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Do you find yourself setting appearance- or body-related goals that are seemingly impossible to achieve? Do you feel disheartened every time you don’t quite get there?
When it comes to setting goals, it’s important to make sure you’re aiming for something that’s realistic, achievable and healthy for you… But what exactly does this look like?
Comparing yourself to someone you’ve seen on Instagram? Or aiming to have a body like that of your favourite model? This is the prime example of an unrealistic goal. While comparison culture encourages us to compare ourselves to the highlight reels of those around us, what is possible for one person is very likely not possible for the next.
You should always avoid aiming to look like someone else. This breeds dissatisfaction with your own body, and is actually incredibly demotivating – so while you might intend on your goals pushing and motivating you to sweat it out and eat well, it’s actually having the opposite effect.
And let’s talk about genetics here too… Put simply, what is possible for one body, will not be possible for the next. Some people have a six-pack of abs at a body fat percentage of 20%, while others need to drop to an unhealthy level of body fat to show any ab action. So it’s exceptionally clear: do not set goals in relation to other people. You should only be focusing on yourself and your unique body, and what is possible for you.
Are your goals all appearance-related? Do you find yourself striving to lose a certain number of kilos, fit into a specific size of clothing, or look a certain way?
If so, it might be time to rethink your attitude towards goal setting.
Focusing on appearance leaves you vulnerable to negative thought patterns and behaviours, such as constant body checking, body critiquing, body avoidance, or even the introduction of food rules and restrictions.
And the truth about body-related goals: you’re never satisfied. Think about it… Have you ever aimed to lose 5kgs, only to do so and think, “Cool well now I need to lose another 3 and then I’ll be happy”? This “If….”, “then” approach to happiness is a one-way ticket to unhappiness. It means you’re not celebrating your progress and wins, but instead placing more and more pressure on yourself to look a certain way – to the point where it can become seriously unhealthy.
So instead of setting goals around your body, try setting goals around your health – in particular around how you feel. If you want to focus on feeling more comfortable in your own skin, go for it. Or, you could aim to feel more energised by including more nutritious foods in your diet. Maybe you aim to improve your fitness by challenging yourself in the gym, knowing how fantastic you’ll feel after smashing your PBs.
These feeling-related health goals are far more realistic, motivating and achievable, and have a much more positive mentality behind them!
Do you strive to be “healthy”? If so, what does “healthy look like for you? So often, people see health in terms of black and white. There are two ends on a spectrum: healthy and unhealthy, and anything in between simply doesn’t exist.
This mentality creates an obsession with perfectionism, whereby you feel as though one slip up sends you straight off the health bandwagon, making you a total and utter failure.
But this is not healthy! Healthy is all about balance.
The truth is, to have a healthy diet and lifestyle, there’s no need for restriction of any kind. No foods or food groups should be off the table (pardon the pun), and instead you should focus on nourishing your body with mostly whole foods, but also on enjoying your favourite “soul” foods – or those that aren’t as nutritious – in moderation.
By striving for perfection, you’re dooming yourself to fail. This is an unsustainable, unrealistic approach to health and goal setting.
Instead of striving for perfection or focusing on your appearance, try aiming to be 1% better every day. Whether that’s doing one more rep in your gym session or eating one more nutritious food each day.
Focus on what you can add to your life, rather than what you can take away. For example, instead of cutting out chocolate from your diet, can you add an extra serve of greens to your dinner each day?
This is a much more realistic, sustainable approach to goal setting. And guess what? As you make these healthy changes and additions, you’ll adapt to a healthier way of life. Over time, these healthy habits will become second nature, and you’ll find yourself opting for more nutritious foods and habits simply because you enjoy and prefer them! This is how you achieve your goals in a sustainable, enjoyable way!
For more health information, head to our blog! You’ll find nutrition and fitness tricks and tips, as well as a bunch of healthy recipes to help you become the best version of you!