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Goal Setting Action Plan

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Worksheet Example

  • How urgent is each need you listed? 
  • What need is causing you or your family the most challenges? 
  • Pick one need that you feel is most important to work on this week. 
    • You can focus on other needs in later weeks.

  • For the need you picked, set a goal. 
  • Remember, one need can have many goals. 
    • For example, if you need food, one goal might be: Find a food pantry. Another goal might be: Register for a food assistance program. 
    • Focus on one goal first. Next week focus on the second. . 
  • It may take many weeks to reach a goal and that is okay!! 
    • Focus on one goal at a time. 
    • If you can’t decide, pick the goal that seems easiest for you.

  • Now, break the goal into tiny, bite-size tasks. 
    • Write down each task you think will need to happen to achieve it.
    • If you list more than 5 tasks, think about giving yourself two weeks to finish them.

  • There can be many challenges that get in the way of us meeting our goals. These may be: 
    • Lack of time, too much to do, running out of minutes on your phone, not knowing about resources, and even negative thinking. 
      • Write down challenges or barriers that might get in your way. 
      • Then write down ideas about how you might overcome them.

  • You might not realize it, but we all have things that help us do day-to-day tasks and meet our needs. These are our strengths and support systems.  

    We all have personal strengths and resources. 

    • Personality: Maybe you are very persistent, detail-oriented, a good listener, or a problem-solver. Remember, you have what it takes! 
      • Write down your strengths.

    • Resources: Think about things that help you get by: Access to the internet or a car, a cell phone, or a flexible schedule. Maybe you live within walking distance to resources? 
      • What do you have that might help you? 
      • Write down your resources.

    • People: What people in your life might be able to help you in some way? These may be friends, family, neighbors. Maybe a co-worker or an acquaintance?

    Helping can take many forms. Sometimes, all you need is someone to share your plans with to help you be accountable. Other times, someone might offer ideas or direct help. Remember though, in the end, it is up to YOU. 

    • Write down some people you know. 
    • How might they help you?

    Think about all the things, big and small, that could help you overcome challenges and accomplish tasks.

  • Believing you can accomplish your goals and tasks is the first step! 
    • Ask yourself: On a scale of 0-10, where 1 is not at all confident and 10 is very confident, how confident am I that I can achieve my goal this week? 
    • If your confidence is less than 7, think about why that might be. 
      • Take a look at your goal and tasks. Maybe you need to split these up into more steps? Or maybe the goal is too big for this week? 
      • Change your goal until you feel you can get above a 7.

  • Review what you did this past week. No matter what you accomplished – it is so great that you began this process.Reflect on what went well and what didn’t go well.
    • Which tasks did you get done? What helped? 
    • What tasks did you not get done? What got in the way?

    Fill out a new worksheet for next week, starting where you left off this week. 

    You’ve got this!

Advocate for yourself to reach your goals

Remember, you are the best advocate for yourself!

Be comfortable expressing what you need and asking for the support you deserve. Research shows that people who feel empowered to advocate for themselves feel more in control and increase their ability to get their needs met.

Other resources to support you in setting and achieving your goals

Ready for the next step?

Once you have your goals set and your plan of action ready, its time to find resources that can help you achieve your goals. Click below to move on to the next step.

Step #2: Find Resources