Why Health Goals Don’t Have to Be Measurable to Be Meaningful
- HonorYourBody
- Jun 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 23
Health goals don’t have to be measurable to be meaningful.
We’ve all heard it: if your goal isn’t Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, it’s not going to happen.
And sure — having clear metrics can help in some cases. But here’s the thing I want you to know:
Health goals don’t have to be measurable to be meaningful.
Some of the most powerful transformations I’ve seen in my clients have nothing to do with numbers — and everything to do with how they feel in their bodies, how they talk to themselves, and how they show up in their daily lives.
In this blog post, we’ll unpack:
Why measurable goals aren’t always the most effective for lasting change
What makes a goal truly meaningful
How values-based goals help you build sustainable habits
What to focus on instead of the scale or step count
Let’s redefine success together.
The Problem With Measurable Goals (When Used Alone)
Let’s be clear: there’s nothing inherently wrong with measurable goals. Tracking things like water intake, steps, or protein can be motivating — for some people, at some points in their journey.
But for many women, especially those coming out of years of dieting, measurable goals become traps for perfectionism, comparison, and burnout.
You might hit your 10,000 steps but feel like a failure if you only got 8,000. You might meet your protein goal but beat yourself up for having dessert. You might track perfectly for weeks and then give up the moment life gets messy.
When we make health about numbers alone, we disconnect from our bodies — and miss the bigger picture.
Why Measurable Goals Often Fuel the All-or-Nothing Cycle
Here’s what I often see:
You set a measurable goal: walk 30 minutes every day.
You miss a few days due to stress, travel, or exhaustion.
You feel like you “failed” and drop the goal altogether.
You decide to start fresh Monday — with even more rigid rules.
This cycle — known as the abstinence violation effect in psychology — is incredibly common among people recovering from dieting.
When we “violate” our plan, we feel guilty, and that guilt leads to more deviation.
But what if the problem isn’t your lack of follow-through — but the rigidity of the goal itself?
What Makes a Goal Meaningful?
Let’s zoom out.
What actually makes a goal worth pursuing?
According to behavioral science, goals that are connected to personal values — like energy, joy, autonomy, or purpose — are far more effective for long-term change than those based on appearance or external approval.
In other words, your goal doesn’t have to be measurable to matter. It just needs to matter to you.
Some examples of meaningful health goals:
“I want to feel strong enough to carry my groceries without pain.”
“I want to feel energized and focused throughout my workday.”
“I want to rebuild trust with my body after years of dieting.”
“I want to enjoy meals with my family without food guilt.”
These aren’t "trackable" — but they’re transformational.
The Psychology of Values-Based Goals
Let’s look at the science behind why this works.
1. Values Foster Intrinsic Motivation
When your goals align with your core values (like connection, autonomy, or vitality), they create intrinsic motivation — the kind that lasts.
Research shows intrinsic motivation is strongly associated with improved psychological well-being and consistent behavior.
2. Values-Based Goals Build Identity
Identity-based goals (“I’m someone who honors my body”) create long-term change by reinforcing who you are, not just what you do.
This shift is key in behavior change models like self-determination theory, which emphasizes autonomy and internal alignment.
3. They’re Flexible, Not Fragile
Values-based goals are resilient to setbacks. You don’t “break” the goal if you skip a day. Instead, you can course-correct without shame.
This is essential for habit longevity.
From Metrics to Meaning: A Side-by-Side Comparison
The difference? One focuses on control. The other focuses on connection.
How to Create Your Own Values-Based Health Goals
Here’s a step-by-step guide to shifting the way you set goals — whether it’s nutrition, movement, sleep, or mindset.
Step 1: Identify Your Core Health Values
Ask yourself:
What matters most to me when it comes to my health?
How do I want to feel in my body?
What do I want more of in my life (not just less of)?
Common values include:
Energy
Strength
Freedom
Joy
Connection
Peace
Vitality
Step 2: Translate Those Values Into Goals
Use this structure: “I want to feel more [value], so I will experiment with [habit].”
Examples:
“I want to feel more energized, so I’ll try adding protein and fiber to breakfast.”
“I want to feel more grounded, so I’ll go for a walk after lunch a few times a week.”
“I want to feel more peaceful around food, so I’ll pause and ask what I need before eating.”
Step 3: Build Gentle Tracking (if helpful)
You don’t have to avoid all metrics — just don’t make them the point.
Try tracking:
Energy or mood (1–5 scale)
Confidence levels
Sleep quality
Wins and lessons from the day
Step 4: Revisit, Reflect, Realign
Values-based goals are fluid. Let them evolve as your needs do.
Every few weeks, check in:
Does this still support my values?
Am I feeling more connected to myself?
What’s helping me feel good lately?
The Bottom Line
SMART goals might help you organize your day. But if your health goals feel like a job or a judgment, it’s time to try something new.
Meaningful goals are flexible, aligned, and rooted in how you want to live. Not just what you want to measure.
So next time you’re setting a goal, try asking:
Does this move me toward how I want to feel?
Am I chasing a number, or creating a new normal?
Is this sustainable — even on the hard days?
Your goals don’t need to fit in a spreadsheet. They just need to move you forward.
“Make it measurable. Make it trackable. Make it SMART.”
🔍 Q&A: Health Goals & Motivation
Q: Isn’t it important to measure progress? A: Progress matters — but it can be tracked in many ways. Try noticing how you feel rather than relying solely on numbers. Subjective progress often predicts long-term consistency.
Q: If I don’t measure my goals, how will I stay motivated? A: Motivation improves when your goals reflect your values. You’ll be more likely to keep going when the reward is how you feel, not just what you see.
Q: Are SMART goals bad? A: Not at all — they’re just incomplete for many women healing from diet culture. Consider using a hybrid approach: values-driven goals supported by gentle structure.
Q: What should I track if not just weight or steps? A: Track what feels meaningful: energy, sleep, mood, digestion, strength, or even confidence. These indicators support health more holistically.
Q: Can values-based goals help with consistency? A: Yes. Research shows that when goals align with personal meaning, they’re more sustainable and less likely to trigger all-or-nothing thinking.
Ready to Set Value Based Goals?
Inside our Honor Your Body program, we help you build habits and routines rooted in what matters most to you. We use a hybrid model with SMART goals and Value Based Goals.
No guilt. No obsession. Just sustainable rhythms, expert support, and a system that works with real life.
Ready to get started? Learn more here!
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