Anna's Story
From 'I've Tried Everything' to Understanding What Was Really Holding Me Back
The Situation
When Anna came to coaching, she was 58 and beginning to notice the effects of getting older. She felt less mobile than she once had, experienced more aches and pains, and knew that if nothing changed, her health was likely to deteriorate further.
Like many people, this wasn’t her first attempt at making changes. She had tried numerous eating plans and fitness programmes over the years. Most worked for a while. Then life got busy, motivation faded, and she found herself back where she started.
Anna described herself as ‘the chunky one’ in her friendship group. Growing up in an Italian family where food was never wasted, eating was closely connected to family, culture and caring for others.
What Was Really Going On
On the surface, Anna believed her problem was lack of willpower and discipline. As we explored things further, a different picture emerged.
Anna was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Much of her time and energy was spent caring for others and putting their needs first. During the previous year, one daughter-in-law had been diagnosed with cancer while another had welcomed Anna’s first grandchild into the family. Understandably, her attention was focused everywhere except herself.
The Coaching Process
Rather than focusing on diets, calorie counting or exercise plans, we explored how Anna thought about health, wellbeing and change. Using a combination of coaching and MindSonar profiling, Anna gained a clearer understanding of the thinking patterns that supported her goals and the patterns that repeatedly pulled her away from them. Together we explored what truly motivated her, why previous approaches had only worked temporarily, the beliefs she held about food, health and self-care, and how healthier choices could fit alongside family life rather than compete with it.
The Breakthrough
One of Anna’s biggest insights was recognising how much she relied on others to keep her motivated — and what that meant for her path forward.
“I understand that I struggle to do it on my own. This is true as if my husband is on board it is much easier for me. I think I need to focus on myself more and not rely on others so much.”
— Anna, coaching client
She also realised she tended to focus on the positive aspects of life while avoiding some uncomfortable truths about the potential health consequences of remaining inactive.
“I need to finish things and see it through — probably not focus on a weight loss goal but continue a healthy lifestyle forever!”
— Anna, coaching client
The Outcome
By understanding more about how she thinks, what motivates her and what she tends to avoid thinking about, Anna was able to create a healthier approach that felt achievable and sustainable. Rather than trying to become a different person, she found ways to work with her natural motivations and values. She left coaching with greater self awareness, a clearer reason why, and a practical path forward that fitted her life and family responsibilities.
Could This Be You?
Many people come to coaching believing they need more willpower. In reality, what they often need is a better understanding of themselves. When you understand your motivations, values, beliefs and thinking patterns, change becomes less about fighting yourself and more about working with who you already are.