When Energy Overrides the Goal Score
A decision rule, not a fourth metric and not a clinical screen. When to shrink or pause the goal.
This is not a fourth data point. Progress tracking already lists Mood/Rating and tells you to start with three. This is the decision rule: if their self-scored energy is ≤3/10 for two sessions, shrink or pause the coaching goal. Not a clinical screen. Not “is this burnout.” Not medical advice. See the slump session for the seasonal hour. Use the scoreboard to spot two lows. Boundaries if you are the 3.
The Rule
Two sessions, energy ≤3 on a 1–10 they give. Then: shrink the experiment to 20 minutes or pause the goal. Show it on the recap: “Energy 3, 3. Goal paused / shrunk.”
The Client-Facing Card
Goal · last score · energy they gave · next move (shrink / pause). Four marks. Still not a fifth metric you invent.
Where Coaches Break
- Adding a mood tracker “just in case.”
- Treating a 3 as a diagnosis. Refer if the work leaves coaching. Don’t label.
The 3-Minute Action
Write the rule in your working agreement. Check last two energy self-scores (if you already have them). Anyone ≤3 twice gets shrink or pause named this week.