Science has since found that 10,000 steps a day isnt necessary for every person.
Although the 10,000 steps a day target wasnt rooted in science, it motivated generations to move more.
Numerical targets put easy-to-measure parameters around a goalthey tell us how much and by when.
Similarly, whenever you make a New Years resolution to exercise more, youre setting a vague goal.
One reason its difficult to achieve goals like this is because you have no way to measure your progress.
Dr. Fishbach says we often set numerical targets without even realizing thats what were doing.
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For example, imagine you resolve to save $10,000 this year.
Your actual goal is to save money, and $10,000 is your target.
Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Youd hate to stop 100 steps from your step target.
Its important that the targets you set are challenging, measurable, actionable, and self-set.
Being able to set the target yourself is important to your motivation.
Even knowing that 4,400 steps may be sufficient depending on your age, Dr. Fishbach recommends aiming higher.
Set it to 5,000, and then let yourself fall short sometimes, she says.
Targets also increase our motivation because they set a finish line.
Take the example of marathon runners.
Its considered impressive for a runner to finish a marathon in four hours or less.
Dr. Fishbach cites astudyin her book that analyzes data from about 10 million runners.
With the four-hour target in mind, runners close to their goal push harder close to the finish line.
Think about the New Years resolution to save $10,000.
If you manage to save $9,900, youd probably feel pretty terrible because you just missed your target.
But if you save $10,100, that extra $100 doesnt give you much extra joy.
Hitting your target is a psychological reward.
Knowing that targets are important, you’re able to now set them for any goal youd like.
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