Check It Off: Establishing Achievable Goals 

Dr. Dave Scheiderer: Hi. I'm Dr. Dave, a board certified psychiatrist. No matter where you are on your bipolar I journey, working towards specific goals can help you better manage your condition. Here are a few important things to think about while setting goals.

Number one: think short and long term.

You will want to set both short term goals, for example, what do I hope to accomplish this week? And then longer term goals, what I want to be doing in a few years. You may start with setting one small goal to accomplish each day. Ask yourself, what is the one thing I can do today that helps me get closer to my mental health goals? Over time, you can work on accomplishing larger, more long term goals.

Number two: timing.

It is best to set goals while in a state of what we call euthymia when you are neither in an episode of mania or an episode of bipolar I depression. If a person with bipolar I sets goals when in manic phase, the goals are likely to be big and bold and unrealistic, and maybe even high risk. Whereas, if a person is in a depressive state, the goals may be limited, apathetic, seemingly useless.

Number three: involve somebody else.

There is usually value in having a friend, family member or therapist who is trusted with the goals you have set. Get help and encouragement from that support system as you work towards your objectives. They will hold you accountable and you can also hold them accountable for their personal goals.

Just remember, this is an ongoing process of setting and refining goals. Sometimes achieving success, sometimes failure. Either way, it's important to keep reevaluating in order to move you forward.

Check It Off: Establishing Achievable Goals

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Check It Off: Establishing Achievable Goals

Dr. David Scheiderer, MD, DFAPA
Board-certified psychiatrist

Dr. David Scheiderer

Hi, I’m Dr. Dave, a board certified psychiatrist.

No matter where you are on your bipolar I journey, working towards specific goals can help you better manage your condition. Here are a few important things to think about while setting goals.

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1. Set short- and long-term goals

Dr. David Scheiderer

Number one: think short and long term. You will want to set both short-term goals—for example, what do I hope to accomplish this week. And then longer-term goals—what I want to be doing in a few years. You may start with setting one small goal to accomplish each day. Ask yourself, what is the one thing I can do today that helps me get closer to my mental health goals? Over time, you can work on accomplishing larger, more long-term goals.

Text on screen

2. Timing matters

Dr. David Scheiderer

Number two: timing. It is best to set goals while in a state of what we call euthymia, when you are neither in an episode of mania or an episode of bipolar I depression. If a person with bipolar I sets goals when in manic phase, the goals are likely to be big and bold and unrealistic, and maybe even high risk. Whereas, if a person is in a depressive state, the goals may be limited, apathetic, seemingly useless.

Text on screen

3. Involve somebody else

Dr. David Scheiderer

Number three: involve somebody else. There is usually value in having a friend, family member, or therapist who is trusted with the goals you have set. Get help and encouragement from that support system as you work towards your objectives. They will hold you accountable and you can also hold them accountable for their personal goals.

Just remember, this is an ongoing process of setting and refining goals. Sometimes achieving success, sometimes failure. Either way, it’s important to keep reevaluating in order to move you forward.

Text on screen

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