When it comes to learning about my clients, I could not succeed as a coach without asking my clients to journal. In addition to weekly phone calls, I ask clients to journal online daily, with the assistance of journaling prompts. I respond to journal entries with a thought-provoking comment or a subsequent question, and this propels the client forward in the coaching process. The impact of journaling is significant.

I invite you to sample this coaching method. Below, I have provided a client’s anonymous journal entry. Please read and play the role of the coach.

“I am irritable, restless, and overwhelmed. It feels like I cannot reach my daily goals even though I am trying hard. At nighttime, when there’s finally peace and quiet, I can't fall asleep, nor can I be productive to work on something. I feel tension in my neck and shoulders, and sadness in my heart. I feel guilty for not keeping the promise to myself of accomplishing daily tasks. I have this expectation that I should finish everything that I think I should do.”

As this client’s coach, what would you focus on? Feel free to post your responses below in the comment section. Here are a few questions to get you thinking:

_What is the overwhelming feeling that you notice in this journal?

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What would you say to understand where all of this client’s tension is coming from?

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How can you help this client achieve peace of mind?_