December is a time for joy and celebration, but also a time for reflection as we look back over the last year.
Did you set a resolution at the beginning of the year? How many years have you had the same resolution? Did you achieve them? If not, don’t despair. It's likely that you set your resolutions without a plan of exactly how you will achieve them.
Let's start 2026 differently. Firstly, let's stop making resolutions and set a goal - something to move towards on a journey rather than something to move away from.
Setting goals helps us determine where we want to be. Turning these into min-goals or objectives allows us to break the ultimate goal down into bite-sized pieces, making each smaller step achievable, bringing us closer to our ultimate goal.
Step 1
Start with a blank piece of paper. At the top, write down your “wish”. This is your ultimate goal, written in the positive, i.e. what you will do rather than won't do.
“I want to eat foods that support my health every day.”
Under this, write the outcome you want – How will it feel when you achieve this?
Why is this goal important to you?
“I will be confident that I am making nutritious food choices; these choices will be part of my normal day and be a habit. I will have more energy and feel proud I have achieved something I have wanted to do for many years.”
Step 2
Now, detail the obstacles that have prevented you from achieving this goal. No negative language towards yourself, such as lack of willpower, laziness, etc. These are not the reasons you haven’t achieved your goal, and they can be harmful to your self-esteem and perpetuate a narrative that can hold you back.
Think objectively about what has contributed to your difficulty.
- “Having biscuits in the cupboard at home”
- “Not having a regular time to go to the supermarket.”
- “Lack of knowledge about what foods can support my health”
- “No time to prepare a nutritious lunch”
Step 3
Break your goal down into mini-goals that take you closer to achieving your ultimate goal. Think about how these will help you overcome the obstacles you have detailed in step 2.
- Have a piece of fruit as a snack every day
- Buy a small pot/reusable food bag to take a handful of nuts to work each day
- Meal-prep my work lunches on a Sunday evening
Do you have anyone who can support you?
Friends, family, Facebook group, Health professional etc
Step 4
Now, make these mini-goals SMART!
This means writing them down so you know what to do and when you’ve achieved them. This allows you to celebrate your success along your nutrition journey.
Specific: What exactly do you want to achieve?
Measurable: How will you measure your success?
Tick chart for the number of vegetables eaten in a day, Habit tracker chart, No longer strain when passing a stool, I have drunk 2 water bottles a day
Achievable: How will you achieve this goal? Do you have the resources (time, money, desire, support) to make the changes needed to reach your goal? Does your accomplishment of this goal rely on anyone other than yourself?
Relevant: Does this mini-goal support your ultimate goal? Are you ready to make this change?
Timed: What's your deadline for achieving this? Is this timeline realistic?
Well done! You’ve prepared to succeed.
Now that your journey is planned, you’re ready to take the next step. Remember big change is the result of small steps!
Now you're ready for success
If you need help developing your nutrition goals or you would like support, motivation, and accountability to make lasting change, why not join me for my Nourish Re-balance 3-month kick start program? This 1 to 1 service is bespoke to you. Book a free discovery call to find out more.
