Statistics show that only 18% of those 60 and older set goals that can make their life better for 2024. Why is setting goals so important for active agers and how to accomplish them?

Knowing that Jean keeps up with how much she walks every day, I asked, “How many miles did you walk last year?” She replied, “2098”. I said, “Wow, what is your goal for 2024?” She said, “More than that” (FYI those were measured miles on her elliptical, hikes, or walks, not including other steps during the day). Jean didn’t ask me how many miles I walked because she didn’t want to make me feel bad. No, I am not “Wonder Woman”, I walked a little under 1100 miles in 2023. My goal for 2024...1200 miles.

I think we all want to live better lives than we did this past year. Setting measurable goals is the best way to start on the road to making that happen. If you happen to be one of the 82% that didn’t set goals here is something I found that will help you. Accomplishing goals for 2024 is not so much about stopping bad habits that prevent you from accomplishing your goals as it is replacing them with good habits that do.

For instance, if you want to eat healthier and exercise more start with replacing 20 minutes of your Facebook time with a mile walk.  Replace an hour of TV 3 days a week with a trip to the gym. Replace the bowl of ice cream in the evening with an apple. Replace the burger with grilled chicken.

Want to get closer to the Lord? As you are cleaning the house or working in the yard replace 20 minutes of listening to nothing with an audible Bible reading plan or a devotional.

Want to reconnect with old friends? Replace eating meals at a restaurant with walking 30 minutes or playing pickleball with them. You can still go to the restaurant afterward? Just replace the pasta meal with a grilled shrimp salad. Both of you will end up eating less, feeling better, and looking forward to doing it again.

The same with all the other goals you want to accomplish…spending more time with your spouse, getting out of debt…

So, I would love to hear about your goals for 2024. You know that sharing your goals with others is the best way to hold yourself accountable for accomplishing those goals.

Just to give credit where it is due…I didn’t come up with this, it’s all in God’s word. Read about the principle and significance of replacing bad things with good things in Matthew 12:43-45.