It’s January 1st, and we’re buzzing with enthusiasm about transforming ourselves into superhuman fitness machines, who meal prep like a pro chef and never hit the snooze button. Fast forward to February, and that enthusiasm is hiding under a pile of abandoned gym clothes. Done that, bought the t-shirt, haha.
But what if I told you the problem isn’t your motivation or willpower? The real game-changer is understanding the difference between outcome goals and behavior goals.
Outcome Goals:
Outcome goals are those dramatic “after” pictures we all dream about:
– Lose 30 pounds
– Run a marathon
– Get rid of back pain
– Finally do a pull-up
Understand – these goals aren’t bad. They give us something exciting to work toward. But there’s a better, more nuanced way to both achieve the goal and make lasting changes. Here me out.
Enter Behavior Goals: Your Secret Weapon
Behavior goals are different. They’re the daily actions you can actually control which get us to our outcome goals, like:
– Getting to bed by 10 PM so you can make your 6 AM training session
– Packing your gym bag the night before
– Scheduling your workouts at the beginning of each week
– Taking 5 minutes to foam roll your tight shoulders before bed
– Increasing your water intake
– adding one extra vegetable to mealtimes
The Magic of Behavior Goals
Here’s why behavior goals work so well for our members at DSC, especially those juggling career, family, and everything in between:
1. They’re entirely within your control. You might not be able to guarantee losing 2 pounds this week, but you can definitely control whether you show up to your scheduled training sessions.
2. They create sustainable habits. Instead of focusing on the scale (which can be affected by everything from water retention to that salty restaurant meal), you’re building daily practices that last.
3. They’re perfect for busy lives. When you’re managing kids’ schedules, aging parents, and work deadlines, focusing on simple daily behaviors feels much more manageable than giant outcome goals.
4. They respect your individual journey. At DSC, we know every body is different. Behavior goals allow you to focus on your personal progress without comparing yourself to others.
Making It Work For You
The key is choosing behaviors that:
– Fit your actual life (not the dream life where you have unlimited time)
– Account for your current fitness level and any injuries
– Feel challenging but doable
– Support your larger health goals
For example, if your outcome goal is to improve your strength, your behavior goals might include:
– Attending three strength training sessions per week
– Getting adequate protein at each meal
– Prioritizing 7 hours of sleep
– Following your coach’s mobility homework
Remember, at DSC, we’re not just here to help you reach a number on the scale or a personal record on the weights. We’re here to help you build sustainable, healthy habits that fit your real life – injuries, time constraints, and all.
The Real Success Story
Success isn’t just about the end result – it’s about becoming the person who consistently shows up for themselves. It’s about celebrating the small wins, like making it to class despite a crazy work day, or choosing to modify an exercise to protect your shoulder instead of pushing through pain.
Ready to set some behavior goals that actually work for your life? DSC exists to help you create a plan that fits your schedule, respects your body’s needs, and moves you toward your larger health goals – no superhuman transformation required.
Your turn: What’s one behavior goal you could start with this week? Share it with us in the comments and I would love to help you get there!
PS FEEL GREAT TODAY WITH OUR UNLIMITED 7 DAY TRIAL ⬇️FOR MORE INFO👊
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