Books and Resources to Start Strong
Building a successful New Year resolution coaching business requires understanding behavioral psychology, habit formation, and effective coaching methodology. These books provide the foundational knowledge you need to deliver real results for your clients and establish credibility in the market.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book is essential reading for a resolution coach. Clear breaks down how small habits compound into major life changes—the exact framework your clients need to hear. Understanding the habit loop, identity-based habits, and how to design your environment for success will directly inform how you structure your coaching programs and help clients move beyond typical New Year motivation crashes.
Shop Atomic Habits on Amazon →
The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier
This practical guide teaches the core coaching skills you’ll use every session: powerful questions, active listening, and how to avoid the trap of giving advice instead of guiding clients to their own answers. Stanier’s seven essential questions framework is immediately applicable and will make you a more effective coach from day one.
Shop The Coaching Habit on Amazon →
Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
Your clients often fail because they hold fixed mindsets about their abilities to change. Dweck’s research on growth versus fixed mindset is critical for helping people reframe their relationship with goals and setbacks. This knowledge becomes a cornerstone of how you motivate clients and help them persist through obstacles.
The Willpower Instinct by Kelly McGonigal
Most New Year resolutions fail because people rely on willpower alone. McGonigal explains the neuroscience behind self-control, stress, and motivation—and how to work with your brain instead of against it. This knowledge helps you develop coaching strategies grounded in how humans actually change, not unrealistic expectations.
Shop The Willpower Instinct on Amazon →
Equipment You Need
A New Year resolution coaching business can start lean. Your primary tools are communication technology and systems for tracking client progress. You don’t need fancy equipment—you need reliable, professional tools that let you focus on coaching rather than managing technical issues.
Computer and Video Setup
- Laptop or desktop computer: The backbone of your business. You’ll use it for scheduling, note-taking, video calls, and email. Any modern computer with a stable processor will work, but plan to spend 4-8 hours daily on it.
- Webcam: A built-in laptop camera works for starting, but upgrade to an external webcam once you establish clients. Better video quality builds trust and professionalism during coaching sessions.
- Microphone: More important than video. Clients need to hear you clearly. A USB condenser microphone costs $30-80 and dramatically improves audio quality compared to built-in laptop microphones.
- Headphones: Use closed-back headphones to minimize feedback during video sessions and reduce distractions in your coaching space.
Shop USB microphones on Amazon →
Shop external webcams on Amazon →
Scheduling and Communication
- Calendar/scheduling software: Tools like Calendly, Acuity Scheduling, or Google Calendar help clients book sessions without back-and-forth emails. This is non-negotiable—your time is your product.
- Email platform: Gmail or a professional email provider works. As you grow, consider an email marketing platform like ConvertKit or MailerLite to stay in touch with past clients and prospects.
- Messaging app: WhatsApp, Telegram, or Slack for quick check-ins and accountability messages between sessions. Check your boundaries—decide which platform you’ll use professionally.
Client Tracking and Notes
- Coaching notes system: Use Google Docs, Notion, or a dedicated platform like CoachAccountable or HubSpot CRM (free tier). You need to track client goals, progress, obstacles, and action items from each session.
- Goal-tracking templates: Create or download templates that help clients articulate SMART goals, break them into milestones, and monitor weekly progress. Digital or printed versions both work.
- Habit tracker: A simple spreadsheet or app like Habitica or Done helps clients visualize their progress on daily habits. Simple is better—too much complexity causes drop-off.
Shop habit tracking planners on Amazon →
Office and Workspace Setup
- Desk and chair: You’ll spend 4-6 hours daily at your desk. Invest in an ergonomic chair and a desk with enough space for your computer and notes. Poor posture leads to back pain and reduced productivity.
- Lighting: Good natural light or a desk lamp prevents eye strain and makes you look professional on video calls. Avoid sitting with windows behind you—it creates harsh backlighting.
- Notebook and pen: Keep physical paper handy for quick notes during sessions. Typing can feel impersonal; handwritten notes show clients you’re fully engaged.
- Whiteboard or flip chart: Optional but useful for visualizing goals, mapping obstacles, or explaining concepts during video sessions. A small dry-erase board ($20-40) works well.
Shop ergonomic office chairs on Amazon →
Backup and Security
- External hard drive or cloud backup: Your client data and notes are your business. Use automatic cloud backup (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) or an external hard drive to prevent data loss from computer failure.
- Password manager: Tools like Bitwarden or 1Password securely store your account credentials and protect client privacy.
What to Buy First vs Later
Start with only what you need to deliver professional coaching sessions. Everything else is a nice-to-have.
- First month: Reliable laptop, internet, scheduling software (Calendly is free to start), video conferencing platform (Zoom free plan), and a notebook. Total startup cost: $0-300 if you already have a computer.
- Month 2-3: External microphone ($30-80), dedicated coaching notes system (Notion free, or CoachAccountable paid), habit tracking tool, and a better chair if your current one causes pain.
- Month 6+: Email marketing platform, branded website, client portal software, or advanced CRM features. Only upgrade when these bottlenecks actually slow your business down.
- Year 2+: Standing desk, second monitor, professional headshots, or a dedicated quiet recording space. These improve professionalism but don’t directly improve coaching quality.
New vs Used Equipment
Buy new technology (computers, microphones, webcams). Used electronics often have shortened lifespans and lack warranties. A five-year-old laptop may fail during a crucial client session—the cost of replacement is higher than buying new upfront. Office furniture is the one area where used equipment makes sense. Buy used or refurbished chairs, desks, and shelving from local listings, Facebook Marketplace, or Craigslist. These items rarely fail, and you’ll save 40-60% versus retail prices.
For software, always use legitimate, paid subscriptions when needed. Free tools work for starting, but they often have limitations or get discontinued. Invest in paid software only when the free version genuinely limits your ability to serve clients or manage your business efficiently.
Where to Buy
- Amazon: Fast shipping, reliable returns, competitive prices on tech and office supplies.
- B&H Photo Video: Excellent for cameras, microphones, and recording equipment with detailed specifications and customer reviews.
- Costco or Sam’s Club: Membership-based bulk buying for office supplies, furniture, and electronics at lower per-unit costs.
- Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist: Local used furniture, office chairs, and desks. Test items in person before buying.
- IKEA: Affordable, modern furniture for desks, shelving, and workspace organization.
- Sweetwater or Thomann: Specialized retailers for audio equipment, microphones, and streaming gear with expert support.
- Direct from software providers: Calendly, Notion, Zoom, and other digital tools often have sales or educational discounts if you ask.