Goals That Move You Forward — Not Away From Yourself

Most people think the problem with goals is lack of discipline.

It’s not.

The real problem is that goals are often created in the mind,
but abandoned by the body.

To grow — as an athlete, a student, or a human being — goals must do two things:

1. Give us direction

2. Help us stay engaged along the way

Let’s explore how to do both.

🧭 Why Goals Matter

Goals are important because they create tension.

And tension is not the enemy.
Tension is what stretches us beyond who we are today.

A good goal should:

• Pull you forward

• Ask something new from you

• Invite growth — without overwhelming you

Without goals, we drift.
With the wrong goals, we freeze.

The art is finding the right kind of stretch.

✍️ Step 1: Write a Clear Goal (SMART Goals)

A goal becomes real when it is written.

The SMART framework helps give goals structure:

• Specific – clear, not vague

• Measurable – progress can be tracked

• Achievable – challenging, but realistic

• Relevant – meaningful to you

• Time-bound – connected to a real timeline

SMART goals give the mind clarity and direction.

But clarity alone is not enough.

🔍 Step 2: Understand the Different Types of Goals

Not all goals are the same.

To stay engaged, we must recognize four types of goals:

• Outer goals → results and outcomes

• Performance goals → how you play, perform, or execute

• Process goals → daily actions and habits

• Inner goals → who you are becoming along the way

Most people focus only on outer goals.

Strong, sustainable growth happens when inner and outer goals are aligned.

🪜 Step 3: Create Milestones and Daily Actions

Big goals fail without small checkpoints.

That’s why milestones matter.

Milestones:

• Break the goal into manageable steps

• Create regular contact with the goal

• Help you stay motivated and oriented

Every milestone should connect to daily activities.

Progress is built daily, not occasionally.

🧠 Step 4: Use the Body to Stay on the Path

Here is a key distinction:

Your goal tells you where to go.
Your body tells you how to go.

If the body is tense, overwhelmed, or disconnected,
even the best goal will eventually be abandoned.

That’s why we need Somatic Dialogue.

🌬️ The Daily Somatic Ritual: Breathe · Feel · See · Act

Before acting on your goal, pause and create contact.

• Breathe → regulate and calm the system

• Feel → notice sensations without judgment

• See → reconnect with direction and intention

• Act → take one small, courageous step

This ritual keeps you present, engaged, and consistent.

🎉 Step 5: Celebrate to Stay Motivated

Celebration is not arrogance.
It’s reinforcement.

When you acknowledge progress, you build:

• Confidence

• Motivation

• Self-trust

Progress fuels consistency.

🧗 Step 6: Be Ready for Obstacles

Obstacles are not a sign you chose the wrong goal.

They are part of the process.

When obstacles appear:

• Don’t quit

• Don’t judge yourself

• Adjust your pace, your strategy, or your state

Growth is not linear — but it is learnable.

🌱 Final Thought

Goals are not just about achievement.

They are about relationship —
with your direction, your body, and yourself.

So remember this:

Your goal tells you where to go.
Your body tells you how to get there.

When both are respected,
progress becomes sustainable — and meaningful.

Tonio Fernandez.