Small Goals

This handout and worksheet is designed to assist you with achieving small goals. Good luck!

Small Goals

Your dream may be big (it should be!) and that might make it seem overwhelming. But, like the saying says, “When eating an elephant take one bite at a time.”

So take a small portion of it that you can handle. Think about something that you can do within one week, and then think about what you can do today. It could be as simple as calling a more experienced friend to ask some questions.

There is no doubt that you can eat the elephant. But the key is to take the bites early and often.

You should also note, that the concentration, fatigue and memory problems that go along with depression/anxiety make it impossible for people to keep up their same pace.

Depression and/or anxiety feeds on withdrawal and inactivity.

A strategy to help people feel more in charge of their lives and improve their self-esteem is through the attainment of daily small goals.

The emphasis on small goals is important. It slows down the person who pushes too hard so they don’t get overwhelmed and gently encourages the withdrawn person to begin taking charge of their life.

Select a Small Goal:

• Choose something that you would like to accomplish and are certain you can achieve in the time you set for yourself.
• The task should be easy enough to achieve even if you feel very depressed.
• Have a clear idea of when and how you are going to carry out your goal. i.e., “go swimming at the community center pool this Thursday evening for 15 minutes,” rather than “go swimming."
  

If you don’t complete the goal don’t give up — choose another time or break your goal into smaller parts.

Goals that involve action and thoughts are easier to know you’ve achieved than those involving emotions.

When you meet your goal, or part of it, congratulate yourself.

Start small — you can always do more when you’ve achieved your goal.

List up to 4 small goals you would like to achieve: