By setting the goal, the coach and the client have completed the “I want” statement.

By aligning the goal with the client’s values and passion, the “I deserve” statement is accomplished.

By creating the action plan, consisting of smaller, achievable steps, the coach and client fulfill the “I can” statement.

The only remaining statement to complete in the Common Sense CoachingTM agreement is the “I will” component. A lot of work has gone into the process of getting to this point. However, well-laid plans cannot come to fruition unless the client commits to the journey, and follows through with the plan.

This is where the final component of the coach-client relationship comes into play – the coach serves as a sounding board, and accountability partner for the client. I’m sure we’ve all experienced the following scenario at least once: set an intention to do something, feel really good about it and complete the plans, only to let something get in the way of the actualization of your intention. When we are only responsible for ourselves, it is all too easy to tell ourselves, “It’s okay. I’ll do it another time.”

When we have another person holding us accountable for following through with our ‘promises’ to ourselves, it gives us just enough of a boost to make it through the potential setbacks. This is why more people accomplish great things with a coach by their sides than they ever do alone.

Think of all the great athletes who made it to the pinnacle of their sport – almost all of them thank their coach as the person they ‘couldn’t have made it without’