Goal Setting Session

GOAL SETTING SESSION PLAN SESSION OVERVIEW =============== Duration: 60-90 minutes Purpose: Help client create clear, achievable, and meaningful goals Framework: SMART Goals + Values Alignment MATERIALS NEEDED =============== ☐ Goal-setting worksheet ☐ Values assessment tool ☐ Action planning template ☐ Progress tracking sheet ☐ Calendar for scheduling PRE-SESSION PREPARATION ====================== ☐ Review client's previous goals or aspirations ☐ Prepare examples of well-crafted goals ☐ Set up quiet, focused environment ☐ Have note-taking materials ready OPENING (10 minutes) =================== 1. CHECK-IN AND CONTEXT "How are you feeling about goal-setting today?" "What experiences have you had with goals in the past - positive or challenging?" "What brings you to want to set new goals right now?" 2. SESSION OVERVIEW "Today we'll work together to: - Clarify what you want to achieve - Connect your goals to your values - Create specific, actionable plans - Set up systems for success Does this feel right for where you are today?" VISION AND VALUES EXPLORATION (20 minutes) ========================================= 3. FUTURE VISION EXERCISE "Close your eyes and imagine yourself one year from now, living your ideal life in [relevant area]. What do you see? What are you doing? How do you feel?" "Now expand that to 5 years from now. What's different? What has evolved?" Key areas to explore: - Career/Professional life - Relationships - Health and wellness - Personal growth - Financial situation - Lifestyle and recreation 4. VALUES IDENTIFICATION "What values are most important to you right now?" Common values to discuss: - Security vs. Adventure - Achievement vs. Balance - Independence vs. Connection - Growth vs. Stability - Service vs. Success "How do your goals need to align with these values to feel meaningful?" CURRENT SITUATION ASSESSMENT (15 minutes) ========================================= 5. CURRENT STATE ANALYSIS "Where are you right now in relation to your vision?" Rating exercise: "On a scale of 1-10, how satisfied are you currently with your [area of focus]?" 6. STRENGTH AND RESOURCE INVENTORY "What strengths do you have that will help you achieve your goals?" "What resources (time, money, skills, relationships) are available to you?" "What obstacles or limitations do you need to consider?" GOAL CREATION USING SMART FRAMEWORK (25 minutes) =============================================== 7. GOAL BRAINSTORMING "Based on our discussion, what goals are emerging for you?" Allow client to generate initial list without filtering. 8. SMART GOAL REFINEMENT Work through each potential goal using SMART criteria: S - SPECIFIC "What exactly do you want to accomplish?" "Who is involved?" "Where will this happen?" "Why is this goal important?" M - MEASURABLE "How will you measure progress?" "What metrics will indicate success?" "How will you know when you've achieved it?" A - ACHIEVABLE "Is this goal realistic given your current situation?" "What would make it more achievable?" "What support or resources do you need?" R - RELEVANT "How does this goal align with your values and vision?" "Is this the right time for this goal?" "Does this goal matter to you personally?" T - TIME-BOUND "When do you want to achieve this goal?" "What are the key milestones along the way?" "What's your timeline for getting started?" GOAL REFINEMENT WORKSHEET: Original goal: ________________________ Specific: _____________________________ Measurable: ___________________________ Achievable: ___________________________ Relevant: _____________________________ Time-bound: ___________________________ Refined SMART goal: ____________________ 9. GOAL PRIORITIZATION "If you could only achieve one of these goals, which would have the biggest positive impact on your life?" "Which goal excites you most?" "Which goal scares you most?" (often indicates importance) "Which goal aligns best with your current priorities?" ACTION PLANNING (15 minutes) ============================ 10. BREAK DOWN INTO STEPS For each prioritized goal: "What are the major milestones needed to achieve this goal?" "What needs to happen in the first 30 days?" "What needs to happen in the first week?" "What could you do tomorrow to move toward this goal?" 11. IDENTIFY OBSTACLES AND SOLUTIONS "What might prevent you from achieving this goal?" "How have you overcome similar challenges before?" "What contingency plans could you create?" "Who could help you when you face obstacles?" 12. CREATE ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM "How will you track your progress?" "How often will you review your goals?" "Who will help keep you accountable?" "What consequences will you create for not following through?" "What rewards will you give yourself for achieving milestones?" ACTION PLAN TEMPLATE: Goal: _______________________________ Milestone 1: ________________________ Target date: _______________________ Specific actions: __________________ Milestone 2: ________________________ Target date: _______________________ Specific actions: __________________ Milestone 3: ________________________ Target date: _______________________ Specific actions: __________________ First step (within 7 days): ___________ Potential obstacles: ___________________ Solution strategies: ___________________ Accountability partner: ________________ Progress review date: __________________ COMMITMENT AND CLOSING (10 minutes) ================================== 13. COMMITMENT ASSESSMENT "On a scale of 1-10, how committed are you to achieving these goals?" If below 8, explore: "What would increase your commitment?" "What's holding you back?" "How could we modify the goal to increase your commitment?" 14. NEXT STEPS CONFIRMATION "What's the very first thing you'll do when you leave here today?" "When will you take that first step?" "How will you remember to stay focused on these goals?" 15. SESSION SUMMARY "What was most valuable about today's session?" "What insights did you gain about yourself?" "How are you feeling about your goals now?" GOAL TRACKING TEMPLATE ===================== Goal: _______________________________ Start date: ________________________ Target completion: __________________ Weekly Progress Check: Week 1: ____________________________ Week 2: ____________________________ Week 3: ____________________________ Week 4: ____________________________ Monthly Review Questions: - What progress have I made? - What's working well? - What challenges am I facing? - What adjustments do I need to make? - How can I celebrate my progress? Remember: Great goals are achieved through consistent small actions, regular review, and the flexibility to adapt as circumstances change.