50 Coaching Tools, Assessments and Exercises for Life Coaches

Introduction

As a life coach, having the right tools and exercises at your disposal is crucial for guiding your clients towards positive change. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. This article outlines 50 of the top coaching assessments, tools and exercises to support you on your coaching journey.

Assessing Client Values

Understanding what truly matters to a client is step one to coaching success. Try these values-focused tools and exercises:

The Values Card Sort helps clients rank their priorities.
The Wheel of Life is a visual way to evaluate life balance and satisfaction across key areas.
The Values Clarification activity uses probing questions to uncover core values.

Goal Setting & Motivation Tools

Once you know a client’s values, these goal-focused resources keep motivation high:

SMART Goal guidelines build achievable targets.
Vision boards visually represent desired outcomes.
The Three Wishes exercise uncovers deep aspirations.

Strengths & Talents Assessments

Leveraging existing talents accelerates growth. Try:

The VIA Survey of Character Strengths.
The StrengthsFinder test.
The Holland Code (RIASEC) career assessment.
Multiple Intelligences surveys.

Mindset & Empowerment Exercises

Growing self-confidence fuels action. Consider:

Positive affirmations and mantras.
Journaling prompts focused on gratitude, optimism, etc.
Creating an Empowerment Tree or Collage.
Practicing positive self-talk strategies.

Supporting Emotional Awareness

Understanding emotions drives better decisions. Try:

Check-in questions to explore feelings.
The Emotion Wheel to expand emotional vocabulary.
Feelings reflection journals.
Thought downloads to examine thought patterns.

FAQ

What are some popular coaching assessments?

Popular assessments include the VIA Survey of Character Strengths, StrengthsFinder, DISC Personality Test, and values card sorts.

What makes an effective coaching tool?

Effective tools are easy to understand, visually engaging, strengths-based, and action-oriented.

What coaching models are best for beginners?

Beginner-friendly coaching models include GROW Model (Goals, Reality, Options, Way Forward), OSKAR Model (Outcome, Situation, Knowledge, Aims, Review), and the ACHIEVE Model (Awareness, Courage, Heart, Inspiration, Exploration, Vision, Empowerment).

How do you structure a coaching session?

Effective coaching sessions often include check-in questions, reviewing action items, exploring the session topic, supportive dialogue, identifying key insights, and setting commitments.

What exercises build self-awareness?

Exercises that build self-awareness include journaling, values clarification, strength assessments, vision boards, guided meditations, art therapy techniques, and completing self-reflection questionnaires.