My 4-Week Recovery Goal

I feel better when I have a goal...

If you don’t, this isn’t the blog for you. If you do, keep reading to learn how I’m framing my goals around the early weeks of surgery.

First, let’s talk about how I set goals in general…

My favorite way to set goals is by isolating the outcome I want and the process that will get me there. Here’s an example:

• Outcome Goal: I want to run a mile in 10 minutes.

• Process Goal: I’ll run 30 minutes twice a week and monitor my pace.

But so much of surgery is outside our control, so how are we supposed to set any kind of goal? Especially in those early weeks.

I reverse my thinking and start with the process. What process can I use to stay on track with the routines that will take me to my longer-term goals?

For me, it starts with movement routines.

I don’t know what exercises I’ll be ready for or when yet. I do know that I can move intentionally every day.

That’s the process goal: do daily, intentional movement for the first 4 weeks after surgery.

The what, when, how, where, how much... It will come after I see how the surgery goes. But “daily” is definable. I either do it or I don’t. So I can look back on each day and know whether I hit my goal. 

It seems like a small thing, but I’ve seen so many people lose sight of their health in the thick of surgery recovery. Only to see 6 months go by and realize they’re tired, stiff all over, and further away from the health they want than ever.

You can prevent that by finding a simple routine early, building processes over trying to do it all at once, and keeping sight of your big-picture goals. Even if the here and now feel a little intangible.

What’s your long-term vision for your health and recovery? Have you broken down what processes it would take to get there?

I’d love to hear from you!