Coaching involves change. Through coaching, a client chooses what they want to achieve, and then explores what thinking and habits support their goals. From there the coach works with the client to determine what it takes to create the change.
It takes 21 days to change a thought and 30 days to change a habit, and then it takes 6 to 12 months to set the new habit in place. During the time it takes to create the change, it is important to have ongoing reminders of what is wanted. Options for this include books, recordings, affirmations, notes or pictures, and accountability partners. Additionally, it takes doing. Developing the thinking happens when the client chooses to support the goals they want to work on. The coaching relationship is a partnership where the coach is a tool and provides tools.
As a tool, a coach partners with the client in the exploration of what is wanted and how to achieve it. A coach supports the client with tools such as processes for reinforcing the thinking a client wants and a process for developing habits they choose to support their success. A coach is an accountability partner. Because of the proactive and positive partnership in the coaching relationship, a client is confident and intentional in creating change.