Our coaching approach, encapsulated within the A.C.T.I.O.N.© model (crafted by Dr. Melinda Zay MCC), is an authentic representation of our commitment to guiding clients on a transformative journey that truly works. Built upon years of experience and best practices in coaching clients from diverse backgrounds around the world, this approach stands as a beacon of empowerment and growth. We recognize that authentic change begins with anticipation, and by delving deep into your aspirations and concerns, we set the foundation for meaningful transformation. Through reflection, we identify the sustainable pathways to success and fulfillment, ensuring that every step is aligned with your unique goals and values. We assist our clients in embracing a new mindset that will manifest in visible and immediate changes and improvements and pave the road to ambitious and meaningful goals.

The ACTION model of coaching

Summary of the A.C.T.I.O.N.© steps idea

A: Anticipate Anticipate your future by reflecting on where you’re headed, potential regrets, sustainability, fulfillment, procrastination, and their consequences.

C: Commit to Change Make a wholehearted commitment to change, focusing on purpose, sustainability, work-life balance, and greater success.

T: Trajectory Design your life’s trajectory with clear deadlines, milestones, reflections, and measurable changes to align with your goals.

I: Incremental Improvements Initiate your journey with small, manageable actions, daily and weekly habits, clear metrics, and a support network.

O: Overcome Obstacles Confront limiting beliefs, impostor syndrome, and negative self-talk, embracing self-compassion and empowering beliefs to overcome challenges.

N: Now Leverage your present awareness to take immediate, even small, action steps, seek support, and tackle long-procrastinated tasks for instant relief and progress.

Implementing the A.C.T.I.O.N.© steps model in coaching

Our method’s authenticity shines through in the commitment to change phase, where we wholeheartedly engage with you in crafting a roadmap that speaks to your purpose and aspirations. We understand that lasting change requires a personalized approach, and by leveraging our best practices, we guide you in making tangible commitments that lead to real results. The trajectory we design together is not just a vision—it’s a meticulously planned route with clear milestones and reflection points, ensuring that your journey remains focused and on track. Our incremental improvements phase instills the power of small, consistent actions that drive progress, all while providing the support network you need to thrive. We believe in overcoming obstacles, acknowledging that personal growth can involve challenges such as limiting beliefs and self-doubt. Through this step, we provide you with strategies and tools to conquer these barriers and embrace self-compassion and empowering beliefs. Finally, in the now phase, we emphasize the immediacy of action, leveraging your present awareness to take meaningful steps toward your desired future. This approach is not just effective; it’s transformative, and it is poised to benefit our future clients by empowering them to achieve their goals, unlock their potential, and lead more fulfilling lives.

Introduction to the A.C.T.I.O.N.© steps model

ACTION Coaching Model and Framework

At the core of our coaching philosophy lies the ACTION model — a comprehensive framework designed to empower you to make meaningful changes in your life.

A: Anticipate Our journey commences with anticipation—an exploration of your current life trajectory and its potential consequences. Take a moment to envision the path you’re on. Where do you see yourself in 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, or even 40 years if you continue unchanged? Reflect on any potential regrets that may arise if you persist. Consider the sustainability and fulfillment of your current approach. Are you living with purpose and achieving the success you desire? And let’s not forget procrastination—what have you been putting off, and what could happen if you continue to delay action?

C: Commit to Change With newfound awareness, it’s time to make a commitment to change. Identify the areas in your life where transformation is essential for a richer sense of purpose, sustainability, work-life balance, and greater success.

T: Trajectory Now, let’s design your trajectory—a map that outlines your journey toward a brighter future. Set specific deadlines and key milestones that will chart your progress. Visualize where you see yourself in 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40 years with the newly defined changes in place. Calendarize pivotal moments for self-reflection, ensuring you stay on course. Consider the visible and measurable changes you can observe as you implement these transformative actions.

I: Incremental Improvements Transformation often starts with small, deliberate steps. Identify the manageable action items, daily routines, and weekly habits that will drive your progress. Define how you’ll measure success, and consider who can provide support on your journey.

O: Overcome Obstacles As you progress, you may encounter barriers such as limiting beliefs, impostor syndrome, or self-doubt. This phase is about facing these obstacles head-on. Explore strategies to conquer negative self-talk, cultivate self-compassion, and embrace new, empowering beliefs that propel you forward.

