The Diet Secret Your Performance Review is Missing
"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."
– Robert Collier
When was the first diet book published?
Not in 1958.
Try 1558! That’s right. Luigi Cornaro wrote The Art of Living Long, suggesting people limit their intake to 12 ounces of food and 14 ounces of wine daily. That diet sounds quite intoxicating. Fast forward to today, and the diet industry has exploded, yet only a few programs truly stand the test of time.
Take Weight Watchers (now WW), for example. Founded in 1963 by Jean Nidetch, WW has helped people achieve their health goals for over 60 years. And what makes it stick? It’s not a fad—it’s a system for setting goals and actually hitting them.
This got me thinking about my own performance goals. How could I make them stickier?
Making Performance Goals Sticky
So, I joined WW eight weeks ago—not just to lose those pesky pounds, but to study what makes this program so enduring. I wanted to see how its principles could be applied to setting and achieving business goals. And spoiler alert: it’s working.
Now, let’s dive into what WW gets right and how you can use these strategies to hit your goals this year.
1. Clear, Achievable Goals, or better yet SMART Goals
WW Program: Members set specific, measurable, realistic, personalized targets.
Takeaway: Set specific, measurable goals. Don’t just throw a few KPIs on paper. Break them into actionable steps that keep you focused and on track.
2. Structure with Flexibility
WW Program: The points system provides structure while allowing flexibility. With bonus points to use for days where you may have less control over food options - you have the ultimate choice in how to make your week work.
Takeaway: Set up performance plans with clear KPIs but leave room for creativity. Flexibility helps teams adapt and own their path to success.
3. Ongoing Tracking & Accountability
WW Program: Daily tracking fosters awareness and accountability.
Takeaway: Implement regular progress reviews. It’s about real-time course correction, not waiting until year-end to see how you did. Better yet, find a way to include regular tracking of leading indicators, and use the lagging measures to see the progress.
4. Build a Supportive Community
WW Program: Group meetings and online support create a network of encouragement.
Takeaway: Create a space where your team shares progress, struggles, and wins. Peer support and open conversations are powerful motivators.
5. Positive Reinforcement
WW Program: Celebrating milestones keeps members motivated. The app gives digital high-fives for consistently achieving certain milestones.
Takeaway: Recognize achievements, big and small. Positive reinforcement fuels continuous improvement.
6. Education & Self-Improvement
WW Program: Members learn about nutrition and healthy habits on an ongoing basis.
Takeaway: Invest in training and development for your team. Equipping them with knowledge makes hitting goals easier. Ensure that your training is available at every level, for every career transition.
7. Personalization & Adaptability
WW Program: Customizes plans to fit each member's journey.
Takeaway: Tailor performance plans to individual strengths and areas for growth. One size doesn’t fit all.
8. Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
WW Program: Encourages building sustainable habits that you can use for a lifetime.
Takeaway: Focus on behaviors that drive results, not just numbers. Change happens through consistent action, not quick fixes.
Closing Thoughts
"Celebrate what you’ve accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed."
– Mia Hamm
Joining WW wasn’t just about shedding a few pounds (though I’m happy to report I’m almost 50% to my goal after two months!). It was about learning a process that keeps us accountable, adaptable, and motivated. Imagine what would happen if we applied these same principles to our performance goals.
So, what are you going to do differently for the next 12 months to make sure your goals aren’t just wishful thinking?
