How to set simple goals for big success

Weekly technique

By Weight Watchers

Published 12 January 2023

What are some of your big goals for the year? You know, the ones that truly help you on your journey? Whether they’re about tracking, cooking, or activity, to achieve them, start by thinking smaller.

Try this!

1. Name one of your big goals. Example: Cook a healthy meal every weeknight. 2. List smaller goals that build up to it, based on where you are now. Example: If you already cook once a week… Cook two nights a week. Cook three nights a week. Cook four nights a week. 3. For the smallest goal, list each step needed to accomplish it. a) Pick two meals to make. b) Write a shopping list. c) Go to the store. d) Prep and cook. 4. Ask yourself, “Are these steps truly doable for me?” Eh, maybe not. Go back to no. 2 and brainstorm a smaller goal. Actually, they’re too easy. Go back and use the next goal listed in no. 2. Yup—I got this! Move on to no. 5. Write out a specific plan for when, where, and how you’ll tackle each step. On Sunday, I’ll find two 30-minute recipes and make a shopping list. Monday, after work, I’ll stop at the store. I’ll cook on Tuesday and Thursday at 6 p.m.

Let's dive a little deeper...

As a WeightWatchers®member, you might already have an idea of why it’s helpful to break down a mountain of a goal. Think about it: If your objective is losing or maintaining weight, maybe you’re focused on the smaller goals of tracking and staying within your Points®Budget. Or you’re trying to meet your activity target or eat more ZeroPoint®foods every day.

But those hill-size goals can still seem daunting. Breaking them down even more until all you’re focused on is putting one foot in front of the other helps guide you up those steep inclines and makes the climb feel easier.

Bonus: Setting—and achieving!—a series of doable, smaller goals lets you taste success along the way. That boosts confidence and builds momentum to help fuel your entire journey. Before you know it, you’re well on your way to conquering a goal that perhaps once felt like an Everest.

3 fast facts 1. Setting simple goals is not the “easy” way, it’s the strategic way. 2. Small goals can let us experience success early and often. 3. This helps us build momentum and increase our confidence for future success.