Let’s have a heart to heart about setting goals in the new year. Tune into the podcast here or keep reading. Either way, I invite you to take an honest look at the last couple of years and reflect on how many times you have set the exact same New Year’s resolution?
Some common ones my clients have made are:
- This is the year I finally lose the weight.
- This year I’m going to get my hormones under control.
- I’m finally going to feel like me again.
And then, a couple months in… life steps in and says “yeah right, that’s what you think.”
The scale stalls. Kids get sick. Work explodes. Hormones throw tantrums. And just like that you give up. AGAIN.
But what if the problem isn’t you?
What if the problem is the type of goals we set in the first place?
Why Traditional Goals Fail
Most of us set outcome-based goals:
- Lose 20 pounds
- Fit into a certain size
- Have more energy
There’s nothing wrong with wanting those outcomes!
But what’s the plan? How will you lose 20 lbs, fit into your old size 6 jeans, or have more energy? These goals seem big and unmanageable without a plan to move forward. And we aren’t exactly the most patient when it comes to bigger goals and when progress isn’t happening as quickly as we would like we panic. We quit. We start over again next January.
Outcome goals are all about the destination.
And they forget the most important part… the journey.
The Game-Changer: Behavior-Based Goals
Behavior goals focus on actions, not results.
Think:
- 3 strength workouts per week
- A fruit or veggie at every meal
- 20-minute daily walks
These are actions you can win at daily.
And those daily wins build something powerful:
- Consistency
- Confidence
- Skills
- Identity change
Instead of “I hope this works,” it becomes:
“I’m becoming a healthier person with each passing day.”
Motivation Grows from Action
Let’s say your goal is to lose 20 pounds.
After two months you’re down five. You might feel defeated that you aren’t further along.
But if your goal is to strength train three times a week?
You can be proud every week for getting your workouts in regardless of the scale. You may miss a few but you are still making progress that you are proud of.
Motivation isn’t something you wait for. It’s something you create by taking action.
And ironically?
When you focus on behaviors, the outcomes follow… AND they actually stick.
Behavior Goals Adapt to Real Life
Life doesn’t care about your calendar.
Behavior goals tend to be smaller and can pivot without falling apart. When life throws curveballs at lose 20 lbs, it’s easier to give up when 15 lbs is left and it feels slow and nearly impossible.
Can’t work out at night anymore due do a change in your work schedule?
- Try mornings or weekends
- Adjust intensity
- Shorten sessions, stay consistent
Small actions are more flexible and that resilience keeps you moving forward.
No more starting over, just adapt to the changes that occur.
Habits Make Results Inevitable
Behavior → Routine → Habit → Transformation
When your healthy actions become automatic, success becomes:
- Less stressful
- More joyful
- Sustainable long term
Outcome goals often produce shame and “not enough” energy.
Behavior goals let us celebrate progress and release perfection.
More joy = more motivation
Less pressure = more freedom
More freedom = real change
Your Health Journey Should Feel Good
As we head into 2026, let’s stop setting ourselves up to fail. Instead of giant finish lines, let’s focus on small daily habits that unlock BIG transformation:
- More strength
- Better energy
- Hormone harmony
- Body confidence
- A deeper belief in yourself
You deserve a journey filled with momentum, not misery.
Ready to Start Strong in 2026?
If you’re thinking, “I want to feel better in my body…I just don’t know where to start.” I’m here to help. I’ve opened up free 15-minute consultations this month to help you:
- Get clear on where you are now
- Define what you want the next 30 days to look like
- Choose the best small habits to get you there
If I can help you overcome the challenges you’re facing, we’ll talk about working together in 2026.
Click here to schedule your time.
Let’s take the first small step together. Here’s to a year of small daily wins and big breakthroughs.
You’ve got this. and I’ve got you!
Missed last weeks podcast and blog all about How to Prioritize Holiday Self-Care (Without Adding More Stress)? You can tune in here or read the show notes here.
Dream big,
Christine