N: Now Finally, seize the power of the present moment. Identify the immediate action step you can take, no matter how small, to leverage your newfound awareness. Consider who you can turn to for support or guidance. Often, these actions involve tasks you’ve long procrastinated—1-5 minute actions that can provide instant relief from mental or emotional stress.

Our coaching method is a structured and personalized journey that guides you through these essential phases. As highly experienced leadership development and life coaches, we are here to provide unwavering support and expertise. Together, we’ll unlock your full potential, driving you toward a more purposeful, balanced, and successful life. Are you ready to take ACTION and transform your future?

A.C.T.I.O.N.© steps questions for self-reflection and goal-setting purposes
Here are the reflection questions tailored to each step of the ACTION model:

A: Anticipate

  1. What do you foresee for your life in the next 3, 6, and 12 months? And if you continue along your current path without change, how do you imagine your life unfolding in 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40 years?
  2. Who will you be if you follow this track?
  3. What specific regrets might you anticipate if you don’t make changes now?
  4. Is your current way of living sustainable in the long run?
  5. Does your current approach provide fulfillment and align with your purpose?
  6. Can you identify any areas of procrastination?
  7. What potential consequences or missed opportunities may arise if you continue to procrastinate in these areas?

C: Commit to Change

  1. What areas of your life must change to achieve a greater sense of purpose, sustainability, work-life balance, and success?
  2. On a scale of 1-10, how committed are you to making these necessary changes?
  3. Imagine yourself fully committed and successful. What does that look, feel, and sound like?
  4. What are the potential benefits of fully committing to this goal?
  5. What are the consequences of not committing to this goal?
  6. What motivates and drives your commitment to transformation?
  7. Why is transformation important to you?
  8. Who in your support network can you share your commitments with, allowing them to hold you accountable as well?
  9. Who else in your life might benefit from your commitment to this goal?

T: Trajectory

  1. If fear of failure, rejection, or risks were not holding you back, where do you envision yourself reaching or accomplishing?
  2. How can you design a clear trajectory for your future, considering the changes you want to implement?
  3. What specific deadlines and/or key milestones will help you track your progress? Draft a timeline or a roadmap.
  4. Envision your life in 3-6-12 months from now (or 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, or 40 years’ time) with these changes in place. What do you see? Who will you be? What will you be proud of?
  5. How will you schedule reflection points to ensure you stay on course?
  6. What visible and measurable changes do you expect to observe as you implement these changes?
  7. How will you adapt your trajectory if unforeseen challenges or opportunities arise?

I: Incremental Improvements

  1. What small, manageable action items can you introduce to facilitate progress toward your goals?
  2. What daily and weekly habits can you adopt to support your transformation?
  3. What metrics or criteria will you use to observe progress?
  4. How will you measure success?
  5. Who can assist and support you on your journey toward incremental improvements?
  6. How will you stay accountable to your incremental improvement plan?
  7. Imagine yourself fully committed and successful. What does that look, feel, and sound like?

O: Overcome Obstacles

  1. Are there any limiting beliefs that have held you back from reaching your potential?
  2. What kind of impostor syndrome, self-doubt, or self-sabotage could be transferred toward the new trajectory?
  3. What strategies can you employ to confront and overcome inner and outer obstacles?
  4. How can you shift from negative self-talk to self-compassion and embrace empowering beliefs?
  5. Who can provide guidance and support as you work to overcome these challenges?
  6. How will you know that you conquered limiting beliefs and self-doubt? How will others observe you and your behavior?
  7. Are there any potential roadblocks or distractions that may hinder your progress?

N: Now

  1. What immediate action step can you take, no matter how small, to leverage your current realization?
  2. Who can you reach out to in the next 24 hours for help or support?
  3. Can you list some 5-minute tasks that you may have procrastinated with to alleviate mental or emotional stress and gain a sense of accomplishment? (E.g.; make a phone call, respond to an email, declutter your desk.)
  4. What specific steps will you take to ensure that you act upon your present realization?
  5. How can you maintain the momentum and motivation to continue taking action in the present?
  6. Who can you commit to?
  7. Are there any potential distractions or barriers that you need to address as you take action now?

These reflection questions are intended to deepen your understanding of each phase within the ACTION model. They will serve as valuable tools for self-discovery and personal growth as you embark on your coaching journey. Our experienced leadership development and life coaches are here to guide you through these reflections, be your accountability partners, and support you in your quest for a more fulfilling and successful life.