Posted on April 15, 2017 by Jenny Cromack
Goal setting….we’ve all been there! You’re ready to make a change, you’re sat thinking about setting that end goal to keep you focused; whether it be fitness, physical or even a weight goal. Specifically with a weight goal, as personal trainers, we often hear….’I want to…. Weigh X amount by Z date’
More often then not, this is usually dictated by a certain date or special occasion (holiday, wedding or even just a birthday)
But is that really the most effective way to get to where you want to be? Should you be planning on how to get there, rather than just specifically looking at the outcome?
Firstly, let me state the differences between process and outcome goals
Outcome goals are usually a defining finish or end point of a journey, and example of this would be wanting to be a size 10 so you can fit into a particular dress for that wedding in May; or having a six pack for your beach holiday; simple right?
So how are we going to achieve this goal? That’s where we input some process goals in order to help achieve this desired end goal, because we cant just expect to arrive at that end goal without doing anything, right?
I’d personally pick 3 process goals. One nutrition, one lifestyle and one exercise based to help improve my chances. Slightly changing one aspect of each of those areas so isn’t too strenuous of a change, but also culminates to a larger effect on my overall habits.
Here are some examples of what you could change…..
Lifestyle based process goal – get at least 8 hours sleep every night; this will help me feel more rested, enhance recovery from training and lower the risk of injury
Nutrition based process goal – eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables every day; this will improve my sleep, exercise and boost my recovery while stopping me snacking on sweets which will lower my calorie intake
Exercise based process goal – exercise for 45 mins at least 3 times a week; this will improve sleep, increase my energy levels, give me a sense of achievement and encourage healthy eating habits daily (after all, if you have given up your time to be more active, why ruin it with unhealthy food?)
As you can see if you do those three things every day, you’re more likely to achieve your end goal, but more importantly these three process goals will motive8 (pardon the pun!) you daily, allow you to keep track of y our progress and build better habits and rituals long term.
Both outcome and process goals are important in goal setting and to succeeding in whatever you want, however without well thought through process goals in place, the chances of succeeding are reduced dramatically. So, the next time you are goal setting don’t just think about what you would like to achieve, think about what steps you will take to achieve it.