Obstacle and Options Planner

Use obstacle and options planner as an optional, client-owned tool while separating observations, assumptions, and unknowns.

Planner · 30 min · Print-ready PDF · Free download

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Preview Planner · 30 min
Obstacle and Options Planner - preview
When to Use This Tool
A client is considering Obstacle and Options Planner for one current situation
A client wants to separate observations, assumptions, and unknowns without inferring a cause or trait
A client wants to preserve privacy, choice, access, context, and uncertainty
How to Introduce This Tool Plus

What did you observe, what is assumed or unknown, and which optional question or next step feels useful?

Coaching Tool Disclaimer
This tool is designed for coaching contexts, not clinical use. If you or your client is in crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988) or Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741).
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Interactive Preview Planner · 30 min
Tool Classification
Domain
Executive
Type
Planner
Phase
Action Reflection
Details
30 min Mid session As-needed
Topics
Mindset Resilience Accountability

For the Coaching Practitioner

Plus
Coaching Scenarios Plus
1 Client considering Obstacle and Options Planner for one current situation
Context

A client brings a situation related to Obstacle and Options Planner. Confirm the client's words, observations, assumptions, unknowns, goal, privacy needs, access needs, and preferred scope.

How to Introduce

Offer the tool as optional. Explain its limited job, distinguish it from nearby tools, and confirm language, access, privacy, and consent.

What to Watch For

Keep observations client-owned. Do not infer a diagnosis, hidden motive, fixed trait, cause, treatment, measurement, truth, or correct decision from an answer, blank, selection, or rating.

Debrief

Ask what the client observed, what remains assumed or unknown, and whether one optional question, support, experiment, referral, or no next step would be useful.

Flags

Not therapy, diagnosis, medical, legal, financial, or employment advice. Adapt or stop for distress or risk; use qualified or emergency support when appropriate.

2 Client adapting Obstacle and Options Planner to their own language, access, and context
Context

A client brings a situation related to Obstacle and Options Planner. Confirm the client's words, observations, assumptions, unknowns, goal, privacy needs, access needs, and preferred scope.

How to Introduce

Offer the tool as optional. Explain its limited job, distinguish it from nearby tools, and confirm language, access, privacy, and consent.

What to Watch For

Keep observations client-owned. Do not infer a diagnosis, hidden motive, fixed trait, cause, treatment, measurement, truth, or correct decision from an answer, blank, selection, or rating.

Debrief

Ask what the client observed, what remains assumed or unknown, and whether one optional question, support, experiment, referral, or no next step would be useful.

Flags

Not therapy, diagnosis, medical, legal, financial, or employment advice. Adapt or stop for distress or risk; use qualified or emergency support when appropriate.

3 Client reviewing selected observations without drawing a fixed conclusion
Context

A client brings a situation related to Obstacle and Options Planner. Confirm the client's words, observations, assumptions, unknowns, goal, privacy needs, access needs, and preferred scope.

How to Introduce

Offer the tool as optional. Explain its limited job, distinguish it from nearby tools, and confirm language, access, privacy, and consent.

What to Watch For

Keep observations client-owned. Do not infer a diagnosis, hidden motive, fixed trait, cause, treatment, measurement, truth, or correct decision from an answer, blank, selection, or rating.

Debrief

Ask what the client observed, what remains assumed or unknown, and whether one optional question, support, experiment, referral, or no next step would be useful.

Flags

Not therapy, diagnosis, medical, legal, financial, or employment advice. Adapt or stop for distress or risk; use qualified or emergency support when appropriate.

Tool Flow Plus
Requires
  • None - standalone tool
Produces
  • client-owned observations
  • assumptions and unknowns
  • an optional question or next step

Pairs Well With

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A client wants to use Setback Learning Action Plan as an optional reflection

Why it pairsChoose this worksheet for a different angle on mindset and resilience; use it only if that separate job fits the client.

30 min Worksheet
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Goal Obstacle Response Planner

A client wants to use Goal Obstacle Response Planner as an optional reflection

Why it pairsChoose this worksheet for a different angle on mindset and resilience; use it only if that separate job fits the client.

30 min Worksheet
Life

WOOP Goal Exercise

A client who sets ambitious goals but hasn't planned for the internal obstacles that consistently derail them

Why it pairsChoose this worksheet for a different angle on resilience and accountability; use it only if that separate job fits the client.

15 min Worksheet

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