the 4 key questions that will support your wellness goals

Did you know that studies show only 9-12% of people actually achieve their New Year’s Resolution?

Consider these 4 Key Questions before diving into (yet another attempt at) a New Year’s Resolution - OR before giving up the one you have already set:

1)  What Kind of Person Will My 2025 Goal Help Me to BECOME…That I Don’t ALREADY Represent?

“I want to lose weight.”

“I want to make more money.”

“I want to exercise more.”

-> Great goals but they don’t specifically tell you WHO it is you desire to be in setting this goal.

Recognizing the true and UNDERLYING reason we set the goal in the first place is critical.

We set goals and resolutions because we WANT something.

We want change - yes.

BUT we tend to focus on the superficial ‘why’ - weight loss, money, muscle, influence.

If we don’t connect on a very deep level with those outcomes - we’re not going to keep fighting for change.

Go deeper! :

• WHY do I want this change right NOW?

• WHO will this change help me to become that I currently am not?

• WHAT will fundamentally change throughout my life when I achieve it?

Example:

“My previous way of living and ignoring my body’s warnings is no longer sustainable — I’m almost 50 and feel like my body is wearing out.  I don’t want this for me - or my family. I see my daughter grabbing quick sugar-laden lattes as her breakfast on the way to school, bags of chips and granola bars to fuel herself through sports and staying up way too late scrolling on her phone.  I can’t say anything because it’s what I do to get through my chaotic day. I’m making the choice now to be the example she deserves - to be the person I deserve too. 

I know it will take time and won’t be easy, but I don’t want this way of living to be normalized for my children.  With the structure and meal planning that we’ll implement, I see us having more time together in the evenings, more sustained energy, sleeping better and not struggling and stressing as much as we do. It has to - and will - start with me.”

-> Now THAT  indicates a clear, personal and valuable shift away from a current state and toward a new specific and desired identity, tethered to a very deep ‘why’!

Motivation is fleeting and tied to immediate rewards. If you want to true transformation, you’re going to have to dig deeper and ask yourself good, specific questions.

2)  How Will My Life Be Different Once I Achieve It?

Be specific! How do you know your goal was valuable? What has fundamentally changed in you and in your life? Where are you when you reach it? What are you doing? Who is with you? What are you wearing? Does your home look different? How? Do you look different? How? Are your family, friends, co-workers, etc. responding to you in a different way? Close your eyes and SEE it.

3) What are my obstacles?

Life is not static or always predictable. Identify known obstacles before you jump into your goal. ANTICIPATE problems and speed bumps. Do NOT call them “barriers”. Barriers are preventative and seeing circumstances as such will cause us to give up. Obstacles, on the other hand, are puzzles - SOLVE THEM! “Ninja-Warrior” yourself out of them, through them, or around them.  Identify as a problem-solver rather than a quitter.

4) What is my support and scaffolding?

There are always reasons we are challenged and sometimes prevented from reaching our goals.  Scaffolding (in the form of systems, people, coaching, etc) provides a supportive framework for us to work within until the time we are ready to shed them and stand alone.  Identify yours. Create it, or reach out if you don’t have one.

Reasons should never be allowed to turn into excuses. A reason can be dealt with. >> An excuse is a sign you’ve already given up. Make this the year you don’t give up.

Ponder these 4 questions, answer them honestly and thoroughly, and you’ll be ready to put a plan in place toward achieving your goal - AND KEEPING IT!

To your thriving health - body, mind & spirit.