We’ve lost track of how many years we’ve set the goal to lose weight. Spoiler alert: it hasn’t worked for us!
So, this year we’re making healthy New Year’s goals that prioritize overall well-being rather than focusing on weight or the scale. This is a fantastic way to promote positive, sustainable change. Here’s how to create meaningful, non-scale-oriented goals:
1. Focus on Habits, Not Outcomes
- Identify small, actionable habits that align with your values. For example:
- Physical health: “Walk 10 minutes after dinner each night.”
- Mental health: “Start a gratitude journal and write three things each day.”
- Social health: “Call or message a friend weekly.”
2. Emphasize What Your Body Can Do
- Set goals centered on strength, endurance, or flexibility:
- “Complete a 5K run.”
- “Touch my toes with ease by practicing yoga.”
- “Learn a new sport or outdoor activity, like paddleboarding or hiking.”
3. Focus on Nourishment
- Shift the focus from restriction to adding nutritious and enjoyable elements:
- “Try cooking one new healthy recipe each week.”
- “Incorporate a vegetable with every meal.”
4. Enhance Emotional Wellness
- Incorporate practices that reduce stress and boost joy:
- “Start meditating for five minutes daily.”
- “Read one inspiring or enjoyable book each month.”
- “Schedule quarterly ‘me days’ to recharge.”
5. Set Family or Community Goals
- Make it about connection and collective well-being:
- “Plan one active family outing each month.”
- “Volunteer for a cause I care about quarterly.”
6. Measure Progress Without the Scale
- Track progress in ways that affirm growth:
- Use a journal to log energy levels, moods, or milestones.
- Celebrate consistency over perfection.
7. Be Kind to Yourself
- Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities. For example, instead of feeling guilty for missing a workout, recognize it as a sign to reassess your balance and rest.
What areas of life are you hoping to focus on for 2025? We can brainstorm together!