Goal Setting
Living Inspired: Encouragement Through Goal Setting for Mental Health
June 10, 2025
At T.R.Y. LIFE Health and Wellness, we believe that mental wellness begins with clarity—and that clarity often comes through goal setting. Living inspired from encouragement starts when we align our aspirations with actionable plans. This blog explores how setting personal goals can influence your mental health, both positively and negatively, and how our coaches support you on this journey.
Top 3 Pros of Setting Goals for Mental Health
Clarity and Focus: Goals give the mind structure, helping reduce anxiety and improve decision-making (Locke & Latham, 2002).
Increased Motivation: Achieving small milestones boosts confidence and motivation (Bandura, 1997).
Sense of Purpose: Purpose-driven goals enhance overall psychological well-being (Steger et al., 2006).
Top 3 Cons of Goal Setting (if not managed well)
Perfectionism: Overly rigid goals can increase pressure and lead to mental exhaustion (Flett & Hewitt, 2002).
Unrealistic Expectations: Goals set too high can cause discouragement and low self-esteem.
Burnout: Focusing solely on achievement without self-compassion can lead to emotional fatigue.
Resources to Help Set Mental Health Goals
SMART Goal Framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound)
Journaling and Mind Mapping Tools (e.g., MindMeister, Coggle, Lucidchart)
Mental Health Apps (e.g., Calm, Insight Timer)
Therapists and Behavioral Coaches for guided support and accountability (American Psychological Association, 2023)
Setting Goals with T.R.Y. LIFE Coaches
At T.R.Y. LIFE, our behavioral coaches work collaboratively with you to:
Clarify your values and align them with realistic goals
Break goals into manageable steps to avoid you from becoming overwhelmed
Celebrate progress, not perfection
Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities
Through compassionate support, we help clients create sustainable habits and move forward with resilience.
Remember, setting goals isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being purposeful. Whether you're managing anxiety, improving your lifestyle, or simply wanting to feel more in control, goal setting with encouragement can be a powerful tool for growth.
T.R.Y. LIFE creates the journey you deserve; with support you can trust. Let’s grow together.
In Health & Wellness,
T.R.Y. LIFE Health & Wellness Behavioral Coach
References
Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The exercise of control. W.H. Freeman.
Flett, G. L., & Hewitt, P. L. (2002). Perfectionism: Theory, research, and treatment. APA.
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (2002). Building a practically useful theory of goal setting. American Psychologist, 57(9), 705–717.
Steger, M. F., Kashdan, T. B., & Oishi, S. (2006). Being good by doing good. Journal of Research in Personality, 42(1), 22–42.
American Psychological Association. (2023). Goal setting for mental health. www.apa.org