The simplest way to stay on track?

The upcoming holiday season can be festive and delicious...and busy. It can also be a prime opportunity for goals to fly right out the window. That’s why, this year more than ever, it’s important to focus on small, simple behaviours that will help us stay motivated and focused—and eventually ladder up to those big-picture goals we’re working toward on our WW journeys, and getting a head start now can help.

3 fast facts

1. Focusing on behaviours (rather than outcomes) centers our focus on things we have immediate control over (what we do) instead of things we have less control over (what happens as a result).

2. It can also help us develop livable routines and habits that not only help us reach our goals, but maintain them in the long run.

3. Setting truly doable goals can help us build our self-efficacy, making it more likely that we’ll repeat these behaviors.

Try this technique

Create a weekly behavioral goal using the STAR method.

● Specific

What are you looking to accomplish and how can you do it? (Details are important here.)

Example: “I’ll set aside a half hour of alone time to read and recharge on Sunday after dinner.”

● Truly doable

Is your goal realistic and repeatable for you? (Being honest about what’s really possible is key.)

Example: “I can make time for this after the kids are asleep.”

● Active

What do you want to start doing? (Don’t think about what you want to stop doing.)

Example: “I want to make time for myself.” (It’s not: “I want to stop forgetting to take time for myself.”)

● Relevant

Is this something you want to do? (It shouldn’t be something you think you should do.)

Example: “Time to recharge will help me show myself a little more self-compassion and be more present in my life.”