Introducing It:
An aim can be defined as a target, a goal, or an objective to be reached. It can also be described as an outcome, desire, or preference. Regardless of which synonym suits us best, we all have aims, targets, goals, or desires, though few of us actually set them well, and even fewer of us review them or practice the process of Goal Setting or Goal Achieving.
We always find it interesting that we are asked to develop treatment plans with goals, objectives, and targets, with our patients and clients and have them sign them, yet very few of us have ever been taught how to set goals and how to actually achieve them. As a result, we are unlikely to expect the individual we work with to successfully set or properly achieve their goals.
Those of you, who have been fortunate enough to learn Goal Setting and Goal Achieving, you know the process can
One of the most essential and seemingly obvious steps in Goal Setting and Goal Achieving is identifying what we want, or desire. This can often be the make or break in the process because the things we SAY we may want or desire, may not really BE the things we want or desire. For example, it may BE that I want to make $100,000 in the next 2 years, but I may not actually believe I can earn that or I may have many other feelings about making $1000,000, so I SAY I want to earn $50,000 in the next 2 years instead. Given the high correlation between goal achievement and self-esteem, regardless of how small or big the goal may be, it is crucial to help individuals identify what they actually want and desire and then set their goals.
Given the conundrum associated with the time constraints and self-esteem, when it comes to Goal Setting and Goal Achievement, it is then crucial for us to think of a process that may work equally well, yet one that is much simpler, easier to use, practice, and therefore easier for individuals to buy into. This process is known as the Aim Setting Practice.
Operationalizing It:
The Aim Setting Practice is the practice of setting one’s aim, desire, target, goals, or outcomes, without the prerequisite, complexity, or sophistication, that comes along with the Goal Setting and Goal Achieving, process.
Indications:
In addition to being used a substitute for the process of Goal Setting and Goal Achieving, the Aim Setting Practice can be indicated as an adjunctive intervention for a variety of situations or conditions, which include and are not limited to: Worries; nervousness; feeling stressed; feeling overwhelmed; being in a state of anxiety, sadness, or anger.
Applications:
There are many ways in which the Aim Setting Practice can be applied, however, in today’s article, we are going to focus on only one of them, and we will simply call it Application 1:
“Wouldn’t it be nice if….?”
We then add that which we have as aim, target, or outcome to fill in the blank.
Examples:
Here are a number of examples. To ensure this be fully understanding. A total of twenty examples have been chosen:
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I got to work on time today? (For someone who has difficulty with getting to work on time)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I caught the train/bus on time today? (For someone who often misses the bus or the train
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Wouldn’t it be nice if my co-worker X and I got along well today?
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I got to finish all my assigned activities today? (For someone who often has unfinished work at the end of the day)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I had a pleasant day today? (For someone who’s day is often stressful)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I had some nicer and more positive conversations today? (For someone whose conversations are often with someone who complains to them about how terrible life has been to them, leading them totally drained at the end)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if all my clients came on time today? (For someone who is a clinician, and whose clients of patients may have difficulty being on time)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I got to the gym today? (For someone who wants to exercise but is still learning the process of behavior substitution)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I ate healthy today? (For someone who wants to eat healthier but whose habits, or environment, or self-image, has been a challenge)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I got a raise this quarter? (For someone who has been working hard, with obvious positive results to the company, and wishes his/her good deeds would be seen by the boss)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I got to pay all my bills this month? (For someone whose finances are limited, leading to worries and even insomnia)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I got to save 10% of my salary this paycheck? (For someone who wishes to save but has had difficulty doing so due to some undisciplined behaviors)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I met someone I am really in love with and who is really in love with me? (the wording here is very intentional and present)
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Wouldn’t it be nice if my partner and I got along?
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Wouldn’t it be nice if my child and I had a better relationship?
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I started making some like-minded friends?
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I started to read 15 minutes a day?
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I started to make learning a priority?
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I started to take my personal and professional growth seriously
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Wouldn’t it be nice if I joined the SWEET community?
Here you have it. Learn it well. Practice it. One step at a time. See what happens when you continue this practice and what it leads to. Introduce it to those you work with. Go and make a dent in the universe, which is what takes place each time you help empower someone, and which is why you have chosen this field to start.
Dearest friends and colleagues,
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Thank you for participating in life. And thank you for being you.
Until soon and with love,
Karen and Mardoche