It doesn't matter which way you go
“Cat: Where are you going? Alice: Which way should I go? Cat: That depends on where you are going. Alice: I don’t know. Cat: Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
This post is going to challenge your meaning of the word GOAL.
We discuss goal setting all the time on this blog and today I want to make the distinction between different types of goal:
TOWARDS goals
AWAY goals
Here are some weight loss goals:
1. Lose weight to fit into an outfit for a wedding.
2. Lose weight to be accepted for a charity parachute jump
3. Lose weight to be accepted for IVF treatment
4. Lose weight to lower cholesterol
5. Lose weight to manage diabetes
6. Lose weight to alleviate joint pain
The first three are TOWARDS goals, the second three are AWAY goals.
Will achieving your goal help you to do something new or prevent you from suffering from something old? Is your goal a towards goal or an away goal?
Away goals are easier to achieve because you're moving away from discomfort. Towards goals are tougher because the status quo is currently achievable and you're expecting your mind and body to do something new for an unknown reward.
Be aware of your reason for your goal and make it work for you. If your big goal is a "towards" goal, think of all the little "away" benefits you'll appreciate on the way. This will give you many more opportunities to celebrate on your journey and monitoring these changes will help you stay focused when willpower flags.
Share your towards goals on the Making Change Stick Facebook group and tell us what away goals you'll add to keep you laser focused.
Enjoy Good Health!
