Anyone who goes through a rehab process will have been asked “What are your goals?
Here are a few thoughts on goal setting to help kickstart 2026 with some rehab goals in mind.
Traditionally we have always talked about SMART goals, but SMART goals don’t always sit comfortably with the realities of recovery. As we know, neurological rehab is rarely neat or predictable, and progress doesn’t follow a straight line. I have recently heard about REAL goals and think that they offer a more human way of thinking about goal setting.
Rather than focusing on rigid targets and timelines, REAL goals centre on what truly matters to the person, using activities they care about and can actively practise in everyday life. They leave room for ups and downs, recognising that meaningful change often happens gradually. They help to keep hope, motivation and purpose at the heart of recovery.
So what do we mean by REAL goals?
Relevant means the goal connects to what matters in your life, your roles, routines and sense of self.
Engaging goals are activities that you actually care about, making practice more motivating and meaningful.
Action-focused goals concentrate on what you can do and practise, rather than waiting for a perfect outcome.
Long-term reminds us that neurological recovery takes time; goals can evolve, adapt and grow without the pressure of fixed deadlines.
Example:
Instead of a goal like “Walk 20 metres independently in four weeks,” a REAL goal might be “Practising walking to the garden each day so I can enjoy time outside again.” The focus shifts from hitting a fixed target to rebuilding confidence, purpose and everyday participation.
How do we go about setting those goals and keeping aligned with them?
Clarifying the Vision: The first step is to think about your long term vision and define what recovery means for you – the “big goals”. Try to think about how the goals will impact on YOUR life in a meaningful way. Take time to visualise your goal, imagining how your life will be different, the emotions, sights, and sounds associated with its attainment. Having a sense of the positive feelings associated with achieving your goal really helps with motivation.
For example “I want to be able to walk better” means different things for different people. It might mean you can walk the dogs again, or walk to the shop, or get yourself to the toilet, or not feel afraid of falling every time you walk.
Breaking Down Complex Goals: We know that neuro rehab often involves multifaceted challenges. Break down the big goals into smaller, more manageable chunks or milestones. This makes the goals less overwhelming and gives a sense of achievement with each step forward. Try to have a smaller goal to focus on every few weeks.
Daily Functional Goals: I am a big fan of incorporating daily activities into your neuro-rehab. These goals focus on activities essential to daily life, such as dressing, grooming, or cooking. Doing these tasks contributes to a sense of independence, really enhances your therapy and exercise and helps to remind your brain and body about what it used to do.
Incorporate Enjoyable Activities: I am an even bigger fan of this one! Engaging in activities you love makes the rehabilitation process, and life, so much more fulfilling. Whether it’s art, music, or sports, finding joy in the process is key to sustained commitment. Think about what you love to do and see if you can start to weave it back into your every day life.
Accountability, Support and Tracking: Share your goals with your therapist, friends, family, or anyone who can offer support and hold you accountable. Having a support system can provide encouragement during challenging times and celebrate successes with you. Regularly assess your progress towards your goals. Tracking your achievements shows you how far you have come.
Adaptability and Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, and obstacles are inevitable. You need to be willing to adjust your goals based on changing circumstances. This doesn’t mean giving up; it means finding new paths to the same destination. Learn from setbacks, use them to work out what went wrong and adjust your approach.
If you need some help with goal setting, or thinking about that long term vision please do reach out to us for advice.
