The Importance of Goals: Building a Path to Success

Danielle Muhr
Jan 3
5 min read

Goals are essential in every aspect of life. At Road to Wellness, we focus on creating attainable, sustainable goals tailored to the individual. Having a clear goal is the foundation upon which a solid plan can be built. Goals provide direction, outline the steps needed to achieve them, and offer a clear picture of the journey ahead.

However, creating realistic goals can be challenging. It’s easy to set goals that are just beyond our reach, which can make it difficult to stick to the habits necessary for success. This is why it’s important to explore various goal-setting methods to find what works best for you. Two frameworks we love are SMART goals and WHAT goals. Both are effective, but each shines in different situations.

What Are SMART Goals?

SMART goals are:

Specific – Clearly define what you want to achieve.
Measurable – Ensure there’s a way to track progress.
Attainable – Set a goal that is realistic and within your capabilities.
Relevant – Align the goal with your broader objectives.
Time-bound – Establish a deadline for achieving your goal.

SMART goals help you transform vague aspirations into clear, actionable steps. By narrowing your focus, you can measure progress and stay motivated as you move forward.

Example of a bad goal: “I want to be healthier.”

Example of a good SMART goal: “I will exercise for 30 minutes, 5 days a week, for the next 3 months to improve my cardiovascular health.”

What Are WHAT Goals?

WHAT goals break the process into:

Want – Identify what you want to achieve.
How – Determine how you plan to achieve it.
Action – Specify the actions you’ll take.
Timeline – Set a clear timeframe for completion.

WHAT goals provide flexibility while still offering a structured pathway to success. They focus on the bigger picture and encourage creativity in finding solutions.

Example of a good WHAT goal:

Want: Lose 10 pounds.

How: By improving my nutrition and increasing physical activity.

Action: Meal prep every Sunday and attend three fitness classes per week.

Timeline: Over the next 12 weeks.

Breaking Down Goals for Success

Once you’ve chosen a goal, I recommend breaking it down into smaller, manageable parts. Whether by narrowing your focus or subdividing a larger goal, this process makes your journey less overwhelming. After breaking it down, apply your goal-setting framework.

For instance, if your goal is to run a marathon, start by aiming for a 5K, then a 10K, and gradually build your endurance. Each milestone will boost your confidence and maintain your momentum.

Remember, even with careful planning, you might find yourself struggling to meet your goal within your set timeframe. This could mean the goal needs further adjustment—perhaps it’s too ambitious, or the timeline is too tight.

As the old saying goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” If this is truly a goal you’re striving for, ask yourself: “Do I have the tools to achieve this goal right now? Am I ready for this?”

Fine-Tuning Goals for Maximum Success

Sometimes you may find that your goals are too rigid, making them feel just out of reach or impossible to complete. This is where you can soften the “rules” a bit. Tweaking your goals is an inevitable part of the behavior-change process. Adjustments help ensure that your goals remain challenging yet achievable.

Example of tweaking a SMART goal:

Original goal: “I will run a marathon in three months.”

Tweaked goal: “I will run a 10K race in three months and build up to a marathon within a year by following a structured training program.”

Example of tweaking a WHAT goal:

Original goal:

Want: Gain muscle.

How: By strength training.

Action: Lift weights 6 days a week.

Timeline: 4 weeks.

Tweaked goal:

Want: Gain muscle.

How: By strength training and proper nutrition.

Action: Lift weights 3 days a week and track protein intake.

Timeline: 8 weeks.

Celebrating Wins Along the Way

Celebrating all wins, big and small, is an essential part of the goal-setting journey. Each success, no matter how minor, serves as a building block for further progress. These celebrations reinforce the positive behaviors that lead to achieving larger goals and keep motivation levels high. Acknowledging small victories helps to break the monotony of long-term objectives, making the process more enjoyable and sustainable.

For example, if your goal is to lose 20 pounds, celebrating each week you are consistent with your produce intake can keep you focused and excited about the journey ahead. Remember, progress is progress, and taking the time to honor your achievements fosters a positive mindset and builds confidence. By celebrating consistently, you create a cycle of success that propels you forward.

Tracking Your Progress

Tracking your progress is a vital part of achieving any goal. By monitoring your journey, you can see how far you’ve come and identify areas that may need adjustment. This can be as simple as maintaining a journal, using a goal-tracking app, or setting regular check-ins to assess your progress. Tracking helps you stay accountable and provides tangible proof of your efforts, which can be incredibly motivating.

For example, if your goal is to increase strength, keeping a log of your workouts and the weights you’re lifting allows you to see consistent improvement over time. Regular tracking also helps you celebrate milestones and ensures that you remain aligned with your overarching objectives.

The Role of a Coach in Goal Setting

Having a coach assist you on your journey can be an invaluable asset. A professional can:

Help you break down larger goals into realistic steps. Coaches are skilled at analyzing your overall objectives and breaking them into achievable milestones. This ensures that each step feels manageable, reducing overwhelm and increasing your likelihood of success.
Keep you accountable and encouraged. Regular check-ins with a coach help you stay on track. They can provide the necessary motivation and positive reinforcement to keep you moving forward, even when challenges arise.
Provide personalized guidance and behavior-change strategies. Every individual’s journey is unique. A coach can tailor strategies to fit your specific needs, lifestyle, and preferences, making it easier for you to stick to your plan and overcome obstacles.
Adapt your plan as life circumstances change. Life is unpredictable, and rigid plans can become unworkable. A coach can help you pivot and adjust your goals or strategies to ensure continued progress, no matter what challenges come your way.
Identify blind spots and offer fresh perspectives. Sometimes, we’re too close to our own situations to see solutions. A coach brings an objective viewpoint, helping you identify areas for improvement and offering creative ideas to overcome hurdles.
Celebrate your successes. A coach recognizes the importance of celebrating milestones and achievements, no matter how small. These celebrations reinforce positive behaviors and keep you motivated for the long haul.

Recap: Simple Steps for Goal Setting

Choose a goal that resonates with you.
Break it down into smaller, manageable steps.
Apply a goal-setting framework (SMART or WHAT).
Monitor your progress and adjust as needed.
Celebrate ALL of your successes!
Seek support if necessary to stay on track.

By taking these steps, you’ll set yourself up for success, no matter how big or small your goal. Remember, progress is a journey, not a race. Let’s take it one step at a time!