Did you know that the way you phrase your goals can make or break your success?
Research shows that we are more likely to achieve our goals when they are stated positively rather than negatively.
Think about it—our brains respond better to what we want to do rather than what we shouldn’t do. Instead of framing goals around what you’re trying to avoid, try flipping them toward what you’re trying to gain.
HOW TO REFRAME YOUR GOALS
🔹 Instead of “I need to stop procrastinating,” try “I will take one small step today.”
🔹 Instead of “I want to lose weight,” try “I want to gain fitness” or “I want to have more days where my body feels fantastic.”
🔹 Instead of “I need to stop wasting time on social media,” try “I want to spend more time reading or connecting in person.”
This simple shift in perspective makes your goals feel more motivating and actionable. It’s not about deprivation or restriction—it’s about moving toward something better.
Having positively worded goals also builds confidence. Every time you take a small step forward, you prove to yourself that you can make progress. Confidence isn’t built by eliminating bad habits; it’s built by taking action toward what you truly want.
When you focus on gaining rather than avoiding, you create a mindset of possibility.
You’re no longer trying to “fix” yourself—you’re stepping into a stronger, more capable version of you.
COACHING QUESTIONS:
What better future are you moving toward?
What is one goal you can reframe today?
Helping Our Clients Achieve Their Goals
We help leaders and their teams reach their goals through executive coaching, skill building, and confidence creation.
