Abundant Practice Podcast Episode #666: How To Set Goals Effectively Release Date: July 12, 2025 Host: Allison Puryear
Introduction
In Episode #666 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear delves into the intricacies of effective goal setting for therapists aiming to transition from agency jobs to thriving private practices. Addressing common challenges and providing actionable strategies, Allison empowers listeners to set, pursue, and achieve their professional aspirations with clarity and confidence.
The Importance of Goal Setting in Private Practice
Allison begins by emphasizing the critical role of goal setting in fostering growth and ensuring progress within private practice. She draws parallels between personal goal setting and the structured treatment plans used for clients, highlighting that both are essential for measurable advancement.
Notable Quote:
"When we don't set goals, we often don't progress in the ways that we want. It's why we have treatment plans for clients. It's why we establish goals in general in our lives when we're really, really focused on making progress in certain areas."
— Allison Puryear [02:15]
Differentiating Long-Term and Short-Term Goals
Allison clarifies the distinction between long-term and short-term goals, using practical examples to illustrate how therapists can categorize and approach their objectives effectively.
Short-Term Goals Example
She discusses a scenario where a therapist aims to secure 20 clients per week at $200 per session. Allison categorizes this as a short-term goal achievable within a year, even amidst economic fluctuations. She outlines the necessary steps, including establishing a specific niche, creating a targeted website, engaging in regular networking, and implementing up to three tailored marketing strategies.
Notable Quote:
"For most of my students, they're hitting this at about six months. That takes a clear, specific niche, a niched website, regular networking, and up to three other marketing strategies."
— Allison Puryear [03:45]
Exploring Alternative Income Streams
Allison addresses the common aspiration among therapists to diversify income through alternative streams such as group practices and online courses. She provides a balanced view of each option, highlighting both benefits and potential pitfalls.
Group Practices
Allison shares insights into the realities of running a group practice. While many assume it offers significant financial gains, she explains that profit margins are often slim due to high overhead costs and the demands of management and marketing. She advises that group practice is suitable only for those who genuinely enjoy managerial responsibilities.
Notable Quote:
"The profit margins in group practice are very slim. The overhead is high. It can be really stressful if you don't prepare properly."
— Allison Puryear [05:20]
She recommends the Group Practice Exchange as a resource for therapists interested in this path, emphasizing the importance of leadership training and financial preparation to navigate the complexities of managing a group practice successfully.
Online Courses
Transitioning to online courses, Allison cautions that while course creation can be lucrative, it requires substantial effort, time, and investment. She notes that the majority of online businesses in this space earn less than $12,000 annually, equating to less than minimum wage per hour worked.
Notable Quote:
"Know that 80 to 90% of people with an online business like this earn under $12,000 a year or don't reach meaningful income. You'll be working a lot for that amount, like less than minimum wage per hour."
— Allison Puryear [07:10]
She advises only pursuing online courses if therapists are passionate about marketing and willing to dedicate significant resources to their development and promotion.
Core Strategies for Effective Goal Setting
Transitioning from specific scenarios to general strategies, Allison outlines foundational principles for setting and achieving goals in private practice.
SMART Goals and Accountability
Allison reaffirms the importance of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals and adds that accountability is a crucial component often overlooked. She suggests seeking accountability from individuals who hold personal significance, ensuring a deeper commitment to goal attainment.
Notable Quote:
"Even the most disciplined people I know benefit from accountability. Specifically, you need accountability from someone you deeply don't want to disappoint."
— Allison Puryear [09:30]
Setting Multiple Goals: BHAGs, Great Goals, and Good Goals
Introducing the concept of BHAGs (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals), Allison encourages therapists to set ambitious objectives that push their boundaries. She also recommends establishing "great" and "good" goals to create a spectrum of targets that provide motivation and achievable milestones.
Notable Quote:
"I have three goals whenever I am launching something or anything like that. I have my BHAG, that feels impossible. I have what I call my great goal, that would feel like I surpassed what I expected. And I have a good goal that, like, is basic. I'd be happy with it."
— Allison Puryear [11:00]
This tiered approach allows for flexibility and sustained motivation, even if the most ambitious goals are not fully realized.
Scheduling Steps and Creating a Realistic Timeline
Allison stresses the importance of breaking down goals into actionable steps and integrating them into one's daily schedule. She cautions against making assumptions and underscores the necessity of obtaining support when venturing into unfamiliar territories.
Notable Quote:
"If you have figured out what steps you need to take, get it in your calendar. What doesn't get scheduled doesn't get done."
— Allison Puryear [12:45]
By meticulously planning and scheduling tasks, therapists can ensure consistent progress towards their goals.
Enhancing Motivation and Maintaining Momentum
Beyond setting goals, Allison addresses the psychological aspects of motivation. She provides resources, such as free worksheets, to help therapists assess and boost their motivation levels, ensuring they remain driven throughout their goal pursuit journey.
Notable Quote:
"Today's free worksheet is actually about the other thing that impacts whether you achieve your goals: Motivation."
— Allison Puryear [14:00]
Practical Resources and Support
Allison highlights the resources available through her membership program, Abundance Party, and her website, abundancepracticebuilding.com, where therapists can access worksheets, checklists, and further training to support their goal-setting endeavors.
Call to Action:
"If you're ready for a much easier practice, TherapyNotes is the way to go. Go to therapynotes.com and use the promo code abundant for two months free."
— Allison Puryear [21:30]
Additionally, Allison encourages listeners to engage with her content on YouTube and to reach out via email for personalized support, fostering a community of therapists committed to building successful private practices.
Conclusion
Allison Puryear's comprehensive discussion on goal setting serves as a valuable guide for therapists aspiring to elevate their private practices. By distinguishing between various types of goals, exploring alternative income streams, and providing robust strategies for effective goal management, she equips listeners with the tools necessary to achieve sustained growth and fulfillment in their professional lives.
For those seeking further assistance, Allison recommends joining the Abundance Party membership program and utilizing the free resources available on her website, ensuring continuous support on the journey to an abundant private practice.
Resources Mentioned:
- Abundance Party Membership: www.abundanceparty.com
- Free Private Practice Checklist and Worksheets: www.abundancepracticebuilding.com
- Group Practice Exchange
- TherapyNotes: therapynotes.com (Use promo code abundant for two months free)
If you found this summary helpful, consider sharing it with fellow therapists and leave a review to support the Abundant Practice Podcast.