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3 mistakes to avoid when setting goals
Hi Beauties,
We’re 2 weeks into the new year! I’m guessing you may have set some health & fitness goals or you may be thinking about doing that soon.
Either way, I want to help you avoid the most common mistakes I’ve seen my clients make over the years. Read through this quick list and maybe even print this out and put it in a spot where you’ll see it as you’re writing or reflecting on your goals.
Mistake #1: Focusing too much on outcomes and not enough on the process
Often people set an outcome goal (ie: lose 20 pounds), but they don’t spend time setting process goals which are the steps that will actually get you to that outcome (ie: reduce dessert to 2x per week, hire a personal trainer, do Pilates 5x per week, etc).
When setting goals or making resolutions, be sure to include both.
Mistake #2: Setting goals that are too vague
I see this more than any other mistake. Setting goals that are too vague will not lead to lasting change or significant results. So instead of saying “I want to improve my diet,” make specific food-related goals such as cooking at home 4 nights per week, joining a CSA and using the produce in weekly recipes, meal prepping once per week, etc.
Mistake #3: Not writing your goals on paper
You may be reading this with ideas floating around in your head of things you want to improve or accomplish in the coming months. But have you put those ideas and intentions down on paper? Have you written them, made them specific, and committed to revisiting them on a regular basis?
Writing your goals on paper has been shown to increase your chances of successfully achieving them because they’re easily available to revisit, and also can be encoded in your brain. Something actually CHANGES in your brain when you write them down. This simple step can make a big difference in your ability to make progress and avoid falling off track.
Quick tip: I have mine written on a sheet of paper that hangs inside my medicine cabinet so that I see them every morning when I’m getting ready for the day.
Was this helpful? I hope so. I’m here for you. I’m in your corner and cheering you on.
Also – I’d love to hear what goals you’re working toward this year. Leave a comment below + let me know!
xo,
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4 thoughts on “3 mistakes to avoid when setting goals”
Each month I print the workout calendar and hang it on the fridge- with a note of how many workouts I want to do that month. I keep track with glittery stickers. Having the calendar in a place I see multiple times a day, with an easy visual of how many I have done, has been really successful- there is a reason we teach kids habits with sticker charts!
Love this, Jen! Sounds like a great system you have. Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work! 🙂
In fitness, I don’t like setting goals. When I just set goals, I didn’t do anything. But when I found my direction in fitness, I started going to the gym regularly and with pleasure. My body and soul are asking for training. Maybe I’m wrong…
My goal is to open a shelter for dogs and cats and lose weight by the summer)) thank you)) you are a good motivator))