Getting Curious About Your Health (Instead of Setting More Goals)

If you’re anything like me, you’ve set health goals before—lots of them.
Some stuck for a while. Some fizzled out in a week.
And some… well, they barely made it past the pretty new planner stage.

With Hashimoto’s, the “goals” approach often left me feeling like I was sprinting toward something while my body was begging me to slow down. Every flare, every wave of fatigue, felt like proof I wasn’t “sticking to the plan.”

Until one day, I tried something different.
I stopped setting goals altogether.
And I started getting curious.

Why Curiosity Feels Different

Curiosity doesn’t ask, “Did you hit the target?”
It asks, “What would happen if…?”

It’s softer. Kinder. And somehow, more energizing.
Instead of pushing, curiosity invites you to explore—without the guilt trips.

• What foods make me feel lighter after I eat?

• What happens if I swap my afternoon coffee for an herbal tea this week?

• How do I feel after sitting in the sun for 10 minutes?

These aren’t tasks on a checklist. They’re open-ended invitations.

When Goals Backfire

Goals are usually about an outcome: “I’ll walk 5,000 steps a day,” “I’ll lose 10 pounds,” or “I’ll meditate for 15 minutes every morning.”
Sounds good… until you miss a day. Or two. Or a week.

Then the inner critic shows up: You failed. You’ll never stick to anything.

When you’re living with an autoimmune disease, those rigid rules rarely leave space for the realities of energy crashes, flares, or sleepless nights.

Curiosity in Action

When I get curious, I don’t worry about “breaking the streak.” I just keep asking questions and making small pacts with myself.

A few examples from my own life lately:

• “What happens if I eat breakfast within 30 minutes of waking up?”

• “Could I stretch for five minutes before I brush my teeth?”

• “I wonder if taking a walk at lunch time will boost my energy.”

Some experiments feel good. Others… not so much. But that’s the point. I’m gathering information, not chasing perfection.

Why This Matters for Moms with Hashimoto’s

Curiosity turns your health journey into a living conversation with your body.
It lets you adapt. Pivot. Celebrate tiny wins without the pressure of a finish line.

And maybe most importantly, it helps you notice the little moments:
The first day in months, you don’t feel foggy.
The joy of having enough energy to play on the floor with your kids.
The way your shoulders drop when you take three slow breaths before dinner.

This week’s invitation: Instead of setting another health goal, pick one thing you’re curious about. Try it for a few days. Pay attention. Let your body tell you the rest.