Final answer:
The client should challenge negative beliefs with evidence as the next step after identifying negative thoughts about their ability to adopt a healthy lifestyle, then proceed with positive reframing, affirmations, and social support.
Step-by-step explanation:
Once a health coach has helped a client identify his or her negative beliefs about their ability to adopt a healthy lifestyle, each of these steps can be useful. However, the most direct next step suggested by research into health psychology and cognitive-behavioral practices is for the client to challenge any negative beliefs with evidence.
By doing so, the client can begin to dismantle irrational or unfounded negative beliefs and replace them with more positive, evidence-based perspectives.
In addition to challenging negative thoughts, it might be beneficial for the client to turn those negative thoughts into positive ones, practice positive affirmations, and surround themselves with positive social support.
These strategies come from the understanding that mindset, coupled with social and environmental influences, contributes significantly to a person's ability to make successful changes, such as changing discrepant behavior or avoiding all-or-nothing thinking patterns.
Persistent application of these methods can result in a more positive self-image and more successful adherence to healthy lifestyle changes.
Regardless, the approach must involve a commitment on the part of the client to change their thinking and behaviors, adapting to someone's individual needs and biases to foster a healthier lifestyle.