Starting with the end in mind: how to create a plan for success!

So you’ve set a goal – fantastic! The goal is the destination we are going to work towards, but how are you going to get there?

Lots of people set goals, but achieving them means taking the right action.

One advantage of working with a TPC physiotherapist is that we specialise in working with older Australians. We can help build a plan that focuses on the right actions while considering the specific needs of older individuals.

The second significant benefit is a TPC physio’s knowledge and training that allows them to cut through the mountains of information available and apply the knowledge most likely to benefit you.

Once you have agreed on a goal, you can expect a similar process to the one outlined below.

1) Start with the end in mind – context before content
The first thing we need to do is understand the demands of the goal. This means breaking the goal down into smaller parts. For example:

• Do you need to stand from a particular seat? If so, how tall is it?
• Do you need to be able to balance and handle another task?
• Are there any steps to navigate?
• Are there different surfaces you need to walk on, such as carpet vs hardwood floor?
• Is there a certain distance you need to walk?

Understanding the requirements is important because it influences what we will specifically work on.

2) Establish the start line
Once we know what you need to be able to do, we can work out your starting point. The benefit of doing this relative to what you need to do is that we can be very specific.

For example, if your goal involves standing from a chair that is 58cm tall and at the start you can stand from a chair that is 68cm tall, we need to build your capacity to be able to achieve this. However, if you need to walk 80 metres and you can already walk 100 metres, then this is going to be a low priority in your plan.

3) Implement the content (the plan!)
Now that we have the context (what any treatment needs to achieve) we can get to work on the content. It’s time for the rubber to hit the road in terms of action!

The plan could include hands-on treatment, exercises with your TPC physio, exercises to do between sessions, attendance at group exercise (in person or online) through to building habits to support a healthy lifestyle, such as getting enough sleep and drinking enough water.

The specificity of the content will depend on your starting point and the time frame. Some individuals will have a very specific plan from the start; others will need a block of time to build some foundational fitness and habits. Whatever the content is, rest assured the focus is on helping you achieve your goal.

Up to now, we’ve explored the goal plan process, including why we use this approach, what it involves, keeping goals realistic and understanding how we put your plan together.

The hard work begins with taking the right actions, particularly in the hours that you are not working with us directly.

Success doesn’t generally happen due to one single factor (some people are lucky to win the lottery, but they are the exception); it comes from a cumulative effect of the right actions executed consistently over time.

I hope you’ve enjoyed learning a bit more about TPC’s approach, and I look forward to seeing more seniors smash their goals!

Article written by Michael Quinn – The Ops Guy / Physiotherapist