When you're trying to build healthy habits, especially by setting goals, it’s super important to make sure your goals matter to you. I learned this the hard way. When I first started trying to be healthier, I made goals that didn’t really match my life or what I cared about. It was really frustrating and made me feel like giving up. Here’s why making goals relevant is key to creating health habits that last.
First off, relevant goals are about your life. If a goal doesn’t mean anything to you, you’re likely to skip it when times get tough. For example, I once said I wanted to run a marathon. That sounds cool, right? But here's the problem—I really hated running! I signed up all excited, but when I had to wake up at 6 a.m. to run, it felt terrible. I lost interest fast.
Instead, I set a goal to take daily walks in my neighborhood. This was much better because I love being outside and checking out local parks. I enjoyed my walks, which kept me motivated. When your goals are tied to what you really like, it’s easier to stick with them.
Also, your goals should match your core values—what's important to you. It's not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good inside. For instance, if you care about spending time with family, try setting goals that include healthy fun with them—like cooking healthy meals together or riding bikes. Those times together bring joy, instead of feeling like a chore, making it easier to keep up with healthy habits.
When your goals are relevant, they tend to be more realistic too. Setting realistic goals is a big part of the SMART goal method. If your goal is to "eat healthier," but it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, it might seem impossible. So, try setting a specific goal like, “I will add one vegetable to every meal,” instead of trying to change everything at once. This way, your goal is clear, measurable, and much easier to achieve.
Relevance also helps you stay motivated. Let’s be honest: keeping your motivation can be tough. On days when I felt less driven, it was the importance of my goals that helped me stay focused. If my goal was just to fit into what society thinks is ideal, I would probably give up when it got hard. But when my goals were about living a healthier life for myself and my family, that deeper meaning kept me going strong.
Furthermore, relevant goals help you build lasting changes. Goals that aren’t important often lead to quick fixes rather than real change. I used to try fad diets just because they seemed cool or popular, but once I focused on what really fit my life, I started making healthy habits that lasted. Sustainable change comes from actions that become part of your everyday routine, not just short bursts of effort.
As you start your journey to build healthy habits, think about what really matters to you. Ask yourself:
When you set goals that connect with who you are and what you value, you build a strong base for success. Relevance isn’t just a fancy word—it’s a powerful helper in making healthy habits stick. By focusing on what matters, you’ll find the motivation, lasting change, and happiness that make your health journey fun and successful!
When you're trying to build healthy habits, especially by setting goals, it’s super important to make sure your goals matter to you. I learned this the hard way. When I first started trying to be healthier, I made goals that didn’t really match my life or what I cared about. It was really frustrating and made me feel like giving up. Here’s why making goals relevant is key to creating health habits that last.
First off, relevant goals are about your life. If a goal doesn’t mean anything to you, you’re likely to skip it when times get tough. For example, I once said I wanted to run a marathon. That sounds cool, right? But here's the problem—I really hated running! I signed up all excited, but when I had to wake up at 6 a.m. to run, it felt terrible. I lost interest fast.
Instead, I set a goal to take daily walks in my neighborhood. This was much better because I love being outside and checking out local parks. I enjoyed my walks, which kept me motivated. When your goals are tied to what you really like, it’s easier to stick with them.
Also, your goals should match your core values—what's important to you. It's not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good inside. For instance, if you care about spending time with family, try setting goals that include healthy fun with them—like cooking healthy meals together or riding bikes. Those times together bring joy, instead of feeling like a chore, making it easier to keep up with healthy habits.
When your goals are relevant, they tend to be more realistic too. Setting realistic goals is a big part of the SMART goal method. If your goal is to "eat healthier," but it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, it might seem impossible. So, try setting a specific goal like, “I will add one vegetable to every meal,” instead of trying to change everything at once. This way, your goal is clear, measurable, and much easier to achieve.
Relevance also helps you stay motivated. Let’s be honest: keeping your motivation can be tough. On days when I felt less driven, it was the importance of my goals that helped me stay focused. If my goal was just to fit into what society thinks is ideal, I would probably give up when it got hard. But when my goals were about living a healthier life for myself and my family, that deeper meaning kept me going strong.
Furthermore, relevant goals help you build lasting changes. Goals that aren’t important often lead to quick fixes rather than real change. I used to try fad diets just because they seemed cool or popular, but once I focused on what really fit my life, I started making healthy habits that lasted. Sustainable change comes from actions that become part of your everyday routine, not just short bursts of effort.
As you start your journey to build healthy habits, think about what really matters to you. Ask yourself:
When you set goals that connect with who you are and what you value, you build a strong base for success. Relevance isn’t just a fancy word—it’s a powerful helper in making healthy habits stick. By focusing on what matters, you’ll find the motivation, lasting change, and happiness that make your health journey fun and successful!