Are you ready for a dose of motivation?

It has to do with working toward goals – and not giving up on them, even when the going gets tough!

It turns out that persistently working toward specific goals is actually good for your health!

We’re not talking about just health or fitness goals. It can be any kind of goal, whether it’s for your career, paying off student loans, travel, relationship goals, or anything else!

This info, which is the result of a study done by scientists at Pennsylvania State University, really hit home because it’s something I’ve noticed in my own life (and also with our amazing members!).

Researchers tracked data from 3,294 adults over the course of 18 years, and they found that the people who showed more optimism and “goal persistence” back in the ‘90s had bigger drops in depression, anxiety and panic disorders over the years.

The most interesting (and inspiring) part was that getting better at working toward goals factored into the study results.

The study participants didn’t necessarily start out with a high degree of positivity or stick-to-it-iveness, but they did WORK at creating those traits – and it helped their overall mental health!

Here’s a quote from a press release from the American Psychological Association about the study…

“Aspiring toward personal and career goals can make people feel like their lives have meaning. On the other hand, disengaging from striving toward those aims or having a cynical attitude can have high mental health costs.”

The thing with working toward your goals (and then achieving them!) is that the more you do it, the more confidence you’ll build in your life. This will keep moving you forward and help you feel like you’ll be able to accomplish ANYTHING you set out to do.

This is HUGE – and it also can be fun and incredibly fulfilling. It’s a skill you can carry into your career, hobbies, sports, relationships, finances … whatever!

And it builds on itself over time.

Here are some things that can really help you when it comes to meeting goals.

If they’re long-term goals (like paying off your house or going from jogger to marathoner) it helps to set smaller benchmarks along the way so you can see and feel your progress. This will help give you a shot of confidence as you tackle each new step.

If you are starting a fitness program, scheduling a free workout at ChicBoxing or deciding to walk around the block a couple nights a week could be a great goal!

Or if you’re focusing on nutrition, it could be making sure you get at least 3 servings of veggies every day.

It doesn’t matter what your goals are, it just matters that they inspire you and that you’re working towards them!

What goals are you working towards right now? Let us know!!  (just comment below!)

If you need help in this area, or are looking for guidance along the way, we can help! Your first month is 60% off if you join by the end of the month!

Maybe that old saying is true! It’s not about the destination, but the journey. 🙂