The world is pretty uncontrollable. Life happens.⠀

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If you want to sell your house for a good price, you can renovate it and give it a fresh coat of paint. But you can’t control the real estate market.⠀

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If you want to play a few rounds of golf, you can buy some pricey clubs and get decked out in your dapper-est duds. But you can't control the weather.⠀

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Likewise:⠀

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You can’t make your body lose 20 pounds of fat, gain 20 pounds of muscle, heal from an injury, and/or improve your cholesterol numbers on command... or on a specific timeline.⠀

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In other words, you can’t control the outcome.⠀

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But you can control the behaviors that lead to the outcome you want.⠀

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Outcomes are WHAT you want. But outcomes don't tell you what to do.⠀

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Behaviors are HOW you'll get there. Behavior goals give you an action plan.⠀

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So instead of setting “outcome goals”, set “behavior goals”.⠀

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Here are a few examples showing the difference, just so you get the picture:⠀

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Outcome goals⠀

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Run a 5K race in 20 minutes.⠀

Bench press 200 pounds.⠀

Eat better.⠀

Behavior goals⠀

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Run for 20 minutes three times per week for the next month, gradually increasing the duration and speed.⠀

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Get coaching on bench press technique, and focus diligently on a targeted bench press training plan.⠀

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Gradually incorporate the PN Coaching habits into your daily routine, one by one.⠀

You get the idea.⠀

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Notice how all of the behavior goals are a commitment to do a specific set of actions or tasks that lead to the outcome you want.⠀

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Also, notice that:⠀

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behavior goals are things you do consistently and regularly;⠀

behavior goals are small, manageable tasks that are within your control; and⠀

behavior goals are often things that you can do right now, today or in the near future.⠀

Again: You can’t control the outcome.⠀

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But you can control the behaviors that, when done consistently, will move you in the right direction.⠀