Cognitive biases
Competence Inventory & Action Plan
Competence Inventory & Action Plan
This directive is for clients who are mired in problem talk or express a sense of helplessness. When a client’s attention is fixed on their deficits and recent failures, it can be difficult to make forward progress in session. This tool is designed to interrupt that pattern by systematically shifting their perspective away from what is wrong and toward what has already worked in their life and what is concretely possible for their future.
The mechanism operates by first anchoring the client in their own history of effective action. By bringing latent skills and past competencies into conscious awareness, it builds a foundation of self-efficacy. The process then pivots, using that reinforced sense of capability to help the client articulate a clear, behavioral vision for a successful outcome. It directly connects their proven abilities to their desired goals, creating a practical basis for change.
Competence Inventory & Action Plan
Section 1: Competence Inventory Describe a time when you were effective and handled things well. What specific actions did you take that led to that outcome?
Recall a difficult situation you managed successfully. What specific steps did you take? What skills did you use?
Section 2: Desired Outcomes Describe your life when the current problem is solved. What would you be doing differently? What would other people notice about you?
What specific, measurable goals do you have for the next 6-12 months?
Describe the person you would be if you consistently met these goals. What would your daily routines and interactions look like?
Section 3: Action Steps What specific, small actions can you take this week to begin moving toward your desired outcomes?
List three small, achievable tasks you can complete in the next 7 days.
What people, tools, or other resources can you use to help you accomplish these tasks?
Section 4: Execution Plan What is the very first step you will take, and when will you take it?
What potential problems might interfere with your plan? How will you handle them when they occur?
How will you make these new actions a regular part of your routine?
Section 5: Progress Review What skills and abilities did you identify in yourself during this process?
How has defining these goals and actions changed your approach to the problem?
What is your plan for reviewing your progress and setting new action steps in the future?
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