Turning Resolutions into Reality: The Power of Sub-Goals

A funny question to ask maybe in September but, did you make any New Year’s resolutions? And have you kept any of them?

Maybe you wanted learn a new skill, or finally tackle that long-overdue project but like most resolutions it fizzled out mid-January, to re-emerge maybe same time next year.

But here’s a little secret to helping making those resolutions stick any time of the year: break them down into smaller, manageable sub-goals.

The Power of Sub-Goals: A Proven Strategy

One of the earliest studies on the impact of sub-goals dates back to 1981. Psychologist Albert Bandura conducted research with students who were struggling with their maths.

Instead of asking them to conquer everything at once, he suggested breaking down their tasks. Specifically, students were asked to complete just six pages of subtraction problems per session.

The results were impressive. Students who tackled these small, manageable sub-goals showed rapid progress. They achieved greater mastery of mathematical operations, and their interest and confidence soared.

The key takeaway from this study is that when we set and achieve small goals, our motivation and self-belief get a significant boost.

Modern-Day Success: How Noom Utilises Sub-Goals

Fast forward to today, and you’ll find that this concept is not just a relic of the past but a cornerstone of effective goal-setting strategies. Take the psychology-based weight loss app Noom , for instance.

It’s built on the principle of breaking down big aspirations into bite-sized, achievable tasks. Here’s how Noom uses sub-goals to help users achieve their weight loss dreams:

Logging All Meals ??

• By keeping track of what you eat, you stay mindful of your dietary choices. This simple act can be surprisingly effective in guiding you towards healthier habits.

Regular Weigh-Ins ??

• Frequent check-ins on your weight keep you connected to your progress. It’s a great way to stay motivated and adjust your strategies as needed.

Reading Short Lessons ??

• Daily educational snippets keep you informed and inspired. They offer valuable insights and practical tips to keep you on track.

These small actions might seem minor, but they provide a steady sense of achievement and progress, which can be incredibly motivating. Noom’s approach shows that breaking down your main goal into daily sub-goals can lead to real, lasting results.

Why This Works: The Psychology Behind It

The science behind this is clear: smaller, achievable goals prevent you from becoming overwhelmed and maintain motivation.

Each small victory creates a sense of accomplishment and this moves you forward to your larger objective, building momentum and keeping you focused.

Final Thoughts

I enjoyed reading and learning about sub-goals. Remembering to break your big goals into smaller, actionable steps is useful in many aspects of our daily life. And by celebrating each little victory it's easier to stay motivated.