Good vs Better – New Year Fitness Goal Setting

“You have brains in your head

You have feet in your shoes

You can steer yourself any direction you choose

You’re on your own.

And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go.” –Dr. Seuss

We all approach our fitness goals from one of two mindsets. Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson’s comparison between the “Be Good Goal” mind-set and “Be Better Version” mind-set couldn’t explain it more perfectly.

The Be Good mind-set is all about focusing on proving our ability while the Get Better mind-set focuses on developing the ability and learning new skills. It’s the difference between wanting to show you are fast, smart, (insert goal here) versus wanting to actually get faster, smarter, etc.

The Be Good mind-set is constantly comparing ourselves to others, and a belief that our skills [do you believe in yourself] are fixed and talents are unchanging – this leaves us vulnerable, doubtful and anxious….major performance killers.

A Get Better mind-set fosters self-comparison, a focus on progress, and developing abilities. Thinking in terms of learning and improving, while accepting that we may make mistakes along the way, maintains motivation and persistence despite setbacks that might occur. Not only that, but we find work to be more interesting, enjoyable; we procrastinate less and plan better; we feel more creative and innovative…AND experience less depression and anxiety.

As many hit the ground running (…literally!) with 2016 fitness goals and ambitions, transform from a “being good” to “getting better” mind-set – throwing in language like “improve, learn, progress, develop, and grow” allows us to think in terms of progress rather than perfection. It’s easy to set forth on our new goals traveling with a Be Good mind-set – comparing our progress to others, and basing our standards, choices, and activities off our surroundings.

When it comes to new habits and goals, particularly in the realm of health, it’s key to individually personalize our experiences, routines and decisions in order to sustain and develop lifestyle changes. Learning what works best for you while staying actively involved in the process sets you up to travel your best path and achieve your most enjoyable experience!

“Change really is always possible – there is no ability that can’t be developed with effort” – Dr. Heidi Grant Halvorson