As we prepare to leave 2023 behind us, our attention turns to setting goals for the new year. Many of us are accustomed to outcome-based goals, such as losing 20lbs or completing a marathon. However, I invite you to shift your perspective and consider the benefits of setting behavior goals this year. By placing significance on the journey we open doors to personal growth, heightened motivation, and long-term success. Let’s discover why setting behavior goals will make all the difference in 2024.
Personal Growth:
One of the main advantages of setting behavior goals versus outcome goals is the emphasis on personal growth. When we focus on cultivating positive habits, we consistently engage in desired behaviors. This creates a foundation for long-term progress and success. This approach allows us to hone valuable skills, deepen our knowledge, and build resilience. By prioritizing behavior goals, we nurture a growth mindset which in turn, encourages more learning and self-improvement.
Sustained Motivation:
Outcome-based Goals
Outcome based goals often rely on external factors that lie beyond our control. Therefore, making our goals vulnerable to disappointment and discouragement. For example, the outcome-based goal of losing 20lbs may become discouraging when all you are focusing on is the number on the scale. Maybe you’ve made some positive changes but things out of your control like your work schedule, family commitments, medication side effects, illness or injury got in the way and now 2 months has passed, and you’ve only lost 5 lbs. Discouraged, you decide you are never going to lose that extra 15 so you quit. Sound familiar?
Behavior Based Goals:
On the other hand, behavior goals empower us by focusing on actions within our control such as fitting in 3 weight training sessions each week and eating fruit and/or vegetables with every meal. These behaviors are things we have influence over. If work gets busy or we become ill we rearrange things a bit to get our workouts in and order groceries and have them delivered with plenty of fruits and veggies so we have no excuse not to eat them.
When we set behavior goals, we can measure our progress based on our efforts and commitment, rather than being solely dependent on results. For example, reaching a weekly goal of 3 weight training sessions is much more motivating than saying I ate my veggies all week and didn’t lose any weight. If the focus is on what we DID accomplish regardless of the results, our inner motivation will fuel future drive and determination. Thus, keeping our wellness journey on track even when faced with setbacks.
In this scenario I’m willing to bet you will keep getting your workouts in rather than quitting. Eventually, when you keep up with your behavior goals you will reach your outcome goals. It might take a little longer but the likelihood of you quitting is much lower. The difference in adherence is more motivating and in turn more long term when we focus on things within our control.
Flexibility and Adaptability:
Life is anything but predictable and circumstances can change without warning. Outcome-based goals often become rigid, with little room for adjustment. How do you change the goal of losing 20 lbs when life throws you a curveball? You still WANT to lose the weight it just seems like it’s out of your control.
However, behavior goals provide flexibility, allowing us to adapt our approach based on changing circumstances. For example, your work schedule changed which means you are no longer able to workout after work. Alternatively, you could use the company gym at lunch or wake up early and get a morning workout in. And if that doesn’t work you could amp up your eating habits and temporarily decrease your weight training sessions to 2 over the weekends until you adapted to the schedule change and could think about adding a third workout back in.
By focusing on the behaviors within our control, we become more flexible and resilient when challenges come our way. Behavior goals are often times much smaller than outcome goals so our minds are much more likely to pivot our thinking, learn from setbacks, and seek alternative paths to success.
Building Consistency and Habits:
Behavior goals are linked to building consistent habits and consistent habits are the foundation of long term success. When we set habit centered goals, we create a routine that aligns with our ultimate vision. By consistently taking action towards our goals, we establish positive rituals that become ingrained in our daily lives. Over time, these behaviors lead to tangible progress and sustainable results.
Enhancing Well-being and Satisfaction:
Chasing outcome based goals can often lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and self-doubt. If/when we fail to achieve the desired results we ultimately lose motivation to continue. This is why the majority of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by mid February.
However, behavior based goals redirect our focus to the journey, the process and the present moment. By adopting this approach, we develop a sense of fulfillment and contentment as we acknowledge and appreciate the progress we make each day. This mindset promotes growth, well-being, and allows us to experience joy in the journey, rather than being fixated on one specific outcome.
As we embark on 2024, I encourage you to embrace the power of setting behavior goals this year. By setting intentions focused on cultivating positive habits and consistent actions, we unlock personal growth, sustained motivation, flexibility, and the building blocks to success. Remember, it’s the small daily habits we take each day that pave the way for extraordinary achievements. So, let this be a year we prioritize behavior goals and witness our dreams transform into reality, one meaningful action at a time.
Call to Action:
Book a free 30-minute consultation with me today to determine what you are working towards in 2024! Just respond to this email with 3 dates/times that work for you and I will choose one that fits my schedule. Want a jump start on mindset? Click here to get my free mindset workbook or check out one of my favorite books about habits Atomic Habits.
Wishing you much love, health, and happiness,
Christine
