Personal Growth Goal Setting Guide - also Neurodivergent-Friendly!

This guide will help you create a path for personal growth (also works with a unique neurodivergent brain, not against it)

Use your unique strengths to illuminate new or creative methods for goal achievement.

Leverage tools and supports tailored to your specific needs, goal setting can transform from a daunting task into an empowering experience.

Key pointers for Your Success:

• Break it Down: Big goals become small, achievable steps

• See Your Progress: Use visuals to track your journey - or feel the joy of chunk sized success in a track that you love - music is a great brain prompt

• Be Flexible: Life happens and your plan can too

• Be Specific: Know exactly what you're aiming for - ask someone you trust to reflect back any vague parts as sometimes we can't see them

• Be CREATIVE - your way is best! try something different, ask friends how they do this - once you really open up your mind, you will notice lots of things aqnd ideas that will help you

• Use Tools: Leverage technology and support to your advantage

• Reflect & Adjust: Your plan is a living document, not set in stone

• Celebrate Everything: Acknowledge every step forward, no matter how small

Your own 3 week Goal setting PLAN:

This plan is designed to help you gently ease into goal setting, building habits and confidence over three weeks.

Week 1: Foundations & Clarity

• Choose ONE Personal Growth Area: Don't try to tackle everything at once.

Pick one area you want to grow in (e.g., better sleep, learning a new hobby, daily mindfulness, improved communication)

o Action: Write down this broad goal. Or begin a mind map with this at the centre.

See my Thought The wonder of Mind Mapping

• Break Down & Get Specific:

o Action: Break your chosen broad goal into 3-5 much smaller, manageable chunks.

o Action: For each chunk, make it specific.

For example, instead of "get better sleep," you state "be in bed by 10:30 PM on weekdays" and "read for 15 minutes before sleep".

• Visualize Your Start:

o Action: Create a simple visual aid for your Week 1 goal chunking. For example, a mindmap, a checklist, a drawing, a sticky note on your wall.

o Action: If using technology, set one reminder for your most important Week 1 task.

CRUCIAL TIP - DON'T impose rigid timelines, this just increases stress.

Float above restrictions - allow time to be fluid :)

Reflection & feel good at End of Week 1:

o Action: Take 5-10 minutes to review what worked, what didn't, and why - be honest and reasonable, thi sis useful feedback.

o Action: Celebrate any progress, no matter how tiny!

Even if you had to shelf some of your ideas as life go tin the way, or you were unwell or found it too much - you are still thhinking about this, so there is something important your uncosnscious mind wants you to look at. Give yourself a bit if breathing space and look below.

Week 2: Momentum & Flexibility

• Review & Adjust:

o Action: Look at your Week 1 reflections. Did you hit your targets? Were they too easy/hard? ADJUST your specific goals for this week if needed.

It may be a small tweak, or another way of doing something. SHake up your thinking the way you know works for you.

• Focus on the Process, Not Perfection:

o Action: Continue working on your chosen personal growth area. If you miss a day or a task, simply pick up where you left off. REMAIN fluid in your approach - stop frustration in it's tracks!

CRUCIAL TIP - Avoid self-judgement.

• Consider Accountability - Lightly:

o Action: Think about one trusted person you might share your general goal with (no pressure if you're not ready).

You don't have to share progress yet, just the intention. Having support helps your motivation.

OPTION

• Expand Your Visuals/Tech

o Action: If your current visual aid is working, great! If you need more support, consider adding another visual cue or a second reminder on your tech tool.

o Action: If using an AI-powered assistant, try inputting a task for priority highlighting.

Reflection & feel good End of Week 2:

o Action: Again, review your week.

What felt good?

What felt challenging?

o Action: Treat yourself for your sustained effort!

Let your thinking go anywhere!

Week 3: Integration & Future Vision

• Refine & Solidify:

o Action: Based on Week 2's insights, fine-tune your specific goals for consistency.

Can you make any tasks into a more regular habit?

• Embrace Flexibility Fully:

o Action: Actively practice adapting if something unexpected comes up. Focus on getting back on track, not on the disruption.

• Engage Accountability (If Comfortable):

o Action: If you identified a trusted person last week, consider sharing one small win or current goal with them for encouragement.

• Plan for Continued Growth:

o Action: Look ahead. What's the next logical small step for your personal growth area beyond this week?

CRUCIAL TIP - DON'T be tempted to make it a big goal. This can induce fear of failure and then you avaid any thoughts connected to personal growth - think of this as a flow of positive benefits, sometimes moving steadily, other times quietly gurgling - but still moving!

o Action: Start a simple "vision board" (digital or physical) with one image or word representing your long-term vision for this personal growth area.

Email anne.brookes@canalsidelifecoach.app for How to make your own Vision Board

Reflection & Celebration End of Week 3:

o Action: Review your entire 3-week journey.

What have you learned about your unique goal-setting style?

o Action: Give yourself a meaningful reward for successfully navigating three weeks of intentional personal growth!

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Remember, this is your journey. Adapt this plan to make it truly work for you, celebrating every step along the way!

Think creatively anywhere - enjoy nature and your mind will rest

I’m Anne Brookes - give yourself the 🎁 gift of time for Being You

I'm qualified and certified in 📜 Advanced coaching including TA rescripting, as a Life Coach, an NLP Coach and Practitioner, and in Time Line Therapy®

✴ FREE introduction call: VIDEO or VOICE your choice

PLEASE be mindful that I am not medically trained and cannot advise on any mental or physical health conditions. Please consult a qualified expert if you need help.