By Amy King
In my experience when most people talk about their health and fitness goals, they say things like:
>> I want to lose 10 kilos.
>> I want to be less stressed.
>> I want to run a sub 30-minute 5K.
>> I want to quit drinking
>> I want to be the size I was when I was x age or before I had kids
Whilst there is nothing wrong with these desires, and it’s perfectly normal to frame goals like this in casual conversation, it’s not so great for actually improving or progressing toward that goal.
That is because these are all examples of outcome-based goals—goals that focus on a desired outcome or result.
Wanting an outcome isn’t enough when it comes to actually hitting a goal. (Even if you really, really, REALLY want it.)
Why
Because we (usually) can’t control outcomes.
You can have crystal clear vision of your goal—plus all the motivation in the world—but then:
>> You get slammed with work.
>> Your kid goes through a mental health crisis.
>> Your gym closes for, like, TWO YEARS.
>> You develop problems sleeping.
>> Your knee decides it hates running.
And poof!
There goes your goal—up in smoke. Staring at the ashes of your former goals can feel like a personal failure.
However, you might’ve had little to do with your goal not working out. It’s just that things beyond your control—work, other people, your biology—didn’t cooperate.
But if results are out of your hands… how are you supposed to improve at anything???
Whether you're looking to improve your lifestyle habits, take your athletic performance or overall performance to the next level I'm here to help.
As an experienced fitness, nutrition & performance coach I work with you to optimise all area of your health & well-being.
To see how I can support your journey, why not connect with me over a virtual coffee?
Behavior-based goals are centered on the ACTIONS you take, like eating mostly minimally processed foods daily, practicing a daily meditation session, or doing some type of training or active recovery most days of the week.
These goals are more effective and more empowering because you have MUCH more control over your behaviors.
Here are a few examples of turning outcome goals into behavior goals:
EXAMPLE 1
Outcome goal: Lower blood sugar
Behavior goal: Take a 20-minute daily walk
EXAMPLE 2
Outcome goal: Sleep 8 hours a night
Behavior goal: Create a calming bedtime routine and start it 30 minutes before bedtime
EXAMPLE 3
Outcome goal: Improve relationship with partner
Behavior goal: Have a date night once a week
What to Do
► Write down the outcome you want. (Let’s say it’s, “Lose 10 kilos.”)
► Then, write down some skills you think you’ll need to get that outcome. (For example, one might be “meal prep.”)
► Next, write down a behavior you can do today that’ll help build those skills. (“Buy and wash blueberries and put them in a container that’s easily accessible.)
► Try to do the behavior consistently. (In the example above, maybe you prep a bunch of fruit each Sunday, so you have healthy snacks available all week.)
You may not always follow through, and that’s okay. Progress is almost never a straight line in the direction you want to head.
But by focusing on the behavior and not just “lose 10 kilos,” you keep your attention on the part you can control.
That’s truly how you achieve amazing things over time.
What is one thing you are going to start today?
P.S. The way in which we set goals greatly increases your chances on accomplishing them.
Stay tuned for details on my up-and-coming Ultimate Goal Setting Workshop in February. Where we cover:
>> The types of goals to set that lead to success & how to do this
>> Getting clear on your true “why”
>> Decluttering and making space for your goals
>> Understanding your sphere of control and circle of concern
>> Applying the best ever confidence indicator to ensure daily success
>> The SOPS model for transformation
Plus, we actually build out your:
>> Your Ultimate Goal Planner
>> Your Goals to Action Roadmap
>> Your Vision Board in Canva
+ More
Details will drop over the coming weeks, otherwise reach out to learn more now 😊
Amy King is the founder of AKE Fitness & Nutrition. When she’s not serving her clients, she is pursuing her corporate career in mining, bodybuilding and spending time with loved ones. She calls Perth, Western Australia home.
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