When it comes to goal setting, New Year’s resolutions can feel like an exciting and hopeful way to start fresh. The problem is, for most people, they’re too big and idealistic that they fall by the wayside by mid-January.

Especially when we’re living with a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, we have to get realistic about not only what we want to accomplish but the time and energy we have to put toward our goals. We have our lives to live, health issues to manage, families to care for, and more. When you jump onto a “go big or go home” goal, you’re not giving yourself the best chance for success.

Today, Tami is joined by Fitness Coach and Behavior Change Expert Kerstin Goldstein to talk about all the reasons New Year’s resolutions aren’t that helpful. She also shares fibro-friendly ways to set goals that you will actually accomplish. Kirsten and Tami hope that Kerstin’s story will inspire you to think outside the box about what’s possible for your fibromyalgia healing and that their tips will help you achieve your dreams like they have for Kerstin.

In this conversation, Tami and Kerstin discuss Kerstin’s fibromyalgia diagnosis journey, her experience with the healthcare system in Dubai, how her fibromyalgia diagnosis changed her approach to health and wellness, making the transition to online work for better health management, the mental shift required to make lifestyle changes to support your health, taking a holistic approach to recovery, the importance of small steps, Kerstin’s experience of completing a hike to Everest Base Camp, the significance of mental preparation over physical readiness, dealing with plantar fasciitis, Kertin’s mental preparation strategies, finding the balance between rest and activity for those with chronic conditions, viewing obstacles as opportunities for growth, effective goal-setting strategies for those with fibromyalgia, why Kerstin dislikes traditional New Year’s resolutions, the SMART framework for goal setting, building confidence through small goals, treating yourself with kindness when setting and pursuing goals, managing unexpected life events, how habits and goal setting work together to create lasting change, celebrating small wins, approaching change with a sense of joy and fun, the value of external support, and more.

Note: This episode is not meant to be medical advice. Every person and every situation is unique. The information you learn in this episode should be shared and discussed with your own healthcare providers.