Making A Resolution: Setting Outcome Goals Vs. Behavior Goals
Making new goals for 2015 is easy. Following through on these goals is the hard part. The first step of making progress on any goal you set is focusing on how exactly that goal is structured. The main difference between good and bad goals is whether or not the goal is within your control.
An outcome goal is when you put a specific number or target on your goal. This is pretty typical when you hear people spouting off their New Year’s resolutions. Saying that you want to lose 15 pounds or add 20 pounds to your back squat in 2015 are both examples of outcome goals. You’re not really sure how you’re going to get to that number but your going to get there right? Well, we all know that it isn’t as easy as it sounds in your head. So how do you attain better body composition or add strength to a particular lift? Set a behavior goal.
Setting behavior goals will put you in the proper mindset and create proper habits to get you to a specific outcome. A better version of the above weight loss goal would be to say “I am going to lose weight BY eating clean paleo every day of the week and allowing only one cheat meal on the weekends while also making it to the gym 4 days a week”. A better version of the person who wants to add to their squat would be to say “I am going to focus and add volume to my back squat strength training BY starting a squat cycle that I complete before my regular crossfit classes twice a week.” Now you might not hit that aforementioned goal of losing 15 lbs or adding 20 lbs to your back squat. Or you might crush those numbers. The key here is developing good habits that you can stick to to eventually meet and surpass those specific numbers.
So don’t put a damper on your goals before you even start working towards them. Develop good habits and practices that will lead you to being a better version of your current self by making behavior goals and clearing your mind of the outcome. Remember, all facets of fitness are a journey and not a destination.