The secret's out... How to set goals you'll love to achieve

Can you guess what our Vitality Year in Review stats revealed as the most active day for Vitality members in 2022? It wasn't 1 January... but 8 February!

So, whether you want to improve your health, get fit for your next birthday or strengthen your mind for the year ahead, you can start right now.

Your first step? Setting a goal.

How do you set goals, anyway?

We recommend starting with a healthy dose of self-reflection. Write in a journal or send a voice note to your friend asking yourself:

1. Where do I want to be in my wellness journey in six months or a year?
2. How healthy am I right now and what would I like to change?
   • A health check can help with that! Plus, Discovery Health Medical Scheme covers one check a year from your screening and prevention benefit.
3. Where do I need the most support? Eating well, exercising, managing my stress or all of them?
4. What's the one thing I can do today to achieve the life I want to live?
5. Who can I share my goals with to support me on my journey?

Once you've reflected on what you want, you can set goals with intention that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely (aka SMART goals).

Make sure you choose a goal that's right for you and what you need. Then break it up into small, manageable steps that are easy to achieve.

Small steps = big results

Let's say your goal for 2023 is to eat more healthily. One simple thing you can do today is change how you pack your fridge and pantry.

Vitality dietitian Terry Harris recommends putting healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk and wholegrains at eye level where they're easily within reach.

Maybe you want to get off the couch and start moving or run a full marathon this year. Find yourself an emotionally supportive workout buddy to help you stay on track and enjoy your exercise more. You can often find awesome accountability buddies at the gym or a local running or cycling club.

Maybe you really want to focus on your mental wellbeing this year. We have loads of resources available to help you boost your resilience and wellbeing and lower your risk of depression and anxiety. Get 3 months free Vitality to crush your goals and get rewarded.

One last thing... have fun!

A science-based technique that really works is making your goal fun by pairing it with something you love. For example:

• Make a playlist of your favourite songs to play while you walk, run or exercise at the gym with discounted monthly gym fees.
• Book a spa day to reward yourself after completing essential Vitality health checks.
• Binge-watch your favourite show or go watch a half-price movie on Friday to reward yourself for practising mindfulness during the week.

The important thing is to keep going and to reward yourself for every small victory and big success along the way. And if things don't go according to plan, be kind to yourself, and try again tomorrow. Because the journey is the reward.

Need a little extra help to achieve your healthy goals in 2023?

Discovery Vitality can help Discovery Health Medical Scheme members like you achieve your goals at no cost for three months... and reward you for making healthy choices.

And enjoy all the benefits of Vitality from day one.

Live Life with Vitality.