Goal setting is a mighty motivating force.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It helps trigger new, helpful behaviors, guide your focus, and promote a sense of self-mastery. But there\u2019s a catch: According to the self-determination theory (SDT)<\/span>, a macro theory of human motivation and personality, it isn\u2019t wise to make goals \u201cjust because.\u201d<\/p>\n More specifically, SDT maintains that the achievement of self-concordant goals (i.e., goals aligned with one\u2019s values, passions, and authentic self) has been related to:<\/p>\n On the other hand, achieving heteronomous goals (i.e., \u201csocially prescribed\u201d goals) has been linked to burnout, depression, and a lack of experienced meaning<\/span>.<\/p>\n This raises an important question: How can you go about setting\u2014and achieving\u2014self-concordant goals that’ll grow your business and enhance your well-being as a fitness or nutrition coach<\/span>?<\/p>\n The key lies in clarifying your intentions. First, though, let\u2019s cover the basics and get everyone on the same page.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n A common misconception is that goals and intentions are the same thing. But they’re not. Instead, they are two distinct concepts:<\/p>\n In short, an intention is why you want to do something, and a goal is how you\u2019ll do it.<\/p>\n Intentions breed goals, and goals help pave the way to specific actions you need to take to help push your intentions to fruition.<\/p>\n To further illustrate, here\u2019s an example about Lisa (pronouns: she\/her), an AFPA-Certified Personal Trainer<\/span>. She intends to use her business to help make fitness more welcoming to pregnant individuals.<\/p>\n Getting certified as a Prenatal and Postnatal Fitness Specialist<\/span> is thus a goal that\u2019ll bring her closer to her overall intention. She could also consider getting certified as a Holistic Nutritionist <\/span>to help pregnant clients get the most out of their workout sessions through tailored nutritional advice.<\/p>\n Beyond guiding you toward setting self-concordant goals and enabling you to run your business in a way that reflects your true self, intention setting also does the following:<\/p>\n Have you ever achieved a big milestone (e.g., breaking a certain income level), only to find yourself feeling lost and disappointed?<\/p>\n You\u2019re not alone.<\/p>\n Psychologically speaking, goals affect our overall sense of connection and purpose<\/span>. We tend to associate positive attributes (e.g., intelligence, perseverance, and independence) with being active and engaged in something. We feel like we\u2019re valuable contributors.<\/p>\n So, when you achieve your goal and suddenly have all this free time again, it\u2019s only natural to feel unhappy, dissatisfied, and let down.<\/p>\n And that\u2019s where intentions come into play. They serve as a reminder that you’re not quite done\u2014you still have an overarching purpose in life to fulfill. This keeps you going.<\/p>\n Research agrees<\/span>.<\/p>\n According to this 2014 meta-analysis<\/span> of 85 studies published in the Journal of Happiness Studies investigating the relationship between goal pursuit and subjective wellbeing (SWB), researchers found that progress consistently beat accomplishment in eliciting improved SWB.<\/p>\n When you\u2019re in the process of striving for your goal, you may see a stark contrast between your \u201cactual self\u201d and \u201cideal self\u201d (note: concepts rooted in the self-discrepancy theory):<\/p>\n While, theoretically, the discrepancy may motivate you to close the “gap” between your actual and ideal selves, it could also lead to feelings of agitation, including guilt, weakness, and a sense that you\u2019re falling short.<\/p>\n These negative feelings are especially salient in long-term goals because the discrepancy is often large.<\/p>\n Thankfully, intentions may help prevent these disempowering feelings by helping you draw connections between your daily actions and overall purpose in life (e.g., \u201cI\u2019m working my way through this textbook, so I get the knowledge I need to get certified as a Certified Holistic Health Coach.<\/span> That, in turn, allows me to help others live healthier, happier lives.\u201d)<\/p>\n Thus, in that way, intentions also allow you to fully enjoy the present moment, to find awareness and value in even the smallest, most mundane moments.