Most of us have plenty of things we could adjust to live a little healthier and improve our well-being. But setting goals is easier for some than others.
Maybe you’d like to take better control of your stress level. Perhaps you’ve realized your sleep habits need some work. Some things go hand-in-hand. For example, easing stress could help you get more quality sleep and vice versa. But in some cases, setting a goal that you find exciting and intrinsically motivating takes a little soul-searching.
It's important to really evaluate your values and interests because research shows, the goals that matter to you are the ones you’re more likely to achieve. On the other hand, your odds of success drop if your goals are not intrinsically motivated, are too lofty or overwhelming, or unrealistic.
If you’re taking some time to consider what your goals should be, here are some key questions to ask yourself:
- What is important to me?
- What do I wish I could do—or do more?
- What makes me happy?
- Which aspect of my health and well-being do I really want to focus on?
- Why do I want to make this change?
- Is this goal really for me or for someone else?
- Does this make me feel excited?
- Is this goal challenging but within reach?
