How Setting This One Goal Changed My Life Forever
It wasn't "SMART" — but it was transformational in more ways than one.
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Also, I want to say a massive thank you to all of you — the hurdlers — as the show just celebrated its SEVENTH birthday! What a wild, wonderful ride the past six years have been. My endless gratitude for your unwavering support, for being a part of this community, and inspiring me to be my best self.
Presented by LMNT:
Setting goals feels good. Doing so is linked with higher motivation, self-esteem, autonomy, and self-confidence (Locke & Latham, 2006). Plus, research has established a strong tie between goal-setting and overall success (Matthews, 2015). Growing up, I definitely had goals. I wanted to get into a good college. To act in the high school musical. To be the regional president of my youth group (which foreshadowed inevitable sorority life). Still, the first goal I set that taught me about the true testament of hard work was my freshman year at UConn.
One April night, I procrastinated working on a final paper by deciding to step on a scale that had been tucked under my twin extra long bunkbed since move-in day eight months prior. Waiting for the numbers to populate felt like an eternity. When I was met with the truth — I instantly felt the tears well up in my eyes. I threw on an old high school volleyball sweatshirt and a pair of sneakers, sprinted down the stairs, and down the dark, moonlit road next to my dorm. I ran for no more than 14 seconds before I collapsed in the wet grass below, frustrated with myself and overwhelmed by the truth: I didn’t feel comfortable in my body, and I needed to make a change to better my health.
I’ll spare you a lot of the specifics (you can listen to more on my college weight loss journey, here). My goals: I wanted to feel more at peace in my body, comfortable in my clothes, and lose weight.
Were these “SMART” goals? Absolutely not. For context: “SMART” stands for specific, measurable, attainable, realistic/relevant, and time-bound. However, I did make smaller, incremental goals that were SMART. I wanted to both lose 15 pounds and be able to run a mile consistently during the summer of 2008. Through determination and strategic planning, implementing things like a food journal and setting up helpful parameters (a go-to running playlist, purchasing workout wear, and committing to do activity at the same time every day) — I found contentment investing in myself. I worked really hard. And! I accomplished both of my goals.
All of this to say: That goal taught me what it felt like to achieve. To put my mind to something and work hard. It set the framework for what I know I’m capable of moving forward. Now, I know this: It’s OK to have bigger picture goals. Goals that make you work really hard. Things like “make more money,” or “travel more.” However, the more specific you can get when choosing your goals, the more likely you will be to achieve them.
So, get granular, and start small. In this week’s episode of Hurdle featuring Robin Arzón (linked below), she recommends looking at goal setting like you’re a child on the monkey bars. No one flings themself from the first rung to the last rung without falling on their face. Reach for something that’s more attainable, a 5- to 7-percent stretch, and you’ll find that you’re make positive progress without having to start back at rung one. Something that makes every ounce of your hard work feel truly worthwhile.
PROMPT: What’s one SMART goal you have for 2025?
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
Tool I’m Loving: Best Self Journal 13-Week Productivity Journal
Not the first or the last time I’ll include this here. This planner is my go-to, and I buy one every quarter. Not that I’m mad at online tools like Notion, but there’s something about physically writing things down with pen and paper that makes me feel even more productive as I make my way through my to-do list.
Two of my favorite things in this planner are the habit tracker and the calendar day, featuring a schedule that you can write in time blocks to do specific tasks. If you are a digital lady, check out my friend Les’ new brand, Spacious Rituals. She’s offering a planner for both iPad and Notion, and the templates are absolutely stunning.
I’m Reading: Calling In the One by Katherine Woodward Thomas
Do I truly believe in this? I’d be lying if I said yes. But I have a few friends who have read this book, did the exercises, and ultimately found their current partners. I also have another who mentioned it’s helpful — despite still being single. I’m only on lesson no. 4, but will report back at the end of seven weeks (or maybe, I’ll just hit you with a hard launch, *wink*).
Prompt I’m Loving: Who was the last person that made you smile? What happened?
Quote I’m Loving: “One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy. One of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself.” ― Gretchen Rubin, The Happiness Project
NEW ON THE SHOW 🎧
NEW PODCAST EPISODE 🎧: TURNING THE PAGE: Robin Arzón Talks 2025 Goal Setting & The Power Of Embracing 'Boring' Moments To Really Move The Needle
Season 19, 2025, A LOT to celebrate this week! Hurdle's back from season break with the show's annual Turning the Page series: A celebration of the past 365 with interviews celebrating strong, wonderful female voices. Our first episode features Peloton's Robin Arzon, who's also the Jarrow Formula's Chief of Superior Starts, a New York Times best-selling author, and a mother-of-two.
NEW PODCAST EPISODE 🎧: TURNING THE PAGE: Nikki Ogunnaike On Her First Year As The Editor in Chief Of ‘Marie Claire’, Owning Your ‘No’ & Letting Go Of Guilt
It’s always a good time in the studio when Nikki Ogunnaike comes in to chat. This second installment of Turning the Page is full of great takeaways, as Nikki reflects on her first full year as an Editor in Chief, what she’s looking forward to most in 2025, and the most beneficial habit she picked up over the last year.
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Gotta give some love to LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m a salty sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes are my go-to to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the watermelon salt is my favorite as of late), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
They’ve got a flavor for every taste (my personal go-tos are grapefruit and watermelon). Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack with any purchase. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary. While you’re there, check out new LMNT sparkling, my favorite flavor is hands-down the grapefruit!
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.