3. Introduction to Goal Planning

3. Introduction to Goal Planning

In this section of the training, we will discuss;

  1. What a goal is;
  2. What a S.M.A.R.T. goal is;
  3. What is needed to plan goals;
  4. What goal templates are and how we modify them. 
A goal is an idea of the future or a desired result that a person or a group of people envision, plan, and commit to achieve. Goals can be somewhat abstract and ‘big picture’ but they set an overarching target for the care plan. Setting goals is an integral part of recovery planning as having a set of well-thought-out and defined outcomes that reduce barriers, address unmet service needs, and grow recovery strengths will have an impact on the individual’s recovery capital and their recovery journey. Goal setting helps to motivate individuals towards achievement and a sense of self-efficacy. When done positively, developing goals can boost person in recovery engagement and create a sense of excitement and accomplishment that fosters growth and well-being. 

While setting goals is important, we want to include specific actions and time frames that would help guide the process of achieving the goal and allow us to measure and monitor progress along the way. For example, a person in recovery may have a goal of getting a job. While this is a good goal to have, there are no specific actions (tasks) or time frames associated with general goals like this. What actions do they need to take to find employment? What can they reasonably accomplish towards this goal before you meet with them again? A generic goal is motivating, but adding in precise targets or objectives will help the person in recovery to reach their employment goal effectively. 

Once a core goal is set, setting specific actions (also referred to as tasks) is the next step towards fostering a clear understanding of how to reach the desired outcome. The main difference between tasks and goals is that tasks are precise actions or measurable steps individuals can take to move closer to an overarching goal. They are specific targets that have a timeline for completion.

For example, some of the related tasks of finding a job would be to; 
  1. Set an appointment at the office of vital statics this week to obtain a copy of my birth certificate
  2. On Friday go to the Second Chance Closet to find a couple of free outfits for interviews 
  3. Attend the resume-building event with the Reemployment agency on the 20th and get assistance with creating a resume. 
While goals and tasks work together to maximize your plan and produce positive results, they have clear differences that should be understood to use them effectively. 

Goals are: 
  1. Broad in nature
  2. Valuable for setting a general direction
  3. Complex
  4. Abstract ideas 
  5. Long term 
  6. The end result
Examples of goals are: 
  1. I want to become known as an expert in recovery navigational support.
  2. I will commit to my career development and learn how to increase recovery capital in others
  3. I want to be more confident
Tasks are: 
  1. Narrow in scope
  2. Specific steps
  3. Associated with a schedule and time frame
  4. The means to the end result
  5. Concrete and visible
  6. Short-term or medium term
Examples of tasks are: 
  1. I will speak at five mutual aid meetings in the next month
  2. I will read one book about recovery capital every month 
  3. I will work with a recovery navigational supervisor to practice my skills by the end of this month. 

How goals and tasks work together

Setting goals without intermediate steps or tasks will likely very rarely be accomplished. Setting tasks without a clear direction or overarching target lacks meaning. Goals can seem impossible or overwhelming without breaking them down into measurable tasks.

We use the S.M.A.R.T. goal methodology to layout specific tasks towards reaching each goal. Whether you are a recovery navigator or a peer supervisor, each goal needs to be supported with precise tasks. And as the navigator you need to be clear about what role you will play in supporting and enabling task completion and goal achievement.

Any time a person in recovery undertakes a goal it can feel intimidating, especially long-term goals, to put a plan together to make it happen. The S.M.A.R.T. method helps to make goals achievable by breaking the goal down and assigning responsibility to either the person in recovery or the recovery navigator. As a team, you work together to achieve the goal by describing who will do what by when.

A S.M.A.R.T. goal is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-limited. 



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