Researchers have recently found yet another reason why it’s a good idea to keep working toward your goals, even when the going gets tough. Want to find out why? Read on.
Goals are Good for Your Health
To be more precise… it turns out that persistently working toward specific goals is good for your health! We’re not talking about just health or fitness goals. It can be any kind of goal, whether it’s for your career, paying off student loans, travel, relationship goals, or anything else! This info is the result of a study done by scientists at Pennsylvania State University. The researchers tracked data from 3,294 adults over the course of 18 years, and they found that the people who showed more optimism and “goal persistence” back in the ‘90s had bigger drops in depression, anxiety, and panic disorders over the years.
What was most interesting (and inspiring) was that GETTING BETTER at working toward goals factored into the study results.
Becoming Consistent is a Skill
The study participants didn’t necessarily start out with a high degree of positivity or stick-to-it-iveness, but they did WORK at creating those traits – and it helped their overall mental health! To quote a press release from the American Psychological Association about the study…
“Aspiring toward personal and career goals can make people feel like their lives have meaning. On the other hand, disengaging from striving toward those aims or having a cynical attitude can have high mental health costs.”
The thing about working toward your goals (and then achieving them!) is that the more you do it, the more confidence you’ll build in your life. This will keep moving you forward and help you feel like you’ll be able to accomplish ANYTHING you set out to do. This skill can carry into your career, hobbies, sports, relationships, finances … whatever! And it builds on itself over time.
Work Slowly, But Consistency Toward Your Goals
Here are some things that can really help you when it comes to meeting goals.
- If they’re long-term goals (like paying off your house or going from jogger to marathoner) it helps to set smaller benchmarks along the way so you can see and feel your progress. That will help give you a shot of confidence as you tackle each new step.
- If you are starting a fitness program, scheduling a free workout at YOUR BUSINESS NAME or deciding to walk around the block a couple nights a week could be a great goal!
- If you’re focusing on nutrition, it could be making sure you get at least 3 servings of veggies every day.
It doesn’t matter what your goals are, it just matters that they inspire you and that you’re working towards them! What goals are you working towards right now? Hit us up in the comments and let us know! If you need help in this area, or are looking for guidance along the way, know that we’re here to help!
Stronger for Today,
The Method3 Fitness Team
If you found this blog useful, be sure to LIKE, LEAVE A COMMENT, and SHARE it on your favorite channel!
The Method3 Fitness blog is updated weekly. All content is designed to improve the way you move, eat, and think so you can achieve your goals and live stronger for today. Check back here each week and LIKE our Fan Page, to stay up to date on the latest tips, strategies and methods to get fit, lose fat, and build confidence. Ready to get started with us? Click here to get a free week of workouts!