Setting Achievable Goals: Supporting Your Nervous System and Your Success
We all love setting big goals, whether it’s to exercise more, eat better, or spend more time with family. But if those goals are too vague or overwhelming, they often lead to stress, frustration, and giving up too soon. The truth is, setting achievable goals isn’t just good for your productivity, it’s also vital for your health and nervous system.
Why Achievable Goals Support Your Nervous System
When we set unrealistic expectations, our body often interprets them as stress. The nervous system doesn’t know the difference between being chased by a tiger and being buried under a mountain of impossible goals it just responds with the same stress patterns.
This “fight-or-flight” mode may leave you feeling tense, scattered, and drained. On the other hand, achievable goals support the parasympathetic side of your nervous system sometimes called the “rest, digest, and heal” mode. In this state, your body has the space to recover, repair, and function at its best.
The Power of Small, Clear Steps
Breaking goals into small, clear, and realistic steps creates positive feedback loops for your nervous system:
Confidence builds calm: Each little win tells your brain, “I can do this,” reducing stress hormones.
Momentum creates balance: Progress in achievable steps helps the nervous system feel safe and in control.
Consistency supports health: Healthy routines regulate your body’s rhythms, improving sleep, energy, and mood.
Small Steps Lead to Big Changes
Instead of trying to overhaul your life overnight, think about the next small step. For example:
Instead of “I’ll eat healthier,” start with “I’ll add one extra serve of veggies to dinner each night.”
Instead of “I’ll exercise daily,” begin with “I’ll do two 10-minute workouts each week.”
Instead of “I’ll spend more time with my family,” commit to “one family walk after dinner each week.”
These steps may feel small, but they build habits—and habits are what create lasting change.
SMART Goals + Nervous System Regulation
Using the SMART framework makes goals both practical and healing:
Specific: Instead of “I’ll get fit,” try “I’ll stretch for 10 minutes before bed.”
Measurable: Track progress with simple numbers or dates.
Achievable: Pick something that works with your current energy and lifestyle.
Relevant: Make sure your goals align with what truly matters to you.
Time-bound: Deadlines create healthy structure without endless stress.
By setting goals that match your body’s capacity, you avoid overstimulating your nervous system and instead promote calm, steady progress.
Staying Accountable
Once you’ve set an achievable goal, keep yourself on track by:
Writing it down: Put it somewhere visible as a daily reminder.
Sharing it: Tell a friend, family member, or your chiropractor for accountability.
Celebrating progress: Recognise milestones along the way to stay motivated.
Final Thought
Big dreams are wonderful, but they’re built on small, consistent, achievable steps. By setting realistic goals that support your nervous system not stress it, you’ll not only achieve more, but also feel better along the way.
So ask yourself today: What’s one small, achievable step I can take that supports my health, my goals, and my nervous system? 🌱
By Dr Kate Mainwaring