Day 3: Goals
Why wait until New Year's to start thinking about resolutions? I'm not a big fan of the cliche goals, like "Go to the gym more" or "Eat healthier."
Don't set yourself up for failure when it comes to setting goals. We've probably all heard some basic concepts to remember when you set goals, but I'm going to outline a few. Some things you really can't hear too much :)
- Be realistic.
If goals of the past haven't panned out for you, it's possible that your expectations weren't realistic. For example, if you currently eat dinner out 5 nights per week but want to start eating healthier and cooking more meals at home, it may be overly optimistic to set a goal of cooking 5 nights a week with fresh ingredients. A more realistic goal would be to cook at home 2-3 nights per week, then gradually increase your goal as you gain confidence and experience in the kitchen. Choosing a measurable goal is also a key to making it realistic. Using words like 'more' or 'less' can be vague and leave us without much to go on.
- Write it + Schedule it.
I'm a list person. I love to write things down. I love to check tasks off my to-do list. This is even more important when it comes to goal setting. The best intended goals can be forgotten when the hustle and bustle of life takes over. If you don't write it and schedule it, it often won't happen. Sticking to our earlier example of cooking more at home: write out your goal, choose your days to cook based on schedule, pick your meals, and make your grocery list. Stick to routine and schedule, especially in the early stages of a new goal.
- Don't fear failure.
If you mess up, don't count it as a wash. No one is perfect and we've already talked about how hard change can be. Research shows that you're more likely to stick to your new diet and lifestyle change if you give yourself some grace. This is a balance, of course, because you must have the ability to forgive but also continue forward with your goal. Researchers Adams and Leary concluded that much of this has to do with compassion.
“However, we predicted that self compassion would lead people to forgive themselves for an instance of diet-breaking without losing sight of their goals to regulate their eating. Consistent with this prediction, previous research suggests that self-compassion leads people to forgive themselves for their actions but does not necessarily lead them to abdicate responsibility for those actions. ”
- Celebrate the small steps.
Did you make it through your first week of cooking 3 nights per week? Did you add more fresh produce to your grocery list? CELEBRATE, my friend. Be proud of yourself. Feel confident that you can do this.
- Know your motive.
Achieving your goals can only happen with determination. This comes from WANTING your goals so badly that you will work hard to make them a reality. Don't choose a goal just because you feel some outside pressure. Your motivation has to come within yourself. What is important to you? And why is it important? Ask yourself some questions and don't be afraid to dig deeper. That's when the good stuff happens.
Peace and wellness, to you!
Until tomorrow,
