Goal-Setting: Make it Stick

Wellness Tip: Goal setting

Goal setting is a crucial aspect of your wellness journey, but it can sometimes feel overwhelming. As a wellness professional, establishing clear goals is essential for promoting behavior change and developing healthy habits. Here are some tips to help set yourself up for success:

1. Set Short-Term Goals. Short-term goals can be viewed as daily and/or weekly. First, focus on your weekly goals (intentions), then set daily tasks to help you accomplish those weekly goals.

2. Plan Your Week. Before the week starts, review your schedule for priorities (non-negotiables). Looking at your schedule before the week starts will likely decrease stress, remove obstacles, and clear your calendar for your short-term goals. 

3. Treat your short-term goals like an appointment. This can be done in several ways: Add the short-term goal to your phone and/or work calendar, use your planner, set phone reminders, etc. When you visually see your goal and treat it like an appointment, it will decrease the likelihood of barriers or excuses.

4. Pivot. This is a critical component. Pivoting means adjusting your goals as needed. Just because we don't meet a goal the first time doesn't mean we can't adjust or pivot as needed. Pivoting your goals will allow you to still accomplish a goal no matter what obstacle comes your way. Pivot away.

5. Avoid "All or None" Tendencies. All or none tendencies happen to most of us at one point in our journey. For example, when we eat something we "shouldn't" or overeat, we say, "I'll start the diet on Monday." Or if we miss a workout, one day turns into two. All or none tendencies set us up for failure. It's a habit I work with you on avoiding.

6. Reassess your goals each month (Long-Term Goals). I like to look at long-term goals as monthly instead of 6+ month goals. Long-term goals can be very overwhelming, so think of them as monthly goals. For example, let's say your goal is to lose 40 lbs by the end of the year. That is often overwhelming for many to think about. Instead, focus on each month. For example, I want to lose 5 lbs. in May. More approachable.

7. Work with a health coach! A good health coach does not set goals for you, but rather gives you the skills, tools, and accountability to help guide you. I am in your corner every step of the way! Remember, knowing does NOT equal doing.