Rising Above Negativity: Coaching Your Clients to Stay Positive

Do you ever feel like some people just don’t get you, or even worse, try to actively discourage and even talk smack about you? You’re not alone. Every person on the path to building a meaningful, purpose-filled life has encountered these fabled foes—those who seem to be waiting in the wings with criticism or negativity, ready to knock you down a peg.

For your clients, encountering such negativity can be disheartening and emotionally draining, especially when it comes from people they know and trust. It can make them question their journey, second-guess their decisions, and even feel tempted to give up.

As a coach, your role is critical in helping your clients not only navigate this negativity but also rise above it. The ability to stay positive in the face of challenges is what separates those who succeed from those who falter. With your guidance, your clients can learn to brush off negativity, stay focused, and continue moving toward the extraordinary lives they are building.

Don’t Match Negativity with Negativity

When your clients encounter naysayers, it’s tempting to respond in kind. After all, it’s only human to feel the urge to defend yourself or strike back when someone tries to tear you down. But here’s the best advice you can give them: Don’t do them like they do you.

The most powerful thing your clients can do in the presence of negativity is to rise above it. Remind them that they have nothing to prove to anyone, and by reacting with kindness, grace, or even silence, they reclaim control of the situation. It’s not about ignoring the hurtful words or pretending they don’t exist; it’s about choosing not to engage in a toxic back-and-forth that drains their energy and detracts from their goals.

Encourage your clients to respond with a smile, not because they’re unaffected, but because they’re choosing a higher road. By doing so, they protect their inner peace and stay focused on what truly matters—building their most magnificent life.

As a Coach, Keep Your Clients Focused on the Big Picture

Your role as a coach is to help your clients stay focused on their journey and the bigger picture. When negativity creeps in, it can cloud their vision and cause doubt to settle in. This is where you step in as a guiding light, reminding them of their strengths, their progress, and their ultimate goals.

Here are a few strategies to help your clients stay positive and rise above negativity:

• Practice Gratitude: Encourage your clients to practice gratitude daily. By focusing on the positive aspects of their life and what they’re grateful for, they’ll naturally shift their mindset away from negativity.

• Reframe Negative Thoughts: Teach your clients how to reframe negativity into something constructive. For example, if someone criticizes them, they can ask themselves, “Is there any truth in this that I can learn from?” If not, they can let it go. If so, they can use it as feedback for growth.

• Set Boundaries: Help your clients establish boundaries with negative people. They don’t need to engage with every opinion or absorb everyone’s energy. Encourage them to spend time with those who uplift and support them.

• Focus on What They Can Control: Negativity from others is out of their control, but their response is entirely within their power. By focusing on their actions, attitude, and mindset, your clients can remain empowered no matter what others say or do.

• Celebrate Wins: Regularly celebrate your clients’ progress and achievements. This reinforces a positive mindset and keeps their attention on what they’re accomplishing rather than the negativity around them.

Negativity is an inevitable part of life, especially for those who are striving for greatness. But with your guidance, your clients can learn to rise above it, stay focused on their goals, and continue building a life filled with purpose and meaning.

As a coach, your support can make all the difference in helping your clients stay positive, resilient, and focused on what truly matters.