Setting Your Goals

A lot of people fail to set attainable goals when they have decided to make a lifestyle change. If you have 50 pounds to lose and that's your only goal, you're likely to fail because it will take quite a bit of time to reach that goal. If you set smaller goals that will help you reach you're ultimate goal, you will see progress and have pride in your accomplishments.

Start off by setting SMART goals.

S- Specific goals.

M- Measurable goals.

A- Attainable goals.

R- Relevant goals.

T- Time specific goals.

Specific Goals

It's important to set specific goals that will lead you to your ultimate goal. I'll use the example of losing 50 pounds for these. To get started you should write out a plan that will help you lose 50 pounds; watching what you eat, exercising, drinking more water. So, maybe your first goal would be to start exercising for 30 minutes 4 times per week. You could also break down your goal weight loss into smaller numbers. You could make it a goal to lose 5 pounds your first month.

Measurable Goals

If your end goal is to lose 50 pounds, your smaller goals will help you reach that and being able to measure your success along the way will help keep pushing you. You will need to make sure to track your progress along the way. If you aren't weighing yourself or taking measurements, how will you know how far you've come? In one months time you could be 10% closer to your ultimate goal and that's something to smile about!

Attainable Goals

I've already mentioned that it's impossible to lose 50 pounds in one month. Setting up your smaller goals will help you reach that big goal, but they also have to be realistic. For example, I will lift weights 3 times per week and drink 8 glasses of water every day. I will lose 1 pound every week.

Relevant Goals

Be sure that your goals are relevant. If you are setting too many goals that are unrelated your mind will wander and you will lose focus.

Time Specific Goals

This one makes you work harder towards your goals. If you give yourself a deadline you will push yourself to achieve those goals. For example, I will be halfway to my weight loss goal by Thanksgiving. So, in 4 months you will lose 25 pounds. You could even make those more specific and say, I will lose 6 pounds every month so that I will be halfway to my goal by Thanksgiving. 

Don't forget that life happens. There will be road blocks but, keep pushing forward. Reward yourself every time you make a goal. It could be a haircut, new workout gear, manicure. Whatever will make you feel good about reaching your goals! If you need a plan of action for your goals, get in contact with me. I'm happy to help!