The Worst Health Goals That Set You Up for Failure

Let’s be real—everyone starts a health and fitness journey with good intentions. 

But not all goals are actually helpful. In fact, some can do more harm than good, making you frustrated, burnt out, or stuck in an endless cycle of starting over. 

If you want real, lasting progress, here are the absolute worst health and fitness goals you should avoid at all costs.

One of the biggest mistakes? Setting a goal like, “I want to lose X pounds by X date.” 

While weight loss can be a valid goal, focusing only on a number is a recipe for frustration.

Your weight naturally fluctuates due to water retention, muscle gain, and hormones, so the scale doesn’t always reflect progress.

Instead, focus on how you feel, how your clothes fit, or how much stronger and more energized you are. Those wins matter way more! 

Another goal to avoid? “I’ll work out every single day.”  Love the motivation, but this is a fast track to burnout. Your body needs rest to recover and get stronger. Instead of going all in and exhausting yourself, aim for consistency over intensity.

Working out 3-5 times a week with rest days built in is way more sustainable—and your body will thank you for it. 

Lastly, beware of the goal “I’ll completely cut out [favorite food].” Whether it’s carbs, sugar, or anything else, extreme restriction almost always backfires. The more you tell yourself you can’t have something, the more you crave it.

Instead, aim for balance—eat nutritious foods most of the time, but leave room for the things you love. A single slice of pizza won’t ruin your progress, I promise. 

The best health and fitness goals are the ones that set you up for long-term success. Focus on habits, strength, and overall well-being instead of chasing unrealistic or extreme targets.

When you take a balanced approach, progress becomes so much easier—and way more enjoyable. 

Tiana Joelle