Set your goals and conquer them one by one! Goal-setting is the first and most important step you can take to keep yourself accountable and maximize your weight loss success.
Here are five goal-setting guidelines to follow:
1) Assess your current situation. Identify why you want to lose weight. In fact, take the time to record on an index card all of the advantages of losing weight. Plan to carry this card with you and read it daily. You can also refer to this card as a motivator when the going gets tough.
2) Prioritize Mini-Goals. Setting mini goals and listing them in order of importance will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and let you focus on achieving goals one by one. Maybe your first week’s goal is to walk for 30 minutes a day at least 5 days each week. Perhaps your Week 2 goal focuses on diet and replacing one unhealthy habit with a healthy alternative. Set achievable weekly goals.
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3) Be realistic. Don’t promise yourself that you will lose 100 pounds and fit into a size 0. Focus on attainable, realistic weight loss goals to avoid burnout and letdowns. Challenge yourself to see results and make sure to reward yourself when you do!
4) Be specific. Set deadlines to achieve your goals. Include specific dates and times to keep yourself on track and motivated to reach them. Factor in other activities in your life and plan how your meal and exercise plan will work with your schedule. Being prepared will save you from discouragement and excuses when you run into potential roadblocks.
5) Write your goals down on paper. Most importantly, seeing your goals clearly written out and in your hand will allow you to focus on them. If you keep them as intangible thoughts in your head, you might forget them and get off track. Keep copies of your written goals around your house in frequently viewed places to remind yourself daily of what you want to achieve! |
