Why are goals important when seeing an osteopath?
Goals can help you and your osteopath know what to aim for in your sessions.
It can help us track improvements and to know if you are on track with the program.
Setting goals can also help you see small improvements, rather than focusing on just getting out of pain.
Goals are not set in stone. They can and often change.
I used to think goals should be SMART.
S – specific
M – measurable
A – achievable
R – realistic
T – time bound
However, the more I’ve talked to people about goals, and after listening to Dr Sarah Haag’s Talk about goal setting, I think goal setting should be different.
Sarah recommends FIRM goals
F – fun
I – interesting, invigorating, important to you
R – restorative
M – meaningful, motivating
What should a FIRM goal look like?
It could look like holding your grandchild without getting pain in your arm, or being able to travel 5 hours for a holiday in Europe by April.
Be as specific and fun as you’d like to be.
I’m going to leave you with a few questions:
- What would you like to get out of your osteopathy visits?
- How will you know that you are getting better?
- What will we need to accomplish for you to feel like you no longer need sessions?
If we can get these 3 answered in the first session, it sets us up well to work together.
