ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we explore the benefits of goal setting and action planning and introduce specific techniques for ensuring that goals and action plans are motivational, empowering and owned by the client.
Goals are the “what” the client plans to achieve, and actions are the “how” they will achieve this.
A good goal is specific enough for the client to know when they have achieved it, realistic but stretching, and inspiring. We consider techniques such as backward action planning and visualisation, both used to increase a client’s motivation to achieve a goal.
The process of action planning may lead to a written action plan, possibly recorded on a word-processed document, a handwritten note, an email or a photograph. Having a record of the actions helps the client to carry them out, although some clients will need ongoing support to achieve their goals.
