7 Keys to Setting Attainable Health Goals

It’s that time of year again when everyone is setting new goals for a new year. The problem is, few people actually get there by the end of the year. Let’s make 2024 different!

We are going to talk about keys to achieving some of the most important goals we can set for ourselves. Goals that result in better health, happiness and improved quality of life . . . not just for the year, but for a lifetime.

So, what are you going to need to do differently?

You probably know what you need to do.  The problem we all seem to have is actually doing it.

Here are 7 keys to bridging the gap between your goals and actually accomplishing them.

1. Look Back Before Looking Ahead

   Before we jump into next year, let’s reflect on the past year.  Take an honest look at your goals and see in what areas you fell short – even when circumstances surrounding them may have been seemingly out of your control. Also, take time to celebrate your wins and successes.  This will give you confidence when taking on new challenges this year.

2. Decide What You Want

   This may sound obvious, but it is not always as simple as it seems. To reach the outcomes we want in the coming year, we must decide what we want. We must be very clear with ourselves as to what success will look like.  Making the outcomes specific and measurable will improve your chances of success.

3. Make Your Goals Attainable

   I want you to think really big and believe you can achieve great things this year.  However, you must be realistic.  Decide if your goal and the time line you have is attainable. Can you see yourself reaching this goal in 2024?

4. Ask Yourself Why You Want This

   What will you gain if you achieve this goal? Perhaps it is energy, self confidence, less pain, or a longer life. Eating healthy just for the sake of your blood pressure won’t motivate you when temptation strikes. You must think about why. You have to know what eating healthy and lowering your blood pressure will allow you to do.   Maybe it’s play golf, or go on an adventurous vacation with your spouse.

5. Consider Doing Nothing

   After you make it clear why you are making this goal, take it one step further.  Think a few minutes about what would happen if you choose to do nothing. Maybe you have to give up your cycling club or even take an early retirement? Will you miss out on a family vacation? Will it negatively affect your relationship with your spouse?

6. Set Short Term Milestones

   Improving your health can be a long road. Set shorter term, perhaps two to four week, milestones and build on them as you go. I help my health coaching clients set 1 week, 30 day, and 90 day goals. This allows us to focus on progress, instead of on how far they still have to go.

7. Anticipate Barriers to Success

   As you work toward your goals, I guarantee you will have barriers that get in your way.  Think through what they may be and how you will deal with them ahead of time. Many people experienced a big hurdle with their health goals over the holidays with weight gain and fatigue. My clients enjoyed the festivities and still lost weight because the had micro goals to focus on each week. Roadblocks are a part of life, but they do not have to equal failure.

In review, consider why you want to achieve your goals, picture yourself reaching them, establish short term wins, and anticipate the roadblocks.

Start considering what changes you want to make in your life. One business philosopher said ” You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself”.

All this self discovery can be overwhelming! If you find you need some guidance on this journey to better health in the New Year, contact me – and Integrative Health Coach -for a Free Consultation to help clarify a vision for what you want and make a plan to get there. Just click the link below to check for availability on my schedule!