For people in strength training, this is not a new concept. For some time now, this concept has been going around the cardio circuit to help trainers (and trainees!) appreciate getting into an exercise regime.

“Outcome versus behaviour goals.”

Outcome goals are goals built around certain results or desired outcome. Traditionally, outcome goals were used to achieve one’s goals of weight loss or muscle gain. Examples of outcome goals would be “losing 20 pounds in 3 months” or “gaining 20lbs more muscle in a year” (or getting 70% on the next CIMA exam, wink, wink).

It is vital to know the timeline you have to get to your outcome. In above case where you wish to lose weight, you have 3 months as your deadline. However, since the focus is deadline driven, you could literally not do anything from now to the last few days until the end of the 3rd month to start something that will help you lose the weight.

I cannot stress how much frustration this mentality will get you.

There has been a big shift and push to rather set behaviour goals. Behaviour goals are goals built around structure, process and routine to get you to your outcome.

Taking the same example above: if you wish to lose 20 pounds in 3 months, the behaviour goals you will likely set would be: “take up running and go for 20-minute runs 3 times a week” or “eat healthier, reducing salt and sugar intake on food”.

Behaviour goals help to incrementally inch you closer to the result…which is really the more realistic view of how to get to your endgame.

I’ve always likened studying through the CIMA levels to being in serious physical training. So while it is a noble idea to try and achieve 70% on your next CIMA exam, it would be more likely for you to get that mark if you pull out your calendars, map out your materials, and start creating some behaviour goals yourself.

Start here?