How a 6-Week Gluten-Free Challenge Showed Me the Simple Power of Goal Setting
I tried this crazy challenge! You won’t believe this!
Have you ever set a goal that you thought would be impossible- and then surprised yourself?
That’s exactly what I did back in September after receiving surprising results from a food sensitivity test. Gluten—something I enjoyed daily—had shown up as a high-sensitivity item for me. The recommendation from the place that did my study was to eliminate it for 6 weeks in order to detox and create better resistance to it. Sounded like a good idea, but…
The idea of giving up bread, pasta, and all my favorite comfort foods felt daunting. But I decided to give it a go. It would be a good experiment to do not only because it will help my health but a way to test my mindset, and It actually turned out to be a journey filled with insights that went far beyond food.
Here’s what I discovered along the way about goal setting, resilience, and the power of committing to a change—and maybe a few things that might inspire you to take on a new challenge yourself.
1. Knowing Your "Why" Makes Everything Easier
Starting a challenge like this is no small feat, but understanding why I wanted to do it kept me going. Yes, the test results pointed me toward gluten, but my real “why” was about feeling better, having more energy, and caring for my health. Every time I wanted to give up, I reminded myself of that.
Whatever goal you’re setting, having a clear reason will keep you focused and motivated when things get tough.
2. Accountability Is Key
I told my immediate family about my gluten-free plan so I wouldn’t just “forget” on a rough day. Having people check in helped me stay on track—even when the smell of freshly baked bread was calling my name!
Whether it’s a coach, a friend, or a family member, finding someone to help you stay accountable can be a game-changer for any goal you’re working toward.
3. Small Wins Keep You Moving Forward
At first, I could only think about the things I couldn’t eat. But as I started finding new recipes—almond bread, chickpea pasta, quinoa salads, cauliflower crackers—I realized each little swap was a win. Celebrating each of these small victories helped me stay positive and made the challenge much more enjoyable.
Remember, small wins add up to big change. Each step forward, however small, is progress.
4. Setbacks Happen, but They Don’t Define You
One day, I was at a friend’s house, and there was homemade mac and cheese for the kids. I took a tiny taste, and honestly, it didn’t feel a pang of guilt. I told myself, it’s OK you still got this! I didn’t let one small taste throw me off course.
In any goal, setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t have to define the journey. It’s all about how you bounce back the next day.
5. Your Mindset Makes All the Difference
I leaned on EFT Tapping—a technique I practice with myself and with my clients—to stay centered during those “I need bread!” moments. Tapping helped me manage my cravings and focus on the bigger picture, showing me how powerful our mindset is in any transformation.
Mindset shapes everything. When we can calm our thoughts and stay centered, even the toughest goals start to feel more achievable.
6. Earning Your Success Is So Fulfilling
When the six weeks ended, surprisingly I didn’t go straight for the bread. I didn’t crave it anymore. The pride and energy I felt from completing the challenge far outweighed my need for a slice of toast. There’s something incredible about earning your success by sticking to a plan, even when it’s hard.
That’s the real power of setting goals and seeing them through—you get to look back and say, “I did that.” And that feeling is worth all the effort.
Ready to Set Your Own Goal? Join My Free Webinar!
This gluten-free challenge taught me so much about the power of setting goals and trusting myself to stay the course. This is just a piece of what possible. I can’t wait to tell you what’s possible and more stories!
And now, if you’re ready to work toward a meaningful goal—whether it’s health, career, or personal—I’m inviting you to join me for a free webinar this Friday, November 8, at 2 pm EST. We’ll dive into the tools and insights for making progress with ease and achieving your goals without overwhelm.
Curious about food sensitivity testing? It was an eye-opener for me. You can explore it, too! And here is a 10% discount I have access for you: Check out Food Sensitivity Testing here. Testing can be a great first step to discovering how your body uniquely responds to certain foods and how you might feel your best.
Let’s make your goals feel achievable, aligned, and exciting. I hope to see you Friday!
With love and gratitude,
Elisa
PS: Studies have shown that achieving even a single small goal can boost confidence and lead to a "success mindset," making it easier to tackle other goals. It’s no wonder that so many people find a new sense of empowerment after completing even a small challenge. Statistics show that 80% of people who set and achieve a goal experience lasting changes in behavior and mindset.
