Setting Goals
Introduction: Meeting Clients Where They Are
In my practice, I aim to meet women where they are rather than setting lofty, unattainable goals. This approach makes them feel genuinely supported and capable of making lasting changes. It would be easy to tell clients what to do to improve their health, but without building a relationship, understanding their lives, asking questions, and learning about their habits and goals, I wouldn’t be a successful health coach. Effective coaching is about working with each woman’s unique circumstances and meeting her where she is on her health journey.
Setting Goals Through Small, Attainable Steps
When we set goals to build new habits or routines for a healthier foundation, it’s essential to focus on the smallest, most attainable steps. I’ve noticed in my coaching that this approach reduces overwhelm and allows clients to follow through with more ease. This is all about gradual, realistic change that doesn’t turn their lives upside down but rather meets them at a place where they can confidently begin. Breaking down larger goals into manageable steps creates small wins, helping clients feel proud of their progress and giving them a sense of accomplishment, both of which are important for staying on track toward a larger goal.
Using SMART Goals to Build New Habits
One of the most effective strategies I use with clients is setting SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework helps create goals that are clear, realistic, and more likely to succeed. Here’s how the SMART framework can help build habits that feel manageable and motivating. For instance, let’s take the example of starting a running routine. You can replace this with your own goal, but the process remains similar.
Step 1: Start with a Specific, Clear Objective
Vague goals like “I want to start running” can be frustrating or confusing, so it’s important to refine them into something well-defined. For example, “I want to start running” can become “I will run one mile around the neighborhood once a week.” However, before jumping into that mile, consider asking a few key questions to get prepared. When will you go for your run? Is there a specific time blocked out on your calendar? What route will you take? Do you have the right shoes and clothes for running? What obstacles might come up, and how can you plan around them? Answering these questions lets you create small steps or “mini-goals” to work up to your larger goal and make sure you’re fully set up for success.
Step 2: Set Yourself Up for Success
Sometimes, the first step isn’t the action itself but preparing for it. Addressing obstacles beforehand prevents setbacks down the road. If, for instance, you want to run three times a week but lack suitable running shoes, your immediate goal should be to get a new pair that’s comfortable and suitable for running. Setting up your environment for success, like removing any obstacles, enables you to follow through with confidence and ease, making it more likely that you’ll stick to your goal.
Step 3: Make Each Mini-Goal SMART
Even small steps can follow the SMART approach. If getting running shoes is a stepping stone to reaching your larger goal, then define this task clearly.
Specific: Decide exactly what you’re going to do.
Measurable: Determine how you’ll know it’s done.
Achievable: Make sure it’s realistic and within reach.
Relevant: Ensure it aligns with your main goal.
Time-bound: Set a deadline.
For instance, a SMART goal around buying shoes could be, “I will purchase running shoes tomorrow at Nike after work, spending up to $50. I’ll set a calendar reminder for 4:00 PM tomorrow.” This isn’t the goal of running itself, but it’s a step that moves you closer to it by setting you up with everything you need to succeed. Repeat this for any obstacle you foresee or any that may come up along the way.
Step 4: Break Larger Goals into Gradual Steps
Once you’ve addressed all obstacles, you’re ready to take on the main goal—but it can often help to break it down even further. For example, running a full mile might feel daunting if you’re new to running. To ease into it, start with smaller increments, such as running for 0.05 miles and walking the rest, or alternating between running and walking until you reach your mile goal. By gradually increasing your running distance, you’ll build both stamina and confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
Reflection: Assessing Motivation and Obstacles
If you’re not achieving your goals, take a step back and reflect on why. Are there obstacles you haven’t addressed? Are these goals truly meaningful to you, or are they influenced by outside pressures? Authentic motivation plays a crucial role in reaching any goal. When you’re driven by your own interests and values, following through feels more natural and satisfying. However, if external factors are pressuring or convincing you to pursue a goal, it might not resonate deeply enough to keep you committed. Consider whether the goal aligns with what you genuinely want for yourself. If it doesn’t, it may be worth reassessing and choosing a goal that feels more aligned and inspiring.
Conclusion
Building healthy habits is about more than just setting a goal—it’s about breaking it down, addressing obstacles, and setting up systems that make follow-through easier. By creating SMART goals, going slow, and celebrating small wins, you can create a solid foundation for long-term change. Meeting yourself where you are, taking each step thoughtfully, and setting yourself up for success makes reaching even the largest goals feel manageable and achievable.
With support,
Isabella
