Enhancing what clients already do well ensures continuity and fosters confidence in the improvement process.
Leverage KISS
Reduce complexity by offering clear, straightforward steps that are easy to follow. This approach minimizes cognitive load and emotional fatigue, making it easier for clients to adopt new behaviors.
By ensuring the benefits are clear and the process is simple, you enhance client engagement and success.
How Apple consistently applies these three principles
When Apple releases a new version of iOS, they focus on making changes incremental and user-friendly.
Instead of overhauling the entire system, Apple introduces small, manageable updates that enhance the user experience without overwhelming them. For example, they might add a new feature like improved photo editing tools, while keeping the overall interface familiar.
This approach respects users’ comfort zones and minimizes resistance to change. As a result, more users adopt the new version.
Apple also reinforces what users already have by building on existing features.
When they improve the Messages app, they add enhancements like new emojis and better organization tools, rather than completely redesigning the app. This leverages the Endowment Effect, making users appreciate the enhancements because they are familiar and improve something they already value.
Users feel more confident and satisfied with the incremental improvements, so they embrace the new version instead of rejecting it.
Finally, Apple simplifies the process to make it a no-brainer for users.
The updates are easy to install, and the new features come with intuitive tutorials and tips that make it clear how to use them. This reduces cognitive load and decision fatigue, making it straightforward for users to take advantage of the new capabilities.
By ensuring the updates are simple and beneficial, Apple enhances user engagement and loyalty and pretty much guarantees the majority of users will update their devices.
How to put these three principles into practice
To effectively apply these strategies, coaches need to focus on practical steps that promote gradual and sustainable change.
Befriending the Comfort Zone
First, start by assessing the client’s current habits and routines.
Identify areas where small adjustments can be made without causing too much disruption. For example, if you’re a fitness coach, instead of overhauling a client’s entire workout routine, suggest adding 10 minutes of cardio to their existing schedule or introducing a couple of new exercises, such as squats or push-ups, that they can incorporate into their current routine.
This respects their comfort zone and makes the transition smoother.
Enhancing your client’s existing reality
Next, build on the strengths that clients already possess.
Highlight and reinforce what they are already doing well, and suggest improvements that enhance these strengths. If you’re a business coach, for instance, recognize a client’s effective strategies for managing their team, like regular check-ins or clear communication channels. Propose ways to optimize these practices, such as introducing a new project management tool that streamlines their current workflow or enhancing their existing communication strategy with brief, daily team updates.
This approach will leverage the Endowment Effect and make your clients appreciate the enhancements you propose, because they build on familiar and valued practices.
KISS
Finally, simplify the process to ensure it’s straightforward and easy to follow.
Break down new habits or changes into clear, manageable steps. Provide simple, actionable instructions that clients can easily integrate into their daily routines.
For example, if you’re a nutrition coach, rather than suggesting a complete dietary overhaul, start with small changes like incorporating one additional serving of vegetables into each meal or replacing sugary drinks with water or herbal tea. Use tools like meal plans, grocery lists, and progress tracking apps to make the process as effortless as possible.
Closing the feedback loop
Applying these strategies involves continuous support and feedback.
Regularly check in with clients to monitor their progress and adjust the plan as needed. For example, a weekly check-in call or a bi-weekly progress review meeting can help address any challenges and celebrate their successes, no matter how small.
This keeps clients motivated and engaged.
By focusing on gradual improvements, reinforcing existing strengths, and simplifying the process, you’ll help clients achieve lasting success and satisfaction.
More importantly, you’ll keep them coming back for more.
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