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Self-Directed. A “self-directed” life plan means that YOU are in the driver’s seat. You choose what goals you
want to work on and how to achieve them. You call the shots and set the pace. But, this doesn’t mean you won’t
have help. We all need advice and support to succeed and to cope with disappointments. But, you are responsible
for this plan and for your own decisions about it. This is your plan to make, break, change, or scrap. This is what it
means to be self-directed. It can be liberating, but also a little scary.
If taking control like this makes you nervous, try to find people who have been where you are and have
succeeded at a life change. Also, work at a slower pace that allows for small steps. Give yourself time to think and
change your mind or plans.
Remember, just because you’re the driver doesn’t mean you have to go from 0 to 65 miles per hour before
you’re ready. To stretch the analogy, plenty of us start out by joining Driver’s Ed, getting our permit, and then driving
only the back roads, long before we take to the highway.
What Does this Mean for Me?
At this point, you may be thinking, “Get real! What’s a Self-Directed Life Plan really mean? Is it just another
fad? Will I have to do things I don’t want to do or can’t do? Is it just another way for someone else to tell me,
everything would be better if I’d just get it under control and help myself more?”
Frankly, the answers to these questions are yes and no. Self-direction, self-determination, recovery – these
are the latest trends in mental health. But, it’s also true that a new fad isn’t necessarily a bad fad. Actually, in this
case, it’s very good. It means that more people think that individuals with mental illness can be in charge of their own
lives, with good supports and services focused on hope, recovery, and valued life roles.
Will you have to do some things you don’t want to do? Sometimes! But, we all do things that are hard, scary,
or feel risky when trying something new or changing our lives. That’s why throughout the workbook you’ll see that you
must have support from family, friends, peer supporters, mental health professionals, and others as you make your
Life Plan.
Will you have to take responsibility for your goals and help yourself along the way? Yes. But this does NOT
mean you won’t have help. You will have to help yourself by setting and working towards your own goals. But part of
this involves getting help from trusted people in your life. Also, you can always change your mind, slow things
down/speed things up, or take breaks when you’re not feeling well. You set the pace because this is your Plan.