When it comes to improving your health, setting the right goal is half the battle. But how do you go beyond just saying, “I want to lose weight” or “I want to exercise more”? This post will walk you through three essential steps to set a health-focused goal that sticks: defining your goal, understanding why it matters to you, and deciding when you’ll achieve it.
Step 1: Get Specific About Your Goal
First things first: a vague goal won’t get you very far. Instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” try something like, “I want to lose 7kg by September,” or “I want to run 5km without stopping by the end of June.” The more specific your goal is, the easier it is to create a road map to get there. Think about the details:
- What exactly do you want to achieve?
- How will you know when you’ve succeeded?
Specificity gives your goal clarity and direction, which are crucial for staying motivated.
Step 2: Discover Your “Why”
Why is this goal important to you? Your “why” is the fuel that keeps you going when things get tough. Without a strong connection to your goal, it’s easy to lose steam.
Take a moment to dig deep:
- How will achieving this goal improve your health and well-being?
- Who else might benefit from your success? (e.g., being more active with your kids or setting an example for loved ones)
- What’s at stake if you don’t follow through?
Write down your reasons. Keep them somewhere visible—like on your fridge or as a note on your phone—so you can revisit them whenever you need a boost.
Step 3: Set a Deadline
Deadlines create urgency. Without one, it’s tempting to put things off indefinitely. A deadline turns your goal from a “someday” dream into a “right now” priority.
When setting your deadline, be realistic but firm. Consider:
- How much time will you realistically need?
- Are there milestones you can set along the way to track progress?
For example, if your goal is to complete a couch-to-5K program, your deadline might be the date of a local fun run. From there, you can work backward to create a training schedule.
Putting It All Together
Here’s an example of a well-defined goal:
- Goal: I want to lose 7kg to improve my overall fitness and energy levels.
- Why: I want to feel more confident, reduce my risk of health issues, and be able to play actively with my kids.
- Deadline: I’ll achieve this by 1 September, aiming to lose 1kg per week.
When you combine specificity, a strong “why,” and a clear deadline, your goal becomes a plan. And a plan is something you can act on.
What’s Your Goal?
Now it’s your turn. What do you want to achieve for your health this year? Take some time to write down your goal, why it matters, and when you’ll achieve it. Share it with your friends or keep it private—just make sure it’s clear and meaningful to you.
Let’s make this year the one where you take charge of your health and feel your best.
Need help?
Feeling overwhelmed or unsure about how to get started? That’s where I come in. As a coach specialising in helping people improve their health and fitness, I can guide you every step of the way. Together, we’ll create a personalised plan tailored to your needs, keep you accountable, and celebrate your wins along the journey. Ready to take the first step toward a healthier, stronger you? Let’s work together to make it happen—reach out and contact me today!
What’s Next?
In the next post of this series, we’ll break your goal into manageable chunks. You’ll learn how to create smaller milestones, track your progress, and stay motivated every step of the way. Stay tuned!