Examples of daily goals

Concern: isolation

Long-term goal: to increase social interaction.

Daily Goals:

• To start and keep a conversation going on two breaks today.
• To practice a new communication technique learned in program with a peer.
• To bring up a specific issue in group therapy.
• To go to lunch with a peer.

Concern: anxiety

Long-term goal: to decrease anxiety-to increase a sense of inner calmness.

Daily Goals:

• To practice techniques learned in program such as progressive relaxation.
• To identify anxious feelings and let others know how I’m feeling.
• To challenge myself by staying in groups in spite of my anxiety.
• To do a project or activity that’s soothing.

Concern: distorted thinking

Long-term goal: to cope with distorted thinking.

Daily Goals:

• To clarify the reality of my thoughts in groups.
• To identify the distorted thinking pattern.
• To focus on the here and now in groups.
• Learn and use a cognitive therapy technique to challenge distorted thoughts.

Concern: low self-esteem

Long-term goal: to increase positive self-esteem.

Daily Goals:

• To share something positive about myself with someone.
• To practice using positive affirmations.
• To acknowledge a need and work on getting it met.
• To start or complete a new project in occupational therapy.

Concern: lack of structure

Long-term goal: to develop a balanced structure to my day.

Daily goals:

• To set up plans for this evening and weekend.
• To make a realistic list of things that need to be done today and things I want to do for enjoyment.
• To meet with staff to work on time management issues.

Concern: lack of understanding about my illness

Long-term goal:  To learn more about my illness

Daily Goals:

• To use psychoeducation group to increase knowledge about my illness.
• To ask staff or doctor a question about my illness
• To read material from staff about my illness.