17. How to Get Unstuck in 9 Steps: Shifting Your Focus from Outcomes to Identity in Your Fitness Journey

Fitness, Faith & Fuel Challenge: https://www.shaeladaugherty.com/5-day-faith-fitness-devo

Welcome back to the Move Your Body Differently podcast! I’m your host, Shaela Daugherty, and today’s episode is all about breaking free from the frustrating feeling of being stuck in your health and fitness journey. We’ve all been there—doing everything we think we should be doing, yet not seeing the results we want. But what if the problem isn’t with your efforts, but with your goals?

In this episode, we cover:

• The Trap of Outcome-Based Goals: We dive into the common pitfall of focusing too much on outcome-based goals, like losing 15 pounds or hitting a specific strength target. While these goals are valid, they can often lead to frustration when we don’t see immediate results. I explain why these goals might be holding you back and how to shift your focus to something more sustainable.

• Understanding Behavior-Based Goals: I break down the difference between outcome-based goals and behavior-based goals, emphasizing the importance of daily actions and habits that are within your control. By focusing on what you can control—like meal planning, regular workouts, and hydration—you set yourself up for long-term success.

• The Biblical Perspective: Drawing inspiration from the Bible, we explore how God guides us through the journey, not just the destination. Using examples from Exodus, I highlight the importance of knowing God in the present moment and how this applies to your health and fitness journey.

• Shifting Your Mindset for Long-Term Success: I encourage you to think about who you want to be in 10 years, not just what you want to achieve in the short term. By focusing on your identity in Christ and the long-term habits that will help you fulfill your God-given purpose, you can break free from feeling stuck and start enjoying the journey.

• Practical Tips to Get Unstuck: I offer practical advice on how to set behavior-based goals that align with your identity and purpose. Whether it’s setting small, daily habits or reflecting on past experiences to guide your future actions, these tips are designed to help you move forward with confidence.

Join the 5-Day Fitness, Faith, and Fuel Challenge: Before we dive back into the episode, don’t forget to sign up for my free 5-day email challenge! You’ll receive a daily workout, devotional, and health tip designed to help you kickstart your wellness journey. Sign up here and let’s get started together!

Step-by-Step Process for Gaining Clarity in Your Health and Fitness Journey

• Think 10 Years Ahead:
  • Visualize who you want to be in 10 years in terms of your health, fitness, and overall well-being.
  • Consider your calling, your purpose, and how your identity in Christ shapes the person you want to become.
• Ask Yourself:
  • What kind of healthy and whole person do you want to be?
  • What activities, habits, and lifestyle choices will define that person?

• Work Backwards:
  • Consider the habits and actions that the future version of yourself would consistently practice.
• List Out Habits:
  • Write down the daily, weekly, or monthly habits that align with the identity you envision. Examples might include regular exercise, balanced nutrition, consistent sleep, spiritual disciplines, etc.

• Reflect on the Last 10 Years:
  • Look back over the past decade and identify the habits that have served you well and those that have not.
• Identify Gaps:
  • Compare your current habits with the habits of your envisioned future self. Identify the gaps or areas where changes are needed.

• Focus on What You Can Control:
  • Shift your focus from outcome-based goals (e.g., losing 15 pounds) to behavior-based goals (e.g., exercising 4 times a week).
• Create SMART Goals:
  • Set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals that align with the habits of your future self.

• Create a Routine:
  • Develop a daily or weekly routine that incorporates the behavior-based goals you've set.
  • Example: If your goal is to be more active, schedule specific workout times each week and plan your meals ahead of time.

• Start Small:
  • Begin with small, manageable steps that you can consistently maintain.
  • Remember Zachariah 4:10: “The Lord does not despise small beginnings.”
• Be Patient:
  • Understand that meaningful change takes time, and it’s okay to grow slowly as long as you’re consistent.

• Review Your Progress:
  • Periodically check in on your progress. Are you sticking to the habits that align with your long-term vision?
• Adjust as Needed:
  • Be flexible and willing to adjust your habits or goals based on what’s working or what isn’t. It’s okay to tweak your plan as you go.

• Let Go of Control:
  • Trust that God is guiding your journey. While you control your daily actions, the ultimate outcome is in His hands.
• Focus on Faithfulness:
  • Stay faithful to the habits and actions you’ve committed to, trusting that God will use them to shape your future.

• Find a Partner or Coach:
  • Share your goals with someone who can support and encourage you, whether it’s a friend, a spouse, or a coach.

Final Encouragement: Remember, your journey is just as important as the destination. By shifting your focus from short-term outcomes to long-term identity, you’ll find more joy and fulfillment in your health and fitness journey. Trust the process and know that every small step is bringing you closer to who God has called you to be.

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