You can easily get caught up in the “what” of a goal and forget the “how”- the what you’re NOT going to do. Because what you don’t do is as important as what you do.
And here’s where it gets tricky.
Identifying the actions that can derail your progress is just as crucial as focusing on steps that move you forward.
Here's an example of how it can play out with your goals
Did you make a new commitment to focus on YOU this year, to make a change to improve your overall health?
And then you got to work!
You made a list of everything you needed to accomplish to achieve your goal. Then, you broke those tasks down into smaller steps. And last, you set a deadline for each step.
You knew that by breaking it down into small steps, you could accomplish a lot more in a shorter amount of time. And that by setting a deadline for each task, you could stay motivated and on track.
But then life happens, your well-constructed plan falls into pieces, and now you’re on pace to accomplish nothing.
Welcome to the club!
When creating our plans, we forget to add the actions and the existing habits we should give up to meet our goals. It’s our Don’t Do list.
Five things that might be on your DON'T DO list.
For example, I’m talking about things like:
1. Eating takeout food more than twice a week.
Easy to do, right? But is it interfering with your goals?
Research suggests that people who frequently dine out are more likely to have an unhealthy diet and more likely to develop preventable diseases.
So, consider making more meals at home and limiting the fast food runs.
2. Sitting on the couch for 3 hours every night.
Suppose you work long hours and don’t get to move around much already.
Then spending all of your free time sitting in the evening could mean you’re not getting enough exercise in your day.
So, think about what you could do instead.
3. Skipping breakfast or lunch.
Skipping meals, especially breakfast and lunch can negatively affect your health.
Breakfast provides energy and nutrients to kick-start your metabolism after a night’s fast. Skipping your breakfast can lead to overeating later in the day and increase the risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.
Similarly, skipping lunch can lead to low energy levels, decreased concentration, and overeating at dinner, which can also have negative health consequences.
The recommendation is to have a balanced and nutritious meal at regular intervals throughout the day to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Get Your Free Blueprint
4. Staying up until midnight (or later) when you have to work in the morning.
It’s tempting to stay up late despite having to work the following day.
But these late-night happenstances can interrupt your sleep patterns and make you feel out of sorts. Groggy and tired, and this affects your mood.
Studies have shown that people who get fewer than seven hours of sleep per night are more likely to develop health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
Getting enough rest is also essential for maintaining a healthy immune system.
5. Saying “yes” to commitments out of obligation.
I see this one quite often with my coaching clients.
When you commit to something you really don’t want to do. But you feel compelled to say yes.
And if the commitment leaves you feeling guilty, stressed, or overwhelmed because you don’t have time to focus on your personal goals. Then it’s time to say No.
You don’t need to explain yourself, and you don’t have to feel guilty.
It's time to think differently about what you don't do.
I firmly believe in the power of taking small steps to reach your big goals. And it’s much easier to take those first steps when you’re not overwhelmed by the magnitude of the plan.
But making changes, no matter how small, requires a different way of thinking.
It’s about challenging your assumptions and beliefs, changing your perspective, and taking a mindful and well-rounded approach to goal setting.
By considering your actions (the Do’s) and inactions (the Dont’s), you can ensure that your efforts match your goals and that you’re not neglecting potential roadblocks.
Understanding that “what you don’t do is just as important as what you do” will set you up to make meaningful progress on your goals.
So now that you’re thinking about your DON’T DO list…
What will you be saying NO to this year?
If you are having trouble deciding.
With my Fit and Vibrant Blueprint Assessment, you can find out where to set your goals and where to focus your efforts!
The assessment will help you quickly identify the areas holding you back from seeing actual results with your weight loss and fitness goals.
Go here now to take the assessment >> Get Your Blueprint Now!
Get Your Free Blueprint
Coach Deatra Davis
Deatra Davis (Dee Davis) is a healthy body coach, trainer and functional hormone educator who helps women over 50 transform their bodies through evidence-based techniques and behavior change. Her signature approach emphasizes a well-researched blend of balanced nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management and mindset change. Dee also shares with her clients her personal experience of recovering from Stage 3 Sarcoidosis and losing more than 20 pounds through menopause. She empowers women to powerfully take control of their health, so they can live a fit and vibrant lifestyle with strength and longevity, inner peace, joy and happiness.
