If you struggle to set goals, let alone reach them, you are definitely not alone. Roughly 92% of the population has found it hard to stick to intentions. This constant cycle of trying to set beneficial life or health goals, but never quite reaching them, can ultimately lead to depression.
Reaching goals is empowering and helps us feel we are in charge of our life. When we don’t, we feel powerless and even hopeless that our lives can change for the better!
How Counseling Can Help
There is a formula that must be followed to the “T” to set reachable goals. This formula is often used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help individuals set and reach objectives that will help them change behaviors and better their lives.
Goal setting has actually been shown to be a useful tool for those suffering from depression according to research. Studies have found that individuals suffering from depression had more trouble setting goals and were far less likely to believe they could reach them.
The study found that those who were depressed had more difficulties setting goals and they were also less likely to believe they would achieve those goals. The participants also tended to set avoidance goals rather than approach goals.
How To Set Goals
An avoidance goal is one you set to avoid a negative outcome. “I want to lose weight so I don’t develop type 2 diabetes.” An approach goal, on the other hand, is one that you set to ensure a positive outcome. “I want to lose weight to have more energy!”
The study shows that counseling can help people with depression set and achieve realistic and achievable intentions as well as help them stay on track mentally in pursuit of that goal.
This is the goal setting formula used by most CBT-centered clinicians:
- Identify your goal.
- Choose a starting point.
- Identify the steps required to achieve the goal.
- Take that first step and get started.
A therapist can help you with each one of these steps. From ensuring you select approach goals, to helping you identify where you are in relation to achieving your aim, breaking it down into smaller, actionable steps, and helping you take that very first one, a counselor or coach will be in your corner, helping you every step of the way.
Make 2021 the year you reach those targets that will help you live your best life. If you’d like some help getting there, please give us a call at (910) 202-4326 or fill out our online referral form to get started with one of our licensed providers. Team Evolution is here to support you on your journey!
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