Why “I Want to Get Lean” Isn’t a Great Goal

When people talk about their health goals, generally, they say things like:

⚖️ I want to lose 20 pounds.

🧘🏻 I want to be less stressed.

🏃🏾‍♀️ I want to run a sub 2-hour half marathon.

These are all examples of outcome-based goals—goals that focus on a desired outcome or result

It’s fine to frame goals like this… in casual conversation.

But it’s not so great for actually improving or progressing toward that goal.

That’s because wanting an outcome isn’t enough. (Even if you really, really, REALLY want it.)

Why?

We (usually) can’t control outcomes.

You can have crystal clear vision of your goal—plus all the motivation in the world—but then:

You get caught up with lots of work.

Your child goes through a mental health crisis.

The gym closes for, like, TWO YEARS

You develop problems sleeping.

Your knee decides it hates running.

And there goes your goal.

Staring at the ashes of your former goals can feel like a personal failure. 

However, you might’ve had little to do with your goal not working out. It’s just that things beyond your control—work, other people, your biology—didn’t cooperate. 

But if results are out of your hands… how are you supposed to improve at anything???

Meet: Behaviour-based goals.

Behaviour-based goals are centered on the ACTIONS you take, like eating slowly at every meal, practicing a daily meditation session, or doing some type of training or active recovery most days of the week.

Because you have MUCH more control over your behaviours, behaviour-based goals are more effective— and more empowering. 

Here are a few examples of turning outcome goals into behaviour goals:

 OUTCOME + BEHAVIOUR

>> Lower blood sugar
Take a 20-minute daily walk

>> Sleep 8 hours a night
Create a calming bedtime routine and start it 30 minutes before bedtime

>> Improve relationship with partner
Have a date night once a week

>> Eat better
Add veggies to each meal in the day

How to set a behaviour goal— TODAY.

👉🏽 Write down the outcome you want. 

👉🏻 Then, write down some skills you think you’ll need to get that outcome. (For example, if you want to have a healthier relationship with social media, you’ll need to learn how to monitor your time on certain platforms.)

👉🏿 Next, write down a behaviour you can do today that’ll help build those skills. (This can be really easy, like downloading an app tracker, or setting a self-imposed limit of time online.)

👉🏼 Do the behaviour today, tomorrow, and so on. If you don’t follow through on a given day, it’s okay. Progress is almost never linear. Plus, each day is a clean slate.


Want Help Becoming The Healthiest, Fittest, Strongest Version Of You?

Most people know that regular movement, eating well, sleep, and stress management is important for looking and feeling better. Yet they need help applying that knowledge in the context of their busy, sometimes stressful lives.

That’s why we work closely with our Nutrition Coaching clients to help them lose fat, get stronger, and improve their health… no matter what challenges they’re dealing with.

If you’re ready to change your body, and your life, with help from some of the country’s best coaches, this is your chance.