Q: I have a client that is up to renew. She seems happy with our sessions and wants to renew, but hasn’t made progress, so I’m not sure I want her to. What should I do?
Excellent question!
A common difficult dilemma nutrition and wellness coaches face is deciding whether to renew a client who seems happy with their sessions but hasn’t made the progress you had both hoped for. It can feel frustrating—to the client and coach—to invest time and energy without seeing measurable results, but before you make a decision, it’s important to take a step back and evaluate the situation holistically. Let’s break it down.
1. Progress Isn’t Always Linear
Just because a client hasn’t hit specific milestones doesn’t mean they won’t. Behavior change is a complex and deeply personal journey. What looks like stagnation on the surface might actually be the necessary groundwork for future breakthroughs. Small shifts, like improved self-awareness or an increase in accountability, can be hard to measure but are often the precursors to larger, visible progress.
For example, if your client feels supported, heard, and hopeful in your sessions, that’s a huge win—even if she hasn’t fully implemented the habits you’ve discussed. These foundational elements may be exactly what she needs to eventually make meaningful changes. It sounds like she must feel supported since she wants to continue working together.
2. Reflect on Your Own Experience
A key factor in this decision is assessing how you feel about working with this client. Ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy our sessions?
- Do I feel like I’m making a positive impact, even if the results aren’t visible yet?
- Am I energized or drained by this client?
If the answer to these questions leans positive, that’s a strong case for continuing your work together. Coaching relationships thrive on mutual respect and enjoyment, and if you find joy in supporting her journey, it’s worth continuing.
However, if you feel consistently drained, frustrated, or uninspired by your sessions, that’s a sign it might be time to part ways. Your energy and enthusiasm are essential to being an effective coach, and if this client’s lack of progress is impacting your ability to show up fully, it may not be a good fit moving forward. It is ok and healthy to recognize this.
3. The Role You May Be Playing
It’s easy to focus solely on tangible outcomes, but your role as a coach might extend beyond the obvious. For some clients, having a safe, supportive space to explore their challenges can be life-changing. You may be their outlet, their anchor, or their source of hope.
Sometimes, clients aren’t ready to make big changes—yet. But they renew because they see value in the relationship and trust that, when they’re ready, you’ll be there to guide them. Recognizing this can shift your perspective on what success looks like.
4. Taking Baby Steps Toward Progress
If you decide to continue working with this client, consider adjusting your approach:
- Reassess Goals: Are the original goals realistic, or do they need to be modified to better fit her current stage of readiness?
- Celebrate Small Wins: Highlight and celebrate even the smallest achievements to build momentum and confidence.
- Focus on Micro-Habits: Introduce tiny, manageable steps that feel achievable and can build up to larger changes over time.
- Have an Honest Conversation: Ask your client how she feels about her progress and what she hopes to achieve in the next phase of your work together. This can foster alignment and motivation.
Ultimately, the decision to renew a client who hasn’t made as much progress as you would have liked comes down to two key questions:
- Do you enjoy and feel fulfilled by your work with this client?
- Does the client see value in continuing the relationship?
If the answer to both is yes, it’s worth continuing coaching this person. Progress may take longer than expected, but your support could be the constant she needs to get there. If, however, you feel the relationship isn’t serving either of you, it’s okay to move on with grace and professionalism. The most important thing is to honor both your needs and your client’s journey.
