We all want to experience more health, energy and joy. When it comes to achieving your health and wellness goals, it’s important to have a plan and strategies in place to keep you on track. Read on for tips to help you stay motivated to reach your health goals, big and small.
1. Determine Your Why
Step one is to identify a reason to put in the work, whether that’s following an exercise routine or choosing healthier food options. Think about what you hope to do when you reach your health goal — perhaps it’s taking your dog for a walk around the neighborhood, returning to a hobby you used to enjoy or accomplishing a physical feat, like walking or running a marathon.
Whatever your "why" is, write it down somewhere you see it often. When you’re struggling with motivation, remind yourself of what you’re hoping to experience when you reach your goal.
2. Create Accountability
Staying motivated day-in and day-out can be challenging. That’s why experts say having someone to check in with and cheer you on can be helpful.
Consider asking a friend, family member or coworker to be your accountability person who will help make sure you’re making progress. They can even give you encouragement on days when you’re tempted to skip your routine.
3. Set Mini-Goals and Celebrate Reaching Them
“Every journey begins with a single step,” said author Maya Angelou. Knowing you won’t reach your goal overnight can be discouraging, but breaking big goals into smaller ones can help keep you motivated. Smaller goals won’t feel as daunting and will give you reasons to celebrate your success along the way.
For example, if you want to build endurance to enjoy a vacation with family, start by walking a mile without fatigue, then increase your goal slowly from there. Share your accomplishment with your family and consider rewarding yourself with a purchase related to your goal, such as new sunglasses for your trip.
4. Be Prepared for Setbacks
Even people who make healthy lifestyle choices every day experience health challenges — many things are out of our control. Knowing you may experience a setback on your health journey is important. Give yourself grace if you have a busy period in your life or get a cold that slows you down.
Getting off track isn’t a reason to give up. Refocus on your “why” and continue the journey. Setbacks can also help us realize that goals don’t have to be achieved in a certain way. When you’re facing challenges and doubts, consider changing your approach.
5. Think Big Picture
Your physical, mental, spiritual, social and community health are all connected. Reaching one health goal isn’t worth sacrificing well-being in another area of your life.
Goal setting can be an opportunity to learn more about yourself. You may pivot from your original goal or never quite reach it, and that’s just fine. The experience may help you discover another area where you’d like to grow.
