I mean this could go for anyone. At work or home, SMART goals guide you toward actions that are in line with your values. If your values are not good, you can still make goals and reach them and you will still be unhappy, but that’s another topic I think.
Example: Cruella de Ville had a value to have nice coats.
Goal: S=Specific, M=Measurable, A=Attainable, R=Relevant, T=Time bound.
Cruella will obtain 12 or more puppies within three weeks.
Underneath Goals are Objectives. Those are the steps to meeting a goal.
Objective: Cruella will visit her friends and buy puppies from them.
Objective: Cruella will bring those puppies to a place that makes coats? I mean after that, she just gets arrested right?! Its a weird story if you really think about it, and my example is falling apart. I guess it works better with non-evil characters.
Value: Health
Goal: Lose 12 pounds in 6 months to one year
Objective: Track foods daily
Objective: Weigh self weekly
Objective: Exercise 3 to 5 times per week for 40-60 minutes
I’ve struggled to help clients write these over the years. “I just want him to be respectful” is a stated goal for a child.
Value: Respecting others
Goal: Child will speak in a kind tone of at least 3 times per day when asking questions and responding to reasonable adult requests within the next three months.
Objective: Therapist and parent will model kind tones of voice.
Objective: Therapist and parent will provide feedback/coaching regarding child’s tone of voice. Example: “How did your voice sound to you? For me, that was an unkind tone of voice.”
Objective: Therapist and parent will provide positive feedback when child is able to use a kind tone of voice. Example: “Wow! I hear you using a kind voice. Thanks for helping us both have a good day!”
How could I improve on helping client’s write SMART goals in 2024? One of the obstacles is how anxious/sad/dysregulated people are when they come to therapy. It’s up to me to co-regulate in a calm way. Its hard not to become anxious/sad/dysregulated with other people. It’s important to say things to yourself like, “I can help them best by staying calm and being kind.” And noticing your breathing, and slowing and deepening your breathing. You can imagine a bubble around you, filled with goodness and protection from anxiety. Sometimes, though, this comes across as, “not getting it” or “being too structured.”
Sigh.
Why do so many people want drama? Yes, life is hard. EVERYBODY experiences pain in life. Sometimes, I feel like I’m in purgatory. I’m here listening until I make up for all my years of drama and monologuing.
Double Sigh (I’m still doing it).
Value: Helping people
Goal: Write SMART Goals with all new clients in 2024
Objective: Get to work 30 to 60 minutes early to take deep breaths and print out SMART Goal template sheets.
Objective: Prepare self for clients to be confused (like I was yesterday when a coach tried to explain how wrestlebacks work with the brackets).
Objective: Let the client know about the goal setting at Intake so they will be prepared for an appointment that is focused on goals.
Well, that’s all I can think of for now! I just got back from an EMT call and this felt like a good time to write a bit.
Love,
Terra Rose
Life Without Montages 