How We Set Goals Matters

Goals are basic human motivators. We all know this as humans because we feel it. When you have a deadline or an event where you have to perform (a goal), you’re motivated to get what you need done.

Why then, is it so hard to set and stick to goals? Because actually mapping out our goals - to include the daily steps needed to progress- takes effort, introspection .. and guts. It’s not going to be easy. It's not going to be comfortable.

You are going to fail at times. You are going to struggle at times. But think back to the most meaningful moments of your life. Were they easy? Were they comfortable?

You've taken the courageous step of committing to changes in your health and fitness. Now it's time to rethink daily routines and reshape how you’re living to make way for the person you want to be.

Scientists have found humans are capable of obtaining three levels of happiness, with each level bringing more joy than the last. Our goal as your Spears Strong Team is to get you to the third and highest level.

Setting goals the right way is the first step.

3 Levels of Happiness

1. Comfort: You say yes to what comes your way and do what you want to do, partaking often in life’s indulgences. You do what feels good with little regard to the long-term effect. This level is all about comfort and instant gratification.

2. Challenge: You love a challenge and seek opportunities to overcome obstacles. This level is all about creative, competitive, health, or personal pursuits. Examples would include: learning a new skill like writing, training with a purpose -such as ending chronic pain or finishing a 10k - striving for improved baseline health numbers with a better diet, or aiming for your next work promotion.

3. Purpose: Your life is all about meaning. This highest level of happiness incorporates the life of taking on challenges in level 2 but also includes something bigger than yourself. This level always includes others (sharing, helping, leading …)

In your Initial Health Coaching session you’ll work with your Health Coach to set goals that will both give you guidance for who you want to be (Level 3) and goals to work towards/challenges to pursue (Level 2).

What we’ll do in your session

1. Brainstorm your values. We’ll start with Core Values, the foundation of any successful goal setting, and your guiding light for how to set goals that matter to you.

2. After establishing your Core Values (also known as your lifetime goals) we’ll use that beacon to brainstorm and set “Big Hairy Audacious Goals.” These are yearly or longer term goals that excite you but also give you those butterflies in your stomach that let you know it’s worthwhile.

3. Lastly, you will work with your coach and trainer to set Clear Daily Goals, giving you a roadmap to success. We’ll investigate your current daily demands (work, family, or personal) to set daily health and fitness goals that both work into your schedule and support your current life pursuits. These mini challenges will not only keep body aches and pains from draining your energy but they will also help you relieve stress and regain focus for whatever task is on your plate. It’s in these daily goals where the magic happens- mini challenges that keep you feeling good and motivated to achieve your bigger goals and passions.

Your coach will have material for you to read and exercises to do in your session that will help you set your goals and get you off to a great start.

For reference: Levels of Happiness study:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6688745/