46: The Art of Pivoting: How an Agile Mindset Enhances Your Health Goals
Jan 01, 2024As the new year approaches, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and contemplating the changes we want to make in the coming months. Personally, I love taking this time to look back at the achievements and growth that I’ve made, both tangible and intangible. It's a practice that I usually extend to my patients as well, helping them to consider their health journeys and the milestones they've reached.
In a recent podcast episode by productivity expert Cal Newport, he discussed the challenge of planning for tasks that are less concrete and more elusive, which got me thinking about how this concept applies to setting health goals (especially at the start of a new year).
Setting health goals is a common practice as the new year begins. We declare our intentions, whether it's weight loss, improved blood sugar levels, or cultivating a healthier relationship with food. However, what I've observed over the years is that people often approach these goals with a rigid mindset, and expect a linear journey toward success.
Cal Newport's insights about agility in goal-setting resonated with me, especially when it comes to health. Health goals are very rarely singular; they involve a combination of factors like nutrition, movement, mental well-being, and more. It's a complex puzzle, and sometimes the pieces don't fit together in the way you anticipate.
Defining Health Goals with Intent
When setting health goals, it's crucial to name and claim your objective. Whether it's losing weight, improving blood sugar control, or enhancing overall well-being, understanding the deep "why" behind your goal is essential. Think of it as setting the GPS for your journey – you need a clear direction in order to move forward.
Shifting from Linear to Identity-Based Goals
However, the trap many fall into is attempting to predict the entire year's progress from the outset. The belief that weight loss will follow a consistent pattern of a pound or two per week until a specific target is reached is a common misconception. Instead, I encourage a shift in focus towards building habits based on identity and values.
Personally, my health journey took a significant turn when I identified a core value – the desire for my body not to hold me back anymore. It wasn't about a specific number on the scale but rather about the physical capabilities of my body and overall well-being. This shift in focus allowed me to tailor my nutrition and movement practices to support my goal.
Embracing Agility in Goal-Setting
The next crucial element in achieving health goals is embracing agility and recognizing that the path to success might not be a straight line. Constant reassessment of your goals is key. Weekly evaluations of progress, preferences, and challenges enable you to pivot and adapt your approach. This is where the concept of being agile intersects with health – acknowledging that what works one week might need adjustments the next.
Being agile means looking at your health goals through a realistic lens. It involves acknowledging external factors like work changes, family dynamics, or even the week before your period for women. These factors can influence your approach to nutrition and movement, and require a flexible approach.
Progress Over Perfection
Rather than striving for perfection, consider aiming for progress. Small, incremental changes that align with your long-term vision can have a significant impact. It's about making realistic, sustainable choices week by week, understanding that life is dynamic, and your approach may need to evolve accordingly.
In my own health journey, I've experienced the benefits of being agile. Every few months, I reassess my preferences, adjusting my nutrition and movement practices accordingly. This approach has allowed me to stay engaged and motivated, recognizing that my tastes, preferences, and body's needs evolve over time.
As you set your health goals for the new year, I encourage you to embrace both intentionality and agility. Clearly define your goal, understanding the deeper reasons behind it. Shift the focus from rigid plans to building habits aligned with your identity and values. Then, be prepared to navigate the unpredictable nature of the journey, making adjustments as needed.
Remember, the journey toward better health is not a sprint but a marathon. By cultivating an agile mindset and making sustainable choices, you empower yourself to navigate life's twists and turns while staying true to your health aspirations. So, as you declare your New Year's health goals, also ask yourself, "What will I do this week to move closer to my vision?" It's the small, consistent steps that will lead to lasting change.