Often ignored is the importance of asking many thoughtful “Why” responses to weight-focused and health-related goals. Enjoy this insight from Dietitian Becca and dig deeper into the genuine reasons behind your personal goals. —Dina
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I attended a conference several years back, and still remember a concept introduced by one of the speakers. She labeled a concept that I and other dietitians often speak to conceptually, but I love the term she used – “weightless why”. This simply represents identifying the why behind any weight-based goals, in this example, but can be applied to any goal.
New beginnings like a new year, birthday, or even a Monday offer the chance for reflection and often prompt future goals. If you had set new year’s resolutions or you’re in the middle of a weight loss challenge before those first 30 days expire, I encourage you to pause and be thoughtful on The Why behind the reasons for setting resolutions or joining the program.
It’s common to see weight-focused resolutions, and it’s almost just as common to see these goals unmet or unkept. Why is that?
Well, beyond overwhelming research to support that weight loss is not simply a matter of “calories in, calories out” and the biggest predictor of weight gain is dieting, there’s more. People need to identify with a purpose beyond losing weight or a similar surface-level goal.
One strategy to employ in uncovering your “weightless why” is to ask 7 questions that start with “why”. The idea behind this exercise is to ask “why” until you get to the root of an issue and can uncover the deepest meaning.
Why do I want to lose weight? Because I’ve been told that losing weight will help me be healthy.
Why do I want to be healthy? So I can have a long life.
Why do I want to have a long life? Because I want to enjoy as many years as possible.
Why do I want to enjoy as many years as possible? Because there’s so many experiences I’d like to have.
Keep with this questioning until you’ve fully identified your Why. Getting out of bed when the alarm buzzes on a cold, dark winter morning is never easy, but you’ll be significantly more likely to do it if your Why goes beyond “because I was told I should” or “I’m trying to lose X pounds before spring break”.
Another way I like to teach goal setting is to consider your future self – what does life look like once you’ve met your goal or resolution? Visualizing this future can help you paint a picture of how to get there and exploit potential barriers or challenges you may face along the way. But more importantly, it can be a reality check on whether this goal is even one worth pursuing.
A surface-level goal like fitting into smaller pants or seeing a lower number on the scale seems trivial compared to a visual of moving freely and comfortably in your body, running your dog without pain, having the stamina to play with your kids or grandkids, or bringing your best energy to your work or hobbies each day.
When we connect to a bigger purpose or intention behind the goals we set, we put ourselves in a position to make choices that support the outcome we desire.
So what’s your Why?! We’d love to hear from you and we’re sending you encouragement toward intentional, meaningful goals now and for your future.
-Becca