Burn Belly Fat and Reach Your Dream Weight: How to Set Goals That Actually Work

Don't we all want to lose that stubborn belly fat, fit into those dream jeans, and feel confident in our bodies. But when life is pulling you in a hundred directions - family, work, friends - getting fit can feel impossible.

Here’s the thing: setting goals is powerful, but most of us go about it the wrong way. We aim for big outcomes - like losing 20 pounds or getting a flat stomach - without having a clear plan to get there. Then life happens: work gets crazy, your kids need extra attention, and before you know it, another week has gone by, and you’re stuck in the same spot.

But here’s the good news: you can set fitness goals that fit into your life and actually help you get where you want to go. And it all starts with changing how you think about your goals. Let’s break it down into actionable steps.

Step 1: Swap Outcome Goals for Behavior Goals

When most women talk about fitness, they start with outcome goals:

• "I want to lose 20 pounds."
• "I want a flatter stomach."
• "I want to get fit."

There’s nothing wrong with having a vision, but focusing on the end result can make it hard to stay motivated. Why? Because outcomes are often out of your control. Things like stress, hormones, busy schedules, or just life in general can get in the way.

Instead, shift your focus to behavior goals - things you can actually control day to day. Here’s an example:

Outcome goal: I want a flat stomach.
Behavior goal: I will eat slowly and stop when I’m satisfied at each meal.

Eating slowly helps you be more mindful of your food choices and prevents overeating. It’s a simple behavior, but when done consistently, it leads to fat loss, better digestion, and less bloating - bringing you closer to that flat stomach!

Here are a few other examples:

• Outcome goal: Lose 10 pounds.
  Behavior goal: Eat until you’re satisfied, not stuffed, at every meal.
• Outcome goal: Sleep better.
  Behavior goal: Create a relaxing bedtime routine 30 minutes before sleep.

Why this works: Behavior goals are controllable, trackable, and don’t rely on external factors. You can practice them every day and feel proud of your progress, no matter what’s going on around you.

Step 2: Turn “Don’t” Goals into “Do” Goals

When you’re trying to lose weight, it’s easy to think of all the things you shouldn’t be doing:

• "Stop snacking on junk food."
• "Stop drinking soda."
• "Stop eating when stressed."

But here’s the catch: telling yourself to stop doing something doesn’t work. Our brains resist that kind of thinking, and we end up feeling deprived or like we’ve failed if we slip up.

Instead, turn these “avoid” goals into “approach” goals. Focus on what you can add to your life, not what you’re taking away.

For example:

• Avoid goal: Stop snacking on junk food.
  Approach goal: Snack on fruits or veggies I’ve prepped in advance.
• Avoid goal: Stop drinking soda.
  Approach goal: Drink a glass of water with every meal.

By focusing on positive actions, you’ll feel better about the process, and the “bad” habits will naturally fade away.

Step 3: Start Small and Build Momentum

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life overnight to start seeing results. In fact, the opposite approach works best. Start with one small, doable habit and build from there.

Here’s how:

1. Pick one outcome goal. Maybe it’s losing belly fat or fitting into a favorite dress.
2. Identify the behavior that will move you closer to that goal. This could be something as simple as walking for 15 minutes each day or eating more slowly at meals.
3. Start today. No need to wait for the perfect moment—small, consistent actions add up. If you miss a day, don’t sweat it! Every day is a fresh start.

Imagine this: You’ve set your behavior goals, and now each day you focus on what you can control. You’re no longer stressing over whether the scale moved or your stomach looks flatter. Instead, you feel proud of the choices you’re making and the progress you're seeing, little by little.

And guess what? That’s the path to real, lasting change.

So here’s my challenge to you:
Start small. Start today. Focus on what you can control. You’ll be amazed at how those tiny actions add up to big results. Your dream weight and flat stomach are just around the corner - you just need to break it down, take it step by step, and enjoy the journey.

You've got this!

Your Health Coach,

Silke 💖

P.S. Don’t forget to share this with a friend who might need a little inspiration on their weight loss journey! 💌

If you enjoyed this article, you will love my FREE Infographic for women 40+ who want to achieve their dream weight without the frustration of endless dieting and unrealistic routines:

Do you need more support in burning belly fat and reach your dream weight without the gym? As your health coach, I’ll guide you through simple, effective steps that fit into your busy life. It won’t always be easy, but together, we’ll make a healthy diet and fitness a natural part of your day.

Take the first step and book a FREE 30 minute discovery call. It's time to prioritize you - let's chat and make it happen.