My last post suggested a first step in setting goals that stick: Begin by considering a broader view of what's important to you. Here's an example of thinking through the WHY of a goal as well as the HOW:
Two days ago, my husband and I spent a couple of hours moving furniture and "stuff" in our offices. Yesterday and today, he has had aches and pains all over! As we were discussing why he felt so tired and achy, I commented "Well, you are a relatively sedentary person." He thought about this for a few minutes, then responded by asking me to begin helping him, this Monday, to become more active. It would have been easy for me to simply offer to remind him to go for a walk or a bike ride several times a week--but that has the potential to put me in the position of nagging--which is not a habit of mine and definitely not a goal!
So we first talked about why he wanted to become more active. His reasoning is that if he doesn't, he may not live a long and healthy life. He would LIKE to live a long and healthy life, and he knows that he must become more active to increase the odds of accomplishing it.
Second, I asked him how I could help. As we talked, he was able to decide on his own that the best course of action would be for him to begin practicing yoga on Monday. This is an activity he has tried previously and enjoyed. We already have several yoga tapes, so it's a good choice, as he's more likely to do this at home for now.
Third, we discussed WHEN on Monday he would schedule his yoga session. Because he is planning this for the evening, he also realized that he'll need to make sure that he doesn't come home from work hungry. If he does, he'll have to eat dinner first, then will be less likely to follow through with the yoga. By thinking through WHY this is a goal and HOW, he has set a realistic starting place.
And, at this point, his goal is simply to start. Had he already been in the habit of exercising or otherwise being active, he could create a specific goal, perhaps of X times per week or X minutes per week, to increase his activity. But for now, anything he can do to increase his activity is helping accomplish his goal of becoming more active to live a longer life, so he is taking a great first step. As he progresses, he will need to (and be able to) set more specific goals--and they should always be consciously tied back to his value of being healthy.
Have you thought about what's important to you and what you should be doing to accomplish it?
1 comment:
Like so many this time of year, I would like to get more exercise, probably by walking and hiking. I have thought of joining a gym. Therapy based exercises are not enough. Perhaps you can help motivate me. Thanks for the referral, Michelle.
Post a Comment