Let's Set Goals That Actually Work
A smarter framework for January (and the rest of the year).
By: Erica Giovinazzo - MS, RD, IFNCP, CF-L2
Erica’s Edge Nutrition & Training
It’s that time of year everyone!
If you love how the new year feels like an invitation to pause, take stock of where you are, and visualize where you want to be – you’re in good company. And if you’re feeling that extra spark of motivation right now – Lean into it. Ignore the haters who poo-poo the New Year vision boards and goal setting. Momentum is momentum, and we’re going to use it.
But let’s do it the right way.
Here’s how to set goals that actually help you get to where you want to get to.
Step 1: Create a vision for the identity you want to have.
Goals without a clear vision don’t have much purpose. So let’s get crystal clear. Before we start talking about numbers, plans, or timelines, you need clarity around what you actually want your life to be like. Picture yourself in your ideal identity:
How do you want to feel - physically and mentally?
What kind of energy do you want to have?
How are you eating? What foods? What drinks?
What activities are you doing?
How are you sleeping?
Picture your identity in as much detail as possible, and use all your senses.
Step 2: Evaluate the vision.
Is your vision realistic? Is it lofty enough? DREAM BIG.
As high-performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais says, your vision is your ceiling. You’re unlikely to outperform the story you tell yourself about what’s possible – so make that story big.
Be audacious. Be bold. Be brave.
Step 3: Create a timeline and a sense of urgency.
Goals that are too far away give your mind endless opportunities to procrastinate, and we are really, really good at creating excuses why we need to start…
“Monday.”
“Next week.”
“After this trip.”
“Once work calms down.”
Long-term goals are great - as long as you pair them with short-term targets to light a fire under your butt. What will you commit to in the next month that is a stepping stone to your bigger goal?
I like to reverse-engineer just one month at a time. You don’t need a hyper-detailed plan for July right now. Let’s just figure out January. Then reassess monthly.
I have a recurring calendar reminder at the end of each month to review my vision and my action goals. Am I moving towards the overall vision? If not, why not? What do I need to adjust?
Step 4: Create ACTION goals.
This is why I don’t really care about number-based goals (like a weight loss number): It’s not something you can DO. Any sports psychologist working with elite athletes focuses on behaviors, not outcomes. Winning first place is what every athlete wants, but it’s a result – not an action. Remember the question: What can you DO?
Ask yourself:
What’s your mindset like?
How strictly are you following your macros?
How many workouts per week are you getting in?
Do you need to sign up for some extra accountability (like a group challenge or private nutrition coach) to stay consistent early on?
Your action goals should align with your vision, seem interesting and attractive, and be challenging but still achievable so that you are set up for success.
Step 5: Give yourself a star. ⭐
If you know me, you know that I’m serious.
Buy a calendar with pictures that you love. Get some star stickers. Give yourself a star every day that you accomplish your action goals.
Think it’s childish? I don’t care – it works! There’s nothing like giving yourself a visual reminder and a little pat on the back (or friendly nudge) every day.
Step 6: Set reminders and reassess.
I love the Tasks feature in Google Calendar, but use whatever system works best for you. Set reminders for your daily actions and a monthly check-in.
Let your goals evolve as you do. Take a look at them monthly so they stay urgent, motivating, and in alignment with your vision.
Goal-setting doesn’t need to be dramatic or extreme to be effective. It just needs a clear vision, actionable items, consistent effort, and a willingness to do a self-vibe-check regularly. When you build this into your life, progress becomes inevitable. Never perfect. Certainly not linear. But real. Effective. And very possibly, life-changing.
In health & happiness,
Erica Giovinazzo, MS, RD, IFNCP, CF-L2
Want support with your nutrition and lifestyle goals?
I’ve got you covered.
👉 Private Nutrition Coaching
Choose a single session or ongoing 1-on-1 support tailored to you.
👉 Group Nutrition Coaching
Personalized guidance in a group setting — ideal if you want structure, accountability, personalized macros, deep dive live video meet-ups, and weekly recipes.
The Edge Nutrition Group opens new spots at the start of each month.
👉 The Food & Fitness Challenge (Next dates: Jan 12 - Feb 22, 2026)
One prep week + five weeks of hard-core, get-the-heck-after-it kind of effort. Personalized macros, clear goals (no alcohol, added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or gluten, limited sugar alcohols), and targets for fitness and lifestyle changes. You’ll also get daily videos and emails, a cookbook, grocery list, tracking sheets, and unlimited group access to Erica for all your nutrition/lifestyle questions. To give you more incentive — a $200 cash prize for the top participant. 🚀 The FFC runs 3x/year— winter, spring/summer, and fall.
👉 The Longevity Challenge (Jan 12 - Feb 22, 2026 – only offered once/year)
Designed for those with a solid grasp on macros who want to go deeper. This is next-level work – micronutrients, gut health, and practices to live a long & healthy life. Not for the faint of heart. For more information and the link to sign up, click HERE.
Ready to choose your direction and commit? Let’s do this.