Goals: Action & Outcome

Joan Pacetti

— 1 min read

Many of us have goals.

“I want to lose 5 pounds.”
“I’ll start eating healthier.”
“I won’t eat junk food.”
“I’ll walk more.”
“Tomorrow will be better.”

These are all great intentions — but without a clear plan in place, they usually stay just that… intentions.

Goals without structure rarely lead to lasting results.

There Are Two Types of Goals:

1️⃣ Action Goals
These are the behaviors you commit to.
Example: I will strength train for 30 minutes, three times per week.
That’s clear, measurable, and within your control.

2️⃣ Outcome Goals
These describe what you want to achieve.
Example: I want to lose 5 pounds.

Your action goals are what drive your outcome goals.
If the behaviors aren’t defined, the outcome becomes wishful thinking.

Effective action goals should be:

  • Specific
  • Realistic
  • Measurable
  • Focused on both nutrition habits and physical activity

And most importantly — they should be tailored to you.

The key is starting small. Small, attainable goals build confidence. They make the big picture feel manageable and achievable. As you progress, you can build on those goals and continue challenging yourself.

Follow this link for a great article from the Mayo Clinic that breaks down 6 strategies for weight loss success.

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