It's vital that sessions not be aimless and scattered. Follow a process.

First, you must build quick rapport to get the client to open up. You don't want folks to hold back private information. This stage is the appetizer before the main course.

From the second meeting onward, congratulate them on any progress made since the last session. Update them on where they are on the map to their destination.

Set a clear agenda for the meeting, as this provides structure, while assuring the customer you know what you're doing. Do this by inquiring about what's on their mind today or what would they like to achieve today.

Oftentimes, they will mention several issues they're wrestling with. Narrow it down to one core concern by asking which is the biggest or most urgent. Addressing the key dilemma will help to resolve the smaller ones.

Their reply ensures focus and meaningful discussion, while avoiding distractions that takes you guys off-road. Clarity is what it's all about. Possessing an expected outcome plays a key role for the next phase.

Now it's time for the meaty middle. During this section, we want to get to the root cause of the challenge by posing thought-provoking, open-ended questions. Listen for what is not being said. Read between the lines. Watch out for hesitation, changes in tone, body language discomfort, etc.

The ultimate goal is to discover the limiting beliefs, harmful biases, and outdated assumptions that are handcuffing them from progress. Gently call them out on it. Help them reframe and replace automatic, negative thoughts aka ANTs. When profound breakthroughs happen, they are magical.

The final summary stage brings everything to a proper close. Having them highlight all the takeaways helps clients retain and take stock of all their newfound insights and progress. Possessing faith in your client's ability to flourish will motivate them. Thanks to you, they will feel accomplished and reinvigorated.

With this knowledge in place, inquiring about the next action steps and how obstacles will be handled maintains the momentum, leading to lasting, life-changing results.

Once concrete, specific goals with deadlines are established, hold them accountable so they follow through on their promises, as that it is #1 needle-moving factor in goal attainment. End strong and on a high note.