Motivationscoaching

Motivationscoaching is a coaching approach aimed at enhancing an individual's motivation to pursue and sustain personal or professional goals. It focuses on identifying intrinsic motives, aligning goals with values, and building skills to initiate and maintain change. The practice is used across settings such as education, workplace development, sports, health, and personal growth, and can be delivered one-on-one or in groups.

Core elements include autonomy-supportive guidance, competence-building, and relatedness, drawing on Self-Determination Theory. Practitioners help clients clarify values, articulate why a goal matters, and set specific, attainable objectives. They employ goal setting, action planning, and progress monitoring, often complemented by motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and habit formation strategies.

A typical process involves intake and assessment, collaborative goal formulation, plan design, execution, regular check-ins, and adjustment based on feedback and outcomes. It is generally considered distinct from psychotherapy or clinical therapy, focusing on motivation and behavior in everyday contexts rather than treating mental illness.

Evidence for effectiveness varies. Some studies indicate coaching can improve performance, well-being, and goal attainment, with motivational interviewing showing robust results in health-related behaviors. Outcomes are highly dependent on practitioner skill, client readiness, and the fit between approach and goals; standardized training and ethical guidelines are often recommended.

Critiques note inconsistencies in training standards, variable quality, and the risk of overpromising results in the self-help market. Despite this, Motivationscoaching is recognized as a practical framework for supporting motivation-driven change when delivered by qualified professionals.