Goals that Stick
Posted: December 1, 2023
By: Carey Robey, MS, LPC, NCC
Step one: come up with a strong list of specific goals. I am sure you’ve heard this before, but I recommend utilizing the “SMART” goals technique. Make goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. Next, I like to write down reasons why this goal is a goal. For example, if I am working on taking more walks, I might write reasons such as it is a form of self-care, a good way to be in nature, an easy form of exercise, and will increase energy and better my sleep.
Having these reasons increases my willingness to engage in the interventions to meet the said goal. It reminds us of why this goal is important. This brings us to the final stage of goal setting: writing down interventions. What are you going to do to make this goal? To continue with the walking example, I may write down specific times of the week I will walk. I may also commit to lowering time spent doing something else, such as reading or watching television, so that I have more time to put towards this new goal. I might also set timers or implement rewards for myself. Let me show you how this looks when I put it all together.
Goal: Walk 4x a week for 30 minutes
Goals that Stick
Sometimes it feels like my to-do list is endless. This list may include minor things like simple house chores or errands, or big things, like making progress toward health, relationships, or finances. I am consistently on a journey for self-improvement. However, oftentimes I find that on this journey, I get lost and lose focus. It can be quite daunting to think of all the things you need and want to do, but hopefully, a few simple tips on how to better set goals that stick can help you increase efficiency and achieve what you have set out to do.How to Make a Plan
What Does This Look Like?
- Objective: Walking more increases self-care, exercise, and time in nature, will improve the quality of sleep, increase energy, lower stress, and is a healthy distraction.
- Interventions:
- Set in calendar days, I will walk this week.
- Set reminders to walk.
- Watch less TV, so I have more time to walk.
- Find new places to walk, such as a park or walking trail, that excites me.
- Plan for a make-up day in the event I miss a previously scheduled day.
Making Goals, a Priority is Self-Care
Now that you have a tool you can use to better plan and goal setting, you may find it easier to put these steps into action. It is so rewarding to feel that sense of accomplishment when you complete a task, whether big or small. Remember what you are doing this for and how it impacts the greater picture. Making your goals, a priority helps us be accountable to ourselves and is an aspect of self-care. Self-care involves not only the things we do that bring us joy and relaxation but also the things we do to take care of ourselves that may not be so fun; attending to our goals keeps us in a positive mental headspace. If you need more help with goal setting or ways to increase self-care, come see me for therapy.Begin Therapy in Katy, TX!
If you are ready to start working on goals that stick, one of the therapists at The Center at Cinco Ranch can help! We provide mental health counseling, as well as other mental health services. To begin counseling in Katy, TX follow these three steps:- Contact our office to set up an appointment or to learn more information
- Meet with one of our compassionate therapists
- Find ways to thrive using goals today!