My own project (exercise)

Exercise: My own project

Sometimes in our lives we are in an unpleasant situation: stressed, exhausted, unemployed, dissatisfied or dealing with other difficult circumstances – or want to work towards something new. Usually we can visualize ourselves in a more pleasant situation. The question is how to get there - from current situation to the more desired one? One way is to compose a personal project or a procedure that consists of the steps leading towards the more desired situation.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the exercise participants will be able to:

Work with goal setting
Exploring solutions towards a desired situation / goal
Develop a plan and strategies for reaching the desired situation / goal

About the exercise
This exercise is suitable for individuals who want to improve their current situation. A career counsellor may use this exercise to empower the individual and help him/her see, how he/she can bring about the change him/herself. The exercise is a writing task with discussions.

Instructions

Step 1
Give a handout to your client based on the questions below. Ask him/her to think about the questions thoroughly, based on the following instructions:

What project is important and meaningful for you? Choose a feasible project you can really engage in.
Compose a project that will help you choose and define your goal towards your desirable future /situation.

Ask yourself:
- Do I have a clear picture on what and where I would like to reach? What is my goal? Compose a map, visualization or a sketch of your project.
- Are you able to carry out the tasks that the project consists of? Is the project feasible and realistic? Do I have all the factors that I need in order to carry out the project?
- Have I discussed my project with someone who's ideas and suggestions I respect and whom I trust? If necessary, am I ready to revise / adjust my project or compose an alternative project if this one doesn't work out? Do I feel that this is my own, personal project and it has personal meaning to me?
- My plan to proceed in my project is…(describe your plan in words)

Step 2
Discuss with your client about his/her project. As a counsellor, you will learn to understand your client better and may be able to help him/her with the project. The exercise is all about your clients own capability to change things in his/her life. The project serves also as a tool, a subject to discuss about during your counselling process with individuals.

This exercise is adapted from R. Vance Peavy's "Henkilökohtaisen projektin rakentaminen tavoitteen toteuttamiseksi" assignement. Peavy, R. V. 2001. Elämäni työkirja.

Here you can find more instructions and other similar exercises: http://www.slideshare.net/VALOA/cc-training-material