How to Set Realistic Wellness Goals

When you visualize your wellness journey, you may picture several big-picture goals at the finish line. For example, you may want to get stronger, lose weight, or feel better. While you may be optimistic starting out, roadblocks can quickly throw progress off track. That’s why it’s important to devise a clear path forward and set realistic goals. Use this guide to learn how to accomplish this and more on your wellness journey.

The Importance of Goal Setting

It’s essential to set personal wellness goals when trying something new, like a new diet or exercise routine. Your goals clarify what you hope to get from the new routine and keep you focused on a specific target. Goal setting also helps you hold yourself accountable and stay motivated. When—not if—you hit challenging points during your journey, refocusing on these goals will push you to persevere. 

Accomplishing some of these health and wellness goals will show you what you’re capable of. The satisfaction and pride you get as a result may even inspire you to strive for bigger wellness goals in the future.  

Different Types of Wellness Goals

Wellness goals are never one size fits all. There are many different types, including:

• Increasing your energy levels

• Improving your mood

• Losing weight

• Reducing your overall stress levels

• Improving your sleep

• Getting stronger

You’ll notice these wellness goals vary greatly, and that’s because there are actually four different subcategories you can address—physical, emotional, mental, and social. Physical wellness goals and mental wellness goals, for example, can both play a role in your wellness journey. 

Setting Your Personal Wellness Goals

Choose One Goal to Focus On

Start by choosing a single goal you want to work on. Juggling multiple wellness goals can be overwhelming and counterproductive. For example, instead of trying to cut processed foods out of your diet, improve your sleep, and go to the gym five times per week, you should pick just one of these goals to start. 

Make Your Goal as Specific as Possible

It’s hard to imagine the path to achieving a big-picture goal like “getting stronger” or “having more energy.” That’s why it’s important to break your larger goals into small, measurable goals attached to a specific timeline. If you want to get stronger, consider making your first goal lifting a certain number of pounds or doing a certain number of pushups within a month. 

Keep Your Goal Within Reach

Goals should be aspirational but attainable. Set a goal that you’re fairly confident you can reach. For example, if you run two miles per day and want to build your endurance to run further, consider setting a short-term goal of 2.5 miles daily. 

Choosing an initial goal that’s easier to achieve will fortify your confidence. Once it’s completed, you’ll have some early success to drive you to the next attainable goal in your wellness journey. 

Customize Your Goals

For your goals to be attainable, they have to be entirely your own. Setting goals based on what others are doing isn’t wise. Instead, choose goals you’re excited about and can realistically achieve in a timeframe that works for you. 

Wellness Support for All Your Goals

Not sure where to start with your wellness goals? Modern Age is your partner in getting to know all about your body and health. Book a free consultation to meet with a clinician and discuss your concerns. The clinician will provide their recommendations for follow-up services, like our Aging Wellness Assessment. This comprehensive assessment gets to the bottom of issues related to immunity, cognitive health, metabolism, mood, and skin and hair health—all the information you need to set meaningful wellness goals.