When it comes to New Year’s resolutions—and goal setting in general—there seem to be two competing schools of thought in the fitness and wellness world. On one side, we have outcome-based goals. On the other, process-oriented goals. These two approaches are often pitted against each other as if you must choose one and reject the other.
The truth? Both can work. Separately and together.
Understanding the difference—and knowing when to use each—can make the difference between spinning your wheels and making real, sustainable progress.
What Are Outcome-Based Goals?
Outcome-based goals are focused on achieving a specific, measurable result. They are fixed milestones with a clear finish line.
In the health and fitness space, common examples include:
- Losing 25 pounds
- Bench pressing 225 pounds
- Running a sub–7-minute mile
- Completing your first pull-up
These goals are concrete and motivating. They give you something tangible to aim for and can provide a strong sense of direction and urgency. For many people, outcome goals are exciting—they answer the question, “What am I training for?”
However, critics of outcome-based goals often point out their downsides. If you fall short of your target, it can feel like failure. If you achieve it, the satisfaction may be brief, leaving you asking, “What’s next?” This can turn goal chasing into a never-ending cycle.
What Are Process-Oriented Goals?
Process-oriented goals shift the focus away from the destination and toward the behaviors that get you there. Instead of obsessing over a future result, you commit to consistent actions that align with the identity you want to build.
For example, if you want to become a reader, an outcome goal might be “read 20 books this year.” A process-oriented goal would be “read for 10 minutes every day.”
In fitness, process goals might include:
- Strength training three times per week
- Going for a 20-minute walk every day
- Establishing a consistent bedtime routine
- Preparing protein-focused meals ahead of time
These goals are powerful because they focus on habit formation and identity. You’re no longer trying to work out—you’re becoming someone who trains consistently.
Why the “Either/Or” Debate Misses the Point
In the wellness space, it’s common to see one approach promoted by tearing down the other. Process goals are framed as superior because they’re “sustainable,” while outcome goals are dismissed as shallow or demotivating.
But this creates a false conflict.
The reality is that both types of goals can be effective, depending on your personality, experience level, and current phase of life.
If you’re just getting started, chances are you haven’t yet built the systems and habits required for long-term success. In that case, process-oriented goals are often the best place to begin. They help you lay the foundation.
If you’ve been training consistently for years and already have strong habits in place, outcome-based goals can sharpen your focus and help you channel your effort more precisely.
How to Use Outcome and Process Goals Together
These two approaches are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they often work best when combined.
An outcome goal can act as your north star—a long-term objective that gives direction to your training. Process-oriented goals then become the daily and weekly actions that move you toward that outcome.
For example, if your goal is to lose 50 pounds this year, that outcome provides clarity. Your process goals—daily movement, consistent sleep, nutrition habits—are the stepping stones that make it achievable.
The Bottom Line
There is no universally “right” way to set goals. The best approach is the one that works for you, right now.
You don’t need to pick a side. Build systems if you don’t have them yet. Use outcomes to guide and refine those systems once they’re in place. You can rely on one type of goal—or both.
Progress isn’t about ideology. It’s about alignment, consistency, and choosing the right tool for the job.
See you in the gym.