How Does Proper Goal Setting Aid in the Grieving Process?

Before the loss of a loved one, goal setting is a part of our every day life. Each day, month or year we set ourselves up with practical goals that we would like to strive towards, and is an important process to a positive well-being. When you are able to set goals for yourself, there is a sense of purpose and accomplishment. This is no different when speaking of goals tailored towards healing especially in a time of heartache and confusion. While you are grieving, you are dealing with a multitude of different emotions and physical life changes, thus by setting yourself up with proper goals you are helping to provide yourself with direction in life.

Setting Attainable Goals are Key

Although it may seem hard to even get yourself out of bed some days because the grief is overwhelming, it is important that each day you set yourself up with small and attainable goals. When setting targets, it’s imperative to have specific and defined time frames associated with goals. Try to write them down and keep track of your progress on each one. When you are able to see the progress you are making on each goal, it can be a motivating factor to aid you in moving forward. However, it is important when you are reflecting on some goals to avoid vague and general statements such as “be happy” and more concrete and definable targets for that day or week. When you have a more specific goal, there are greater chances for success.

Benefits of Goal Setting

There are many benefits that are linked between goal setting and grief, the biggest one being that it can give you a sense of accomplishment and achievement. When you set daily or weekly goals for yourself, you are implementing priorities for you to focus on. Grief is never an easy period for anyone to deal with, however, when you set goals you are allowing yourself to create a path to follow in a time when you feel there is no path or sense of direction for your life without your loved one. Goal setting also allows you to think of yourself and be responsible for your own successes. Each individual grieves and heals at different rates, but remember that goal setting can help propel you in the right direction.

Tips for Writing Your Goals

One of the most important steps in the grieving and goal setting step is properly documenting your goals. Not only is writing important during the grieving process to have an outlet for your emotions, but it is also very important for the goal setting. When you are able to have a physical plan in front of you, it gives you something concrete to move towards. When you first sit down to write your goals try to gear them towards the future in a positive, and in action focused statements, while avoiding negative conations like stop or no, try to keep it positive because this is a positive step in the healing process. Think of an attainable timeline for that goal, but be specific, when dates are associated with goals, you are more likely to accomplish that goal. Also it is important to think of ways, either people or things, that will help support you in a positive way with that goal.

If you are finding it difficult to provide yourself with goals or accomplishing goals, reflect on why that may be happening. It is important, that during a time of mourning you are already surrounded with sad and negative thoughts, to take time to focus on the positives. Goal setting will allow you to challenge the negativity and move forward to positivity.

If you have any further questions about goal setting and its connection to the grieving process, please contact us at Fee & Sons Funeral Home and Crematorium.