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setting goals

overview

setting goals can help a lot when you're trying to make a healthy change.

  • focus on small goals. this will help you reach larger goals over time. with smaller goals, you'll have success more often, which will help you stay with it. for example, your large goal may be to lose 10 kilograms (20 pounds). your small goal could be to lose 2.5 kg (5 lbs).
  • write down your goals. this will help you remember, and you'll have a clearer idea of what you want to achieve. use a journal or notebook to record your goals. hang up your plan where you will see it often as a reminder of what you're trying to do.
  • make your goals specific. specific goals help you measure your progress. for example, setting a goal to eat one extra serving of vegetables a day is better than a general goal to "eat more vegetables."
  • focus on one goal at a time. by doing this, you're less likely to feel overwhelmed and then give up.
  • when you reach a goal, reward yourself. celebrate your new behaviour and success for several days, and then think about setting your next goal.

credits

current as of: june 24, 2023

author: healthwise staff
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all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use. learn how we develop our content.

this information does not replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise, incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. your use of this information means that you agree to the terms of use and privacy policy. to learn more about healthwise, visit healthwise.org. © 1995-2022 healthwise, incorporated. healthwise, healthwise for every health decision, and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise, incorporated.

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