Want better motivation? Set fewer goals.
Arbitrary goal setting is the stuff of my nightmares.
Experts selling success are a dime a dozen. Their goal setting advice and $7 will get you a fancy coffee. Just about every self-help expert on the internet has an article somewhere with advice on how to set SMART goals.
The problem?
When you set goals just to have them it’s a waste of time at best and a potential path to misery.
Why?
Arbitrary goals wont lead to fulfillment. When the going gets tough you won't have the grit to push past obstacles and learn difficult skills. Further, even if you do grit it out you wont feel much satisfaction because the goals were arbitrary!
What to do instead?
Instead of a bazillion arbitrary goals set just a few that are Authentic & Aligned:
Authentic: Goals that reflect who you really are. Particularly your values and the positive expression of your identity. Studies in Self Determination Theory show that when our goals are self-concordant (a fancy psychology word for vibing with who you are) we feel greater drive, demonstrate better problem solving, and feel more satisfaction and wellbeing when we achieve them.
Aligned: Goals that suit where you want your life to go and the best parts of the life you’re currently living. They’re cohesive and don’t create conflict to the positive pillars of the life you’ve already got.
So scrap the excess goal nonsense and ask yourself a few key questions:
What matters most in my life right now? In this phase, what are my priorities?
Are the goals I’m chasing in alignment with those priorities?
yes - rock on!
no - maybe it’s time to dump some & set a few new ones
Does the end game of these goals represent my authentic self? Or am I trying to please other people?
Not really clear on who you are or if your goals are authentic and aligned?
Wellness roadmap sessions are still on sale if you need some help.
Looking for more on your journey from survive to thrive?
There are a few ways I can help you keep it movin’:
90 Minute Wellness Roadmap (currently on sale) - Struggling or stuck? Spend 90 minutes with expert eyes looking at your own efforts to grow fitness, wellness, and wellbeing.
Free Ultra-processed Food Guide - Struggling to eat better, but also know that diets don’t work for you? Want to be healthy, but know that diet culture is big ole lie? Want someone to teach you about what food is actually bad for health? Download this freebie anytime.
Better Than Fine podcast - if you appreciate this substack you should check out the Better Than Fine podcast - we livestream new episodes every Wednesday on the NASM YouTube channel