Coaching for Mental Toughness 191 What if the coachees constantly focuses on all the reasons that they are unable to progress? Listen empathetically to the reasons that they are unable to progress. Point out that much of the discussion has been on what is stopping them. Ask what they can do in this situation. Taking a solution-focused approach, ask the coachees to imagine what the future would be like if they were able to overcome all the barriers they are facing. Highlight any positives that emerge in the conversation. The very fact that the coachees are persevering in the face of so many obstacles is positive. Once they feel a bit more positive about the situation, they may be encouraged to think about taking steps towards a solution. What if the coachees cannot generate any options at all? Use tools to encourage creative thinking. For example, ask the coachees to draw themselves in their situation. The act of drawing it