Last week we dipped our toes into the world of goals. And if you haven’t read that yet, you can catch up here. It’s packed with insights and includes my conversation with goal-setting maestro Brian Mayne. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at goal-setting or felt a bit overwhelmed by it all, I promise it’s worth a listen.
But today, let’s take things a step further.
Because what really matters isn’t just having goals. It’s having a method that fits you. And, more than that, it’s about connecting so deeply with your why, that it becomes the quiet engine driving your every choice.
This is where real change begins.
Not Just SMART Goals – But Smart Connection
You’ve probably heard of SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. They’re popular for a reason. They give shape to a dream. But here’s what I want you to know: if your goals don’t connect to something meaningful, they’ll never feel powerful enough to last.
Simon Sinek’s book: Start With Why emphasises the transformative power of understanding one’s purpose. Your brain and body need that emotional anchor. Without it, motivation gets wobbly the moment life throws a curveball.
Start With Your WHY (Yes, all caps!)
So before you even think about how to set a goal… ask yourself this:
Why does this matter to me?
Not to your doctor. Not to your partner. To you.
Maybe it’s to walk into a room and not second-guess what you’re wearing.
Maybe it’s about staying active so you can play with your grandkids.
Or maybe it’s about peace – not having food on your mind 24/7.
Your “why” doesn’t have to sound big. But it has to feel big to you.
What Works for You?
Here’s the part that gets missed in most goal-setting advice: you’re allowed to do it your way. There’s no one-size-fits-all here. You might love visuals, or lists, or talking things through with a friend. Your goal-setting method should match your personality, not someone else’s spreadsheet.
Some ideas that might spark something:
- A handwritten journal full of doodles and affirmations
- A mood board on your kitchen wall
- A private WhatsApp group where you voice-note your wins
- A digital Trello board, like the one Slimpodder Denise Flower created
Denise’s board isn’t about being hyper-organised. It’s a space where her why lives and breathes. She’s even got a column titled “Who am I in this outfit?” to connect clothing to confidence.
Find what helps you bring your goal to life. That’s the magic.
Let Your Goals Grow With You
Your life isn’t static – your goals shouldn’t be either. This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about becoming. And as you evolve, your methods and milestones might need to shift too. That’s not failure. That’s growth.
So if your goal method feels stale, change it. If your “why” has deepened, let it shine through. And if you’ve fallen off track, gently return to what matters. Your “why” will always welcome you back.
One Last Thing…
Slimpod is about rewiring your relationship with food – but more than that, it’s about returning to yourself. A goal that feels alive is one of the most powerful tools you can use to stay aligned on that journey.
Next week, we’ll explore this even further in the final part of our series: Why Revisiting Your Goals is the Key to Long-Term Weight Loss Success.
We’ll look at how letting your goals shift can be the most empowering thing you do. Not because you’re off track — but because you’re getting clearer, braver, and more connected to what really matters. I can’t wait to share it with you.
So today, don’t just write down a goal. Write down your why. Pin it somewhere visible. Whisper it to yourself when things feel hard. Let it be your steady flame.
And if you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear yours in the comments.
P.S. I go into this topic in even more depth in The Weight’s Over – Take Back Control. If you’re ready for the next step, it’s a brilliant companion to your journey. And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter if you haven’t already — so you’re first to know when the next blog drops. We’re in this together.
1 thought on “How to Set Weight Loss Goals That Truly Motivate You”
thanks, as always. When I think I’m stuck up you pop with your sound no nonsense information. I have been a member of Slimpod for 232 days. You are have supported me through all the inevitable ups and downs of my health journey thank you