How to Set Goals When on Disability

Goals are specific steps that must be followed to meet an objective. They help you focus on what is important for you to achieve, help you choose long-term objectives and provide short-term motivation. Setting goals helps people in all situations to achieve success, but if you are disabled, goal setting gives you opportunities to use your abilities and resources to overcome obstacles and meet challenges with high expectations of success. Many people with disabilities achieve objectives by setting goals that are clear, specific, measurable and achievable.

Things You'll Need

• written goals
• support system

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Instructions

• 1

  Choose realistic goals that play to strengths and are likely to be successful. Pick goals in areas such as educational, physical, social, financial and personal. As goals are achieved, you can set more difficult ones.

• 2

  Write down goals, specifying each step you will take to meet each goal and identifying how you will measure your success in meeting goals. Set a deadline for meeting your goals. List your strengths and weaknesses and decide how you will use them to meet your objectives.

• 3

  Review and update your list of goals periodically. Goals can change over time due to changes in circumstances, needs or desires. Prioritize your goals and work on the most important ones first.

• 4

  Use a support network. Family, friends, organizations and support groups are all available to help people with disabilities set and achieve goals. Surround yourself with people who believe in you. Take the steps you need to accomplish your goals on your own, but accept assistance when necessary. Everyone needs a hand at one time or another, so feel free to ask for help.

• 5

  Develop a coping strategy to deal with setbacks, stress and obstacles. Strategies may include anything from simple methods such as deep breathing to counseling sessions.