You're faced with a client's unrealistic demands. How can you navigate them mindfully?

Take a deep breath and ground yourself in the present moment. Approach the conversation with an open heart and mind, genuinely listening to the client's concerns and needs. Acknowledge their feelings and validate their perspective, which helps to build trust and rapport. Then, gently and respectfully explain your perspective, highlighting any constraints or limitations you face. Offer alternative solutions that are realistic and align with both your capacities and the client's goals. Throughout the discussion, maintain a calm and composed demeanor, using positive language and a compassionate tone. Remember, it's important to take care of your own well-being too, so don't be afraid to set clear boundaries.

It can take no more than 3 deep breaths to snap off and recenter. No matter how long is the pause, and no matter what works best for you, always find a way to step back, especially if you feel triggered. In this example, I would take the time to listen to the client, acknowledge their requests, reformulate them to make sure we are all on the same page, then ask for time to review it before getting back to them to make sure I analyse all possibilities to help them better. I find breaking down this session in two or three helps also giving the client time to step back a re-think about everything after they have had the chance to vent it all and speak it out loud. Often they also reassess priorities just by having the space to do so.

Kierkegaard once said that if we cannot find the person we want to help where this person is, we fool ourselves if we think we can help. If we want to help we must do it properly - or not at all (or it may be a waste of time). We have to listen actively and mindfully - and validate the persons perspective and try to understand his or her world. If we don't understand we can either listen harder (curiosity) or accept that we don't have to understand - only respect (acceptance). We have to put our own feelings aside (and discuss them later) - this is this persons needs; we are the professionals that get paid. We answer calmly what kind of help we know we can offer (generosity, patience) and then ask for more time to get back to them.

Thinking is interrupting. Best advice another fellow coach gave me. When I catch myself thinking of a response I now direct my mind to refocus on what is being shared with me. Communication isn't a fight, it is an exchange that we can deepen and make more meaningful if we create the space for it. After listening, make sure to ask questions and clarify things. If something seem unrealistic, ask why they need it that certain way, try to understand their motivations and dig deeper.

Our minds come up with lots of thoughts all the time; we conjure things that may be untrue. The feedback received needs to be evaluated and assessed with a balanced mind. Mindfulness helps us to see things objectively, without prejudice. We have to evaluate if what is requested is fair or unfair. Can it be done in the timeline requested. We can choose to respond instead of reacting to the client's demands and requests. Sometimes, we just need some time off before responding, and that's okay. Give yourself that time and space.

Communicating clearly with clients hinges on the triad: know what, know how, know when. Knowing *what* involves understanding your responsibilities and recognizing what falls outside your purview. Mindfulness promotes active listening, helping you delineate these boundaries clearly. Knowing *how* requires using diplomacy to communicate this, guiding the client to acknowledge any overreach in their expectations. Mindfulness nurtures the tact and empathy needed for this delicate conversation. Knowing *when* means identifying the right moment to reframe the discussion—you need your client’s full attention and a strategic window to present your case. Mindfulness ensures you stay present and attuned, optimizing your timing for maximum impact.

It is beneficial to approach the situation with a genuine eagerness to provide a solution. Simply & clearly convey that the request falls outside the current project's scope, while expressing a willingness to propose a solution. For instance, one could say, "I understand that you would like four rounds of revisions to refine your vision. Our current package includes only one round. Would you like a revised proposal?" Additionally, it is important to remain mindful of boundaries and avoid over-delivering out of fear. These situations present valuable opportunities to reflect on any gaps in our communication and refine our contracts. By doing so, we can ensure clearer communication with future clients and improve overall project management.

Setting boundaries with clients is like holding a tricky yoga pose. It can feel daunting, but it's crucial. Think of it as balancing in tree pose—you need firmness and flexibility. Know your limits and understand the client's needs. Communicate clearly and kindly, and stand your ground. Don't worry about pleasing everyone or fearing backlash. Stay centered and keep your professional standards. When you're fully present and in tune with the moment, you naturally find the right balance, and your boundaries will be respected, keeping your relationships healthy.

Everyone wants to feel important. By engaging our clients in the creative process, we may better understand their needs, wants, and values and see the world from their eyes. We see that everyone wants to be loved, appreciated, and valued. Being collaborative may help to fulfill our clients' needs, as they want to be seen and heard, too.

With mindfulness and lovingkindness, we realize that we are worthy as we are. We are not defined by others' praise or appreciation of what we have to offer to them or the world. We need to learn to walk away from people who are toxic and demeaning to us. We need to love and care for ourselves before others will respect us.