There is so much advice in the media about the newest and best diets, the right exercise routines, and the best lifestyle changes to improve your health. With so much coming our way, it is difficult to know which direction to turn. In actuality, the health goals to focus on are those that make the most sense for who we are as unique, individual people. There is no “one size fits all” to health. To help you listen to your internal compass, here’s how to rethink your health goals this year.
What Matters To You?
When we think about our values, we can more effectively determine what it is we need to focus on to improve our quality of life. Everyone has different values, and by spending some time reflecting on your own, you can determine what matters to you regarding your health.
It’s easy to think that we want what everyone says we should want, but when we break away from the masses, we realize that we have our own ideas and feelings about what is significant. When it comes to your health, individual goals are necessary in order to ahieve realistic outcomes.
What Can You Learn?
Instead of listening to what everyone else says, get educated about your health from medical experts. Take classes to learn about your health and follow the information you gather as it applies to you. You might even want to get your CPR/first aid certification.
By learning as much as possible about your health, you can make educated decisions on the best way to create your own health goals. You can also consider working with a nutritionist or dietician to see how you can further improve your health. The more information you gather, the more tools you’ll have to work with for meeting your health goals.
What Is Realistic To Achieve?
Your current fitness level and relationship with food will influence what is truly realistic for you to achieve in terms of health improvement. You can’t go cold turkey on junk food if you have an emotional attachment to food.
Likewise, if you’re not someone who trains for marathons, you can’t expect to run one right off the bat. Take time to set up realistic goals so that you aren’t left feeling discouraged. There is no reason to take on more when you can work your way up gradually.
Are Your Goals Measurable?
Research has shown that when we make a measurable goal, we are more likely to carry it out to completion. If you aren’t putting timeframes on the goals you set for yourself, it will be much harder to achieve things. Keep your goals measurable so you can reach them in a controlled, measurable way. You give yourself more direction by setting things up in measured ways.
Do They Add Value?
You want your goals to add value to your life. What is the point of achieving them if they offer you nothing in return for your hard work? Make sure that anything you’ve decided to start benefits you and your life somehow. This is another way you can differentiate between wanting to do something for yourself vs. doing something because others said you should.
The Bottom Line
To rethink your health goals this year, focus on what matters to you. There are many ways to be mindful of your health-driven goals, and the questions above may help set you in the right direction. Always think about what you want, not what others displace on you to achieve. You are the captain of you, so set sail on your chosen health goals and don’t settle for anything less than what you want for yourself.
