Goal Setting Usually Fails

Anyone who has attempted any sort of lifestyle change knows that ambitious goals have a huge capacity to induce change. "I want to lose 50 pounds." "I want to quit smoking." "I want to quit my boring job and do something I love." "I want to spend more time with my kids." All of these are great goals, and if done properly can change anyone's life for the better in a very significant way.

So why do I think most goals are bad?

Say I want to lose 50 pounds. There are a multitude of ways that I could start; I could start working out 4-5 times a week, cut my carbs, increase my protein intake, throw out the cake that's sitting in my fridge, make sure I eat breakfast, etc. All of these are great, but if I tried to do them all at once, I would last about 2 days. 

We have to focus on small, easy goals, one at a time, until we have them mastered, then move on to the next goal. After a while, the goals "snowball" on top of each other, and a huge change has occurred.This is not a revolutionary concept, but one that is often overlooked in the fitness industry.

The downside to this approach is that it takes a lot longer to "feel" like we're doing much of anything. Let’s say we make your first fat loss goal to take a multi-vitamin every day. Do this for 2 weeks with no other required dietary changes. You might say "I'm paying you to tell me to take a multi-vitamin?!" However, in 2 weeks we add another goal. 2 week goals snowball, and eventually you’re eating 5 servings of veggies, 4 meals, and plenty of protein every single day. All from starting with a multi-vitamin. The key is to establish a habit.

So where do you start? There are so many choices, paralysis by analysis is a very real threat. First, if you're working with a coach, friend, or trainer, some creativity should be involved and a needs analysis can show what's most important. If you're going it solo, first, tell a friend! Then, pick the easiest possible thing you could do. Remember the multi-vitamin example. Make sure your easiest habit is ingrained, then pick something else just a little harder. Continue in this fashion with a new goal every 1-2 weeks, and think of the possibilities a year from now. What will it be for you?

Read this post to learn how to start setting goals for real change

If you need help setting good goals or you’re looking for a fitness trainer in the Mt Juliet/Hermitage/Nashville TN area, online fitness training, or just need some advice to get your fitness program started, contact me