Setting goals can be an effective and powerful tool for self-improvement. Goals help to provide structure and direction, as well as give us something to strive for. However, it is important to make sure that your goals are realistic and achievable. This is especially true if you are working with a trained mental health counselor, who can help you work through any obstacles that may prevent you from achieving your goals.

How To Set Achievable Goals

When setting your goals, it is essential to ensure that they are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound. By being specific about what you want to achieve, and when, you will be able to track your progress more easily. Additionally, break down your goal into smaller steps so that each step feels manageable and achievable. For example, if your goal is to get fit, break it down into smaller steps, such as getting eight hours of sleep a night, or drinking water half your body weight in ounces every day. Keeping a journal of your progress can also help motivate you on the days when you don’t feel like taking action toward achieving your goal.

Benefits Of Working with A Trained Mental Health Counselor

A trained mental health counselor can provide invaluable guidance when it comes to setting and achieving goals. They can help you identify potential roadblocks or other issues that might be preventing you from making progress—such as low self-esteem or lack of motivation—and develop strategies for overcoming them. Additionally, they can provide emotional support during times of difficulty or stress related to reaching the goal. Finally, they can offer insight into how best to set realistic expectations for yourself so that achieving success does not become overwhelming.

Get Started: Connect with A Mental Health Counselor

A starting point for connecting with a Mental Health provider isn’t limited to a referral from your primary care provider. Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is a workplace benefit that provides employees and eligible family members with access to free counseling services and other resources. Find out if you have access to an EAP by contacting your human resources department.

If you don’t have an EAP but have medical insurance, contact your member services line to find out what you need to do to connect with a mental health provider. In some cases, you can self-refer, while in others, you might need a referral.

If you don’t have access to counseling resources through an EAP or insurance, there are community resources that offer sliding scale, income-based rates. A sample listing of these resources can be found here: https://www.freementalhealth.us/

In Summary

Setting achievable goals is an essential part of the process of personal growth and development. By breaking down large tasks into smaller ones and keeping track of your progress along the way, you are more likely to stay motivated and on track to success. Furthermore, working with a trained mental health counselor can be immensely beneficial in providing direction while identifying potential obstacles along the way so that you may overcome them more effectively. Taking these steps will increase your chances of accomplishing your goals and living a life full of purpose and meaning!

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These tips are a sampling of well-being resources exclusively available to Wellspring EAP clients and their families. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Learn more about Wellspring EAP.