Knowing Your Goals: Do You Just Like the Idea or Are You Committed to It? It’s All in the Actions You Take

It’s a fact: We all have goals. Some of us want to eat healthier, start meditating, get more exercise, or drink more water every day. We’re all trying to improve in one way or another. But there’s a big difference between liking the idea of something and really committing to it. And how can we tell the difference? The actions we take tell us everything we need to know.

Think about it. Let’s say you want to eat healthier. You know it’s important. You understand the benefits. But if you’re still reaching for junk food more often than not, or if you’re skipping meals instead of planning them out, maybe you’re not as committed to that goal as you thought. That’s okay! Recognizing it is the first step.

But if you’re making grocery lists full of fresh food, learning about nutrition, and resisting the call of those late-night snacks, well, that’s a sign of commitment. You’re not just talking about it; you’re doing it.

The same goes for meditation. It’s easy to say you want to be more mindful. But if your idea of meditation is to do it when you remember or when you’re feeling really stressed, you’re more in the “liking the idea” camp.

Now, if you’ve set aside time each day for meditation, and have made a special, peaceful space in your home for it, then you’re showing real commitment. You’re doing the work.

Consider fitness goals. 

We all like the idea of being in better shape. But if your workout routine is hit or miss, or you find yourself coming up with excuses to skip the gym, then maybe fitness isn’t a real goal for you right now. That’s alright.

If you’re making time in your schedule for regular workouts, if you’re always looking for ways to challenge yourself and improve, then it’s clear: You’re committed to your fitness goal. Your actions say it loud and clear.

Even something as simple as drinking more water each day can tell us a lot about our goals. If you often forget to hydrate, or you reach for a soda instead of water, then maybe that goal isn’t as important to you as you thought. But if you carry a water bottle with you wherever you go, if you’re consciously keeping track of how much water you’re drinking each day, then it’s clear you’re committed to staying hydrated.

So what’s the big takeaway? 

Your actions tell the real story of your goals. It’s not enough to like the idea of something. If you’re committed, you need to show it in what you do. The next time you have a goal in mind, ask yourself: “What am I willing to do to reach this goal?” Your answer will show you just how committed you are. Let’s not just dream about our goals, let’s take action!