Goal Setting after ABI

We all set goals for ourselves every day often without even knowing that we are doing it. Goals can be big or small, simple or complex, about regaining past skills or habits or about acquiring new skills or habits. Whatever the size, complexity or type of goal we set we must plan the steps that we need to take to reach that goal. The process of successful goal achievement is like a journey to a destination. Sometimes that journey is long and complex and sometimes it is short and relatively straight forward. Sometimes during the journey we will find that we may need to change the course or the steps that we had set for ourselves and sometimes we may even discover that the destination (or goal) needs to change.

There may also be personal and environmental factors that affect the success of the journey towards our goal. These factors can be called "barriers". There can be many barriers that can prevent a person from achieving their goals. Barriers could include things like having the money/finances to do what we want to do, support or encouragement from others, having the time to do things, having the energy to do something new, having the ability to organise ourselves and cope with competing demands, fear and anxiety about the unknown and doubt about our ability to achieve what we have set out to do.  A person with an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) may also need to take into account a range of changes in their cognitive, physical, communication, social and behavioural abilities that may also present specific barriers to successful goal setting and achievement.

                         silhouette of a girl reaching a finish line

For the person with an ABI, being able to achieve goals is an important step towards independence and participation in the community. The capacity to set and achieve even very small goals can be a part of regaining sense of self-worth, confidence, and a sense of belonging or place in the community after a severe injury. Learning how to plan steps that compensate for difficulties or barriers during the process of setting a goal can mean that the person with an ABI is more able to set realistic goals that will allow them to be successful. The following resources aim to:

  • Increase understanding regarding the process of how to set realistic attainable Goals after ABI.
  • Increase understanding of identifying and managing some of the barriers to successful Goal achievement after ABI
  • Provide practical and useful planning and review tools for the process of Goal setting.
  • Give you ideas for where you can go for further information, support or advice.

Contact ABIOS
abios@health.qld.gov.au


Last updated: 9 December 2016