Goal Setting: Turning Everyday Hopes Into Meaningful Progress
At Community Living Alternatives (CLA), we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to set goals that reflect what matters most to them. Goals don’t have to be big or complicated — they can be simple, personal, and rooted in everyday life.
For people receiving services, goal setting is about choice, independence, and growth — at a pace that feels right.
What Does Goal Setting Really Mean?
Goal setting is the process of identifying something you want to work toward and taking small, supported steps to get there. Goals can be short-term or long-term, and they can change over time.
Some goals might focus on:
There’s no “right” kind of goal — only goals that are meaningful to the individual.
Start With What Matters Most
The best goals start with simple questions:
Break Goals Into Small, Achievable Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller steps makes them more achievable — and more motivating.
For example:
Celebrate Progress — Not Just Outcomes
Progress doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Showing up, trying something new, or practicing a skill is just as important as reaching the final goal.
Celebrating progress helps build confidence and reinforces that effort matters. At CLA, we recognize growth in all its forms — big and small.
Goals Can Change — and That’s Okay
As interests, needs, and circumstances change, goals may change too. Goal setting isn’t about pressure or perfection — it’s about flexibility and honoring where someone is right now.
Revisiting goals regularly helps ensure they continue to reflect the individual’s priorities and aspirations.
How CLA Supports Goal Setting
CLA staff work closely with individuals to support goal setting in a way that is:
Whether goals are explored through day programs, residential services, or community activities, our focus remains the same: supporting people to live meaningful, self-directed lives.
For people receiving services, goal setting is about choice, independence, and growth — at a pace that feels right.
What Does Goal Setting Really Mean?
Goal setting is the process of identifying something you want to work toward and taking small, supported steps to get there. Goals can be short-term or long-term, and they can change over time.
Some goals might focus on:
- Daily routines and independence
- Social connections and community involvement
- Health and wellness
- Learning new skills
- Exploring interests or hobbies
- Building confidence and self-advocacy
There’s no “right” kind of goal — only goals that are meaningful to the individual.
Start With What Matters Most
The best goals start with simple questions:
- What do I enjoy?
- What would I like to do more independently?
- What feels challenging right now?
- What am I curious about trying?
Break Goals Into Small, Achievable Steps
Big goals can feel overwhelming, but breaking them into smaller steps makes them more achievable — and more motivating.
For example:
- A goal of “being more independent in the community” might start with practicing ordering food or checking out at a store.
- A goal of “making new friends” might begin with participating in a group activity or shared interest.
- A goal of “learning a new skill” might involve short practice sessions built into the day.
Celebrate Progress — Not Just Outcomes
Progress doesn’t always look the same for everyone. Showing up, trying something new, or practicing a skill is just as important as reaching the final goal.
Celebrating progress helps build confidence and reinforces that effort matters. At CLA, we recognize growth in all its forms — big and small.
Goals Can Change — and That’s Okay
As interests, needs, and circumstances change, goals may change too. Goal setting isn’t about pressure or perfection — it’s about flexibility and honoring where someone is right now.
Revisiting goals regularly helps ensure they continue to reflect the individual’s priorities and aspirations.
How CLA Supports Goal Setting
CLA staff work closely with individuals to support goal setting in a way that is:
- Person-centered
- Respectful
- Collaborative
- Integrated into daily life and community experiences
Whether goals are explored through day programs, residential services, or community activities, our focus remains the same: supporting people to live meaningful, self-directed lives.