Motivational quote on a napkin.
While reading the book I came across the question: Why must
we set goals? Being an advocate for goal-setting I never understood my
reasoning for setting a goal. Was it to
achieve some personal gain? Was it to make myself feel better about my life or
situations I may be experiencing? In counseling, the reason behind setting goals
will become an important tool that
provides a direction for the client to move from point A to point B.
So why do we set goals in counseling? Frank and Frank stated, “if one can achieve a small goal, then
discouragement, the biggest enemy of change, is diminished
(1991).” Goals allow us to gain confidence within ourselves to achieve change.
Furthermore, encourage the client to address obstacles that may appear in the
journey of life. Young stated that “goals get us to make a commitment (2017).”
Goals I have set in my own life have allowed me to set a clear path or a
direction and pursue it. When you are pursuing a goal you do not allow anyone
or anything to stand in your way of achieving that goal, especially if it is
important to you.
In counseling, it is
important to set goals to allow the client to step towards a positive direction
to a problem in their own life. Goals will provide a sense of hope, but also
satisfaction when the client has achieved the set goal. However, goals can hurt
clients if they become unattainable decreasing the client's confidence within
the self. Young stated, “clients will
work harder when they are focusing on goals that really matter to them (2017,
pp. 195).” Counselors must create goals that are important to the client that
promote growth and proper sense of well-being for the individual.Reference:
Frank, J.D., & Frank, J. B. (1991) Persuasion and healing (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins University Press.
Picture reference: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/goal-without-plan-just-wish-motivational-280658234?utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Pixabay&utm_source=44814&irgwc=1
Young,
M. (2017). Learning the art of helping, 6th
edition. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. ISBN: 0-13-416578-0
Ben, that was great! That quote you mentioned by Frank and Frank is so important because we can provide encouragement to our clients by helping them establish small goals to achieve. Furthermore, we could possibly disrupt certain thoughts that they've had about themselves which may be incorrect such as "I am worthless and unable to this." As clients accomplish goals, they become more confident in their abilities. They may even begin to see their life goals as a possibility as they achieve small goals. Furthermore, unattainable goals can diminish hope. Therefore, it is essential to establish reasonable goals that one can achieve.
ReplyDeleteBen, thanks for sharing this piece! "A goal without a plan is just a wish". This quote sums it up! Every decision, every attempt to achieve something, every "yes" or "no" uttered has an underlying explanation–a reason behind the action. Even when we don’t admit it, there is always a motivation or a force that encourages us to pursue a goal. Just like people outside the counseling setting, clients need to be able to have their eyes set on something; something to cheer them on to the finish line. At times, it is necessary for others to be involved in attaining a goal. This is seen as goals in the counseling session are made by both client and counselor. The counselor, who has a responsibility to help the client, provides the client with the support needed for the client to attain the goals set during counseling. With both support and effort from each other, the client can cross the finish line with the joy that comes with achieving one's goal.
ReplyDeleteA interesting perspective madame. A finish line to give a sense of hope and accomplishment that they can achieve or conquer an obstacle if they put their mind to it. Thanks for sharing Tiwaa!
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