client refusing to set goals
In prep for 2015, I am setting goals with my clients. I approached a client and she said she does that in her personal life. She was very rude about it, like I was asking her something inappropriate, when in reality I am just doing my job. I asked her again, “are you sure you don’t want to set any fitness goals in here?” And explained that setting specific goals can help me, help her reach her goals. And she rudely responded no, I think you know what my goals are. I left it as is.
I work in a private 1 on 1 studio. She came to our studio for weight loss and has been making progress. I’m just so appalled at how rude and put off she was about me reevaluating her goals
Setting goals is pretty normal around this time of year, especially related to fitness.
Is rudeness typical for this client? If that’s really atypical for her, you might seek the opportunity to discuss the interaction in your next session. You didn’t say anything wrong, but it’s stuck with you. It might have stuck with her, too. You’re the only one who knows your training relationship well enough to know whether it would be useful clear the air so that this exchange doesn’t fester into something bigger than it needs to be.
If rudeness IS typical for this client, then chalk it up to her personality.
This has obviously triggered something in her, it’s not about you. You stated “I am setting goals with my clients”. Possibly think about re stating that. My clients are setting their goals.
Is goal setting mandatory? If so, is it in your contract?
In reality, you can’t help her do anything. It’s all up to her.
Hi Hillary,
sometimes, we have to take ‘no’ for an answer. After she had told you that she was setting goals in her personal life, you should have ended the conversation with a polite “If you want me to assist you with any fitness goals, I’l be here to help” and then not pursue this subject any further. Her answer made it clear that she does not view you as a part of her personal life.
She viewed your insistence as an imposition, and it does not matter how well-intentioned you have been.
It happens that we overstep boundaries of whose existence we are unaware. When you see her the next time, just move forward as if this conversation never took place unless she brings it up. If she does and it seems appropriate, apologize and tell her that you had the best of intentions.
Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com
Hi Hillary,
There are a few different ways you can go with this, but based on her response to you, I would simply respect her decision at this time. Try not to take her comment so personally. Since she is a weight loss client that has been making progress–she IS on the right track to achieving her goals (without knowing any of her specifics).
I would point out her accomplishments and just continue to encourage her efforts. Continuing to lose weight–and sustaining it–can be a challenge for many overweight clients. So, since you already know she is making progress, I would work on making a strong and supportive connection with her. Make sure her training sessions leave her feeling good about her abilities. Include some components of exercise that she really likes. She needs the positive feedback and encouragement. This will help to build her trust, then perhaps you can revisit more specifics goals another time.
Good luck!