Goals based on things you control are good. Goals based on outcomes from complex systems you can’t really control… those will break your heart.
A small daily goal, “eat salad for lunch every day”, is good. Fail today? Maybe you succeed tomorrow. Eventually, maybe you build a habit.
Making your goal “lose 20 pounds” is less good. Your weight is an emergent property of a pretty complex system. There are lots of variables involved. It’s much harder to control. Whatever changes you make to the system around your health and habits to get there might or might not be sustainable. So even if you lose the weight, you might gain it back.
Aim low with a plan to build on little wins. Think micro-goals, not monoliths.
