The GROW model is one approach that can be used to help with goal setting in your day-to-day life and mental health settings. GROW is an acronym that stands for:

Goal – The first step here is setting the goal. It can be helpful to use the SMART technique to help set your goal here (see other post)

Reality – The second step involves considering the reality of this goal. Ask yourself questions – When it comes to this goal, what is happening in the present moment? Are you working towards it? Are you not working towards it? What actions have you taken to work towards this goal so far? If you are struggling with the goal, it may be helpful to go back to the first step to set a goal that is more realistic.

Options – This step focuses on considering present options based on where you are with your goal. Ask yourself, when it comes to this goal, what kind of options have you explored to help you achieve it? What are some different ways you can work towards the goal? What have you learned so far in working towards this goal? What are some other options I can explore? What are the pros and cons of each of these options?

Way Forward – This step focuses on moving from the present to the future. Ask yourself: What steps can you take to move closer to the end of the goal soon? Once you have achieved the goal, what will you do?