Overview:
This topic teaches patients how to set both a program goal and action steps within the PowerME™ Vitality Program.
Program goals are broad, health-related targets (outcome goals) to be completed by the end of the program–for example, losing 30 pounds of weight, or improving the Vitality Score by 20 points.
Action steps, on the other hand, are smaller, achievable, daily behaviors (process goals) that support the larger program goals.
The patient and their healthcare team set a ‘shared’ program goal based on a weight or vitality score topic. This is an outcome goal that is used to create context for the patient—to function as a guidepost as the patient progresses through the program.
The sole focus should NOT be on weight loss.. Rather the focus is on process—consistent, small steps that help the patient ingrain habits and routines that can be maintained for the rest of their lives.
Topic Summary:
- Patients set a program goal aligned with their core motivation and health goals.
- The patient’s program goal is set through shared decision-making with their healthcare provider.
- The patient can set their own program goal around weight loss, or an exercise-related goal (e.g., complete a 10K run); however, we encourage patients to set a goal related to their Vitality Score.
- For most patients, a reasonable goal is to double the VS. For patients with a very low score (under 10), consider a goal to get the VS over 20. For patients with a VS over fifty, incremental increases become more challenging.
- Action steps (process goals) are daily behaviors that are key to forming lifelong habits.
- Action steps should be challenging, yet achievable, and are developed in consultation with the health coach and/or the healthcare provider.
- Action steps will be based on the patient’s priorities; everyone will have different goals and challenges.
- Simple examples of action steps include: EAT: Add fruit or veg to each meal this week. MOVE: Walk for 15 minutes after a meal 6 days per week. SLEEP: Turn off devices an hour before bedtime every day this week. STRESS: Mediate or journal 10 minutes, 6 days per week. CONNECT: Reach out to a family member or friend each day this week.
- Patients can continue with the same progress goal/action step and continue to build on their behavior—or pivot to a different challenge.
- It is the CONSISTENCY in performing action steps leads to skills and resiliency: habits and routines that become lifelong behaviors.
