Frameworks Episode 15 Recap: Building Conscious, Competent Clients
Frameworks with Carl Hardwick | CoachRx Podcast Network
If you’ve been following along with the Frameworks series, you know we’ve already covered how to design programs that drive real adaptation… and how to coach habits that actually stick. But there’s a deeper question behind every rep, every habit, and every result:
Are you teaching your clients to think, or just telling them what to do?
Because long-term change doesn’t come from blind compliance. It comes from developing awareness, ownership, and confidence. In this episode, I’m sharing the framework I use to develop clients who don’t just execute, they understand.
This episode is part 3 of a 3 part series and also a free guide I have created for you to go deeper on the 3 Frameworks I believe every coach needs. You can get the free guide here.
Why This Matters
The end goal of coaching isn’t dependence, it’s development. If your clients can only succeed while you’re watching, they’re not truly succeeding. Our job is to lead people through a process where they become conscious of what they’re doing, and why it works… until it becomes part of who they are.
The Conscious Competence Model
This model is a roadmap for learning and growth and a powerful lens for coaching.
1. Unconscious Incompetence
“I don’t know what I don’t know.”
A new client might think eating “clean” is enough to be healthy, but has no understanding of nutrition fundamentals. At this stage, your job is to create awareness without overwhelming them.
2. Conscious Incompetence
“I now realize what I don’t know.”
They’ve learned enough to see the gaps, maybe they’ve spotted sleep issues, poor lifting technique, or inconsistent habits.
This is where real coaching begins, because they’re aware and open to learning.
3. Conscious Competence
“I know what to do, and I can do it… with effort.”
Here’s the coaching sweet spot: behavior is intentional, progress is visible, and growth is happening.
They’re connecting cause and effect between their actions and results.
4. Unconscious Competence
“This is just how I live now.”
They eat protein because they understand recovery.
They train consistently because they value adaptation.
They’re self-sufficient, your role shifts from instruction to fine-tuning.
How to Apply This as a Coach
Ask Reflective Questions
“What did you notice in that training session?”
“How did you feel after that meal structure?”
“What habit felt easiest to sustain this week?”
Turn Wins Into Teaching Moments
Don’t just say “Good job.” Tell them why it worked so they can replicate it.
Key Takeaway
Coaching is more than programming and plans.
It’s transformation through awareness.
When a client understands what they’re doing and why they begin to own the process.
And when they own the process, they don’t need constant motivation… they become it.
Listen to Episode 15 Now
▶️ Watch on YouTube
🎧 Listen on Spotify
📖 Catch up on past episodes + blog recaps
Have questions? DM Carl on Instagram @hardwickcarl
Frameworks is part of the CoachRx Podcast Network, your hub for principled, purpose-driven coaching conversations.
For more shows, visit: coachrx.app/podcast-network
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