Quarterly assessment: My contemplations and discoveries
For individuals with neurodiverse brains, setting and reviewing goals can be a challenging yet rewarding process. Here's how to make it more effective and inclusive:
SMART Goals and Manageable Milestones
Define your goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). Break them into quarterly milestones for clarity and focus. This approach ensures consistent motivation without unnecessary stress.
Clear Communication
Use straightforward, unambiguous language and provide written summaries or bullet points to aid clarity and reduce anxiety during communication. Allowing ample time for the review process and decision-making is also crucial, recognizing that neurodivergent individuals may need more time to process feedback or questions.
Utilizing Digital Tools
Use apps or digital tools for task lists, reminders, and prioritization to help with executive function differences. These tools can provide a structured approach, reducing the cognitive load and helping to stay organized.
Environmental Adjustments
Conduct reviews in quiet, low-distraction environments to manage sensory sensitivities. Preparation for the goal review is crucial, setting aside dedicated time in a calm, distraction-free environment.
Embracing Strengths and Reframing Challenges
Reframe challenges such as "disorganization" as different organizational styles that may yield creative problem-solving. Focus on strengths such as hyperfocus and pattern recognition, and leverage special interests to maximize motivation and engagement.
Constructive Feedback
Keep feedback specific, constructive, and low-key to avoid overwhelming emotional responses or rejection sensitivity. Providing emotional space and minimizing distractions can support clearer reflection and goal setting.
In the words of one individual, "Combining practical tools, environmental adjustments, clear communication, realistic planning, and strength-based perspectives creates an effective and neuroinclusive quarterly goal review process."
A Personal Journey
For this individual, the past quarter's review was an emotional journey, filled with frustration, pride, gratitude, and newfound clarity. They encountered hurdles such as fluctuating energy levels and unexpected illnesses, but embracing flexibility and implementing 'Plan B' lower energy options helped them stay on track.
They realized the importance of realistic and manageable goals, and as a result, they plan to strip back their goals for April from 12 to 3. Winter, for them, is a period of deep work and focused planning, while spring feels lighter and draws them to home projects, gardening, and seeking adventures.
Looking Forward
The individual is optimistic and confident about tackling the next quarter with renewed clarity and enthusiasm. They encourage readers to consider their own quarterly goal review and are open to hearing about readers' reflections or goals regarding their quarterly reviews.
Reflecting on achievements always feels great for this individual, who has completed a 6-month money review, made garden updates, started planning for a veg plot, and made some progress on house plans. Work is going well for them, and their partner, Jono, is handling various tasks.
The process of a quarterly goal review provides structure and flexibility, particularly beneficial for managing a neurodiverse brain. It's a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, and everyone can benefit from it.
Setting SMART goals and break them into manageable milestones contributes to personal growth and productivity in the context of education and self-development for individuals with neurodiverse brains. This approach encourages personal growth by fostering a structured, yet adaptable process for goal-setting and progress tracking.
By incorporating digital tools for task organization and utilizing clear communication, the quarterly goal review process promotes productivity and effectively caters to the needs of neurodivergent individuals, providing a foundation for continuous learning and self-improvement.
