Everyone has a goal when embarking on their weight loss journey.
For some, it may be a healthier body. Others may have a specific weight or clothing size they wish to reach. Some may just want to feel better and have more energy and mobility.
Regardless of what it is, a goal is essential to your success.
I think the problem is in the way we think about our goals. When you say the word, what comes to mind? For me, it is a marker in the distance. It is something to reach or obtain.
However, goals should be incorporated into our everyday life.
Instead of prioritizing weight loss as your goal, integrate weight loss into all areas of your life.
Make it a CORE DESIRE.
It is a bit like falling in love with someone. You immediately start visualizing life with them and you incorporate them into all your dreams and plans.
Your goal to lose weight or become healthier is not isolated. It should be a mentality. A way of thinking that infuses into every decision you make.
Another important element to goal setting is learning to work in marathons, not sprints.
We all want it now. Fast results that we can see. And, the weight loss industry has conditioned us to expect this as they have made these lofty promises over and over.
The truth is simply this:
weight loss takes time
you will lose weight at a different rate from everyone else
there will be ebbs and flows
It is important to have that ultimate goal you wish to achieve, but focusing on the mile markers along the way can make the marathon a lot easier.
If you goal is to lose 50 pounds. Set 10 pound goals to keep you motivated. Our brains are programmed to operate on this type of reward system. When we hit a 10 pound goal, we have that feeling of achievement and it motivates us to keep going.
And lastly, set SMART goals.
S: make your goal Specific
A specific weight. A specific size in clothing. A specific health goal such as lower blood pressure, lower blood sugar, or less medications.
M: make sure it is Measurable
This may be in pounds, clothing sizes, inches, A1c, or blood pressure.
A: set Achievable goals
Know your body's capabilities and don't set yourself up for disappointment. Set a goal you know you can reach in a reasonable time. If that was easier than expected, you can recalibrate your goal and go for more.
R: make it Relevant
Will this weight goal be relevant to what you wish to achieve? Will it make you healthier, extend your life, give you a better quality of life, improve your self-esteem?
T: Time Based
Again, have a destination but set mile markers along the way.
Here are some tips to help you reach your weight goal by creating incentives and motivators:
start a "pound jar" by adding money for every pound you lose then spend the money on something nice for yourself
let an upcoming occasion such as a trip, holiday, birthday, or other special event be a mile marker for reaching a goal
get a cheer