My Favorite Coaching Tool You Can Use on Your Own!
- Lisa Wright Burbach
- Aug 30
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 1
My Favorite coaching tool. you ca use on your own!
Or with me!
Change can feel daunting, especially when the steps forward seem overwhelming or unclear. That’s where a Certified Health Coach comes in, and one of my favorite tools is the Brief Action Plan (BAP).
The Center for Collaboration, Motivation, and Innovation describes BAP this way:
“Brief Action Planning (BAP) is a structured, evidence-based approach that guides people in setting SMART goals, assessing confidence, problem-solving, and planning follow-ups. It draws from the spirit of Motivational Interviewing (MI) and is widely used in clinical practice to support health behavior change through simple, structured conversations.”
This is a super easy to use tool that helps turn ideas into manageable, motivating action steps that are easier to stick with. Each success builds confidence for the next step.
Why I Love the Brief Action Plan
I use many tools as a coach, but BAP stands out as my favorite because I see people believe in themselves and succeed, over and over again. Clients who work through a BAP often feel:
Clarity – The process breaks down goals into smaller, clear, and achievable steps.
Success – A manageable plan means people actually do it, which builds momentum.
Empowerment – Clients begin to see they are capable of change and start to believe in themselves.
Self-Awareness – The structured reflection helps people understand their motivation and readiness.
Accountability – A clear plan, combined with check-ins, keeps progress moving forward.
Motivation – Small wins build excitement and encourage setting new, bigger goals.
Resilience – When setbacks happen, the BAP framework makes it easier to problem-solve and get back on track.
Sustainability – Instead of one-time success, people create a pattern of achieving and resetting goals.
Why It Matters to Me
Personally, I love BAP because I get to watch my clients light up when they realize they can accomplish what they set out to do. It’s energizing to see someone reach their goals, and even more powerful to watch them grow in confidence and start believing in themselves in new ways. When they believe they can, everything changes.
The Brief Action Plan creates a cycle of success. Each achievement motivates the next goal, and before long, clients aren’t just reaching one milestone; they’re building a lifestyle of consistent progress.
Ready for Your Own Action Plan?
If you’ve been wanting to make progress but aren’t sure where to start, or if you’ve struggled to follow through in the past, the Brief Action Plan may be exactly what you need. You can download a copy from my website to use on your own or with me!
I’d love to help you create a personalized action plan that leaves you feeling clear, capable, and motivated. Schedule an Action Plan coaching session to create your plan with me today, and let’s take the first step together.
Weekly Recipe Ideas:
Looking for fresh dinner ideas? Each week, I search the internet, cookbooks, and magazines so you don’t have to. From tested favorites to fun new finds, I bring you recipes that are practical, delicious, and ready to make mealtime easier and more enjoyable.
Cooking with foods in season early September:
Haluski - Cabbage - by Bringing Back Dinner
Time: 1 1/2 hours (this is because I slowly caramalize the onions, you could shourten the time, but cooking them less time, But the flavor is so worth it.
Easy: This dish is delicious and easy. If you are not sure about cooking with cabbage I think this dish will change your mind!
Time: 35 Minutes
Easy to Moderate difficulty. The recipe calls for a Food processor, but if you don't have one you can mix with your hands and a fork.
Grilled Pork Chops and Peaches - Peaches - by Delish
Time: 55 Minutes
Easy to Moderate Difficulty. This really is an easy recipe, but some people feel intimidated by grilling, don't worry, you've got this!
Crispy Fish Tacos with Salsa Verde - Tomatillos - By Blue Apron
Time: 35 Minutes
Easy: We love this recipe! I follow the directions, but cook the fish in the air fryer, chef's choice. The salsa is lick the bowl good!
Southern Tomato Pie - Tomatoes - By once Upon A Chef
Time: 1 Hour 45 minutes
Moderate Difficulty. Tomato season is the BEST!!! I always feel a sense of mourning when it's over and we have to go back to fake tasting store bought tomatoes! This recipe falls on the side of comfort food!
Enjoy!
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