<\/p>\n Now, isn\u2019t that just a wonderful way of living?<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a disclaimer. All that isn\u2019t to say that intentions are \u201cbetter\u201d than goals\u2014or that you should set intentions instead of goals. Setting intentions without a calculated action strategy isn\u2019t helpful. In other words: Intentions and goals work in tandem.<\/p>\n Both are valuable in keeping your business decisions aligned with your values and moving you closer to living your authentic life.<\/p>\n But how, exactly, do you go about harnessing the synergistic powers of intention and goal setting for your business? The following steps may give you a sense of a good starting point.<\/p>\n As mentioned, intentions are essentially your deepest desires. That means they\u2019re unique to you\u2014nobody else can, nor should, determine your intentions.<\/p>\n Here are a few questions that may help you uncover and clarify intentions suitable for your business (keep a copy of your answers for reference!):<\/p>\n After gaining clarity on your values and passions, keep the following tips in mind as you create your intentions:<\/p>\n You\u2019ve clarified your intentions. Now, how do you bring them to life? Answer: goals. Remember? Intentions are your \u201cwhy,\u201d while goals are your \u201chow.\u201d<\/p>\n Let\u2019s go back to the example of Lisa once again.<\/p>\n Because her overarching intention is to make fitness more welcoming to pregnant individuals, possible \u201cgoals\u201d for her include:<\/p>\n Why the quotation marks around the word “goals,” though? That’s because those are still a little too vague and abstract.<\/p>\n Ideally, you’ll have to go further to make concrete plans and identify the small steps toward them. Research suggests that doing so allows you to visualize your desired future<\/span> better\u2014and, in turn, be less tempted to engage<\/span> in activities that distract you from your goal.<\/p>\n But how do you make concrete plans? The following tips could help:<\/p>\n While it may be tempting for you to engage in a continuous cycle of goal setting and attainment, research<\/span> suggests that it may be beneficial for you to take time to self-reflect regularly.<\/p>\n Beyond allowing you to see that you’re on track, regular reviews also help you check in with yourself:<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to note that your intentions may grow, change, and evolve\u2014so don\u2019t be surprised if your current intentions no longer resonate with you a few years later.<\/p>\n Reflection is personal, so take time to figure out what works best for you. A good place to start is to choose a time frame: Do you prefer revisiting your goals and intentions daily, weekly, monthly, or annually?<\/p>\n Setting goals for your health and wellness business can motivate you, but problems (e.g., negative feelings, like disappointment and lostness) can arise when these goals are misaligned with your values, passions, and authentic self.<\/p>\n Thus, to set your business up for growth while enhancing your wellbeing as a health and wellness professional, you should ideally strive toward self-concordant goals.<\/p>\n But how do you do that? Clarifying your intentions is a good start. They\u2019ll guide you into setting goals that\u2019ll help you run your business in a way that supports you in living your most authentic, fulfilled life.<\/p>\n Note that your intentions aren\u2019t set in stone. They may evolve and change over time, so be sure to dedicate time to regular reflection sessions, where you evaluate your intentions and goals\u2014then set new ones as necessary.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\nWhat Are Intentions? What\u2019s the Difference Between Goals and Intentions?<\/h2>\n
\n
What\u2019s the Value of Setting Intentions?<\/h2>\n
Prevents You from Feeling Lost After Goal Attainment<\/h3>\n
Helps You Live in and Appreciate the Present<\/h3>\n
\n
How to Harness the Power of Intention-Driven Goals<\/h2>\n
#1: Clarify Your Intentions<\/h3>\n
\n
Tips on Intention Setting<\/h3>\n
\n
#2: Set Goals Aligned with Your Intention<\/h3>\n
\n
\n
#3: Review Regularly<\/h3>\n
\n
Takeaway<\/h2>\n
![\"New](\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/349216\/e17f57ed-fee6-4add-8fb5-efa24892f727.png\")
<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nReferences<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n