goals vs behaviour

Just wanted to share something with you that I find quite useful 😊. This is an excerpt from one of Precision Nutrition Articles.

Frame your goals around behaviours, not just outcomes.

Do you know the difference between a behaviour goal and an outcome goal?

Continuing reading to find out!

A behaviour goal is based on something you can directly control and do yourself; an outcome goal is the product of a series of behaviours.

Many people set only outcome goals, such as the following:
“I will lose 10kg in 20weeks.”
“I will make $100,000 next year.”

While these goals are specific, measurable and may be challenging and attainable, one problem is this: they are outcomes.

Outcomes are often beyond one’s control. ​

You cannot control your fat cells and their rate of fat metabolism by just hoping they will shrink.

You cannot force someone to pay you $100,000 per year.

What you can control, however, are your behaviours and the processes that lead you to your outcomes.

Are you able to identify the behaviour and process goals which will lead you to your outcome goals?

Use the following as an example.

Outcome Goal:
To lose ten pounds in ten weeks.

Possible Behavioural Goals:
Exercise for at least 150 minutes per week
Replace my sweet drinks with plain water
Have a portion of vegetables with every meal

When you make manageable behaviour goals, your outcome goal becomes less daunting. One final tip for goal setting is this: Share your goals with an accountability partner, someone who you will account to help you keep on track and help steer you towards your outcome goals.

Now, pen down your outcome goals and outline them with your behaviour goals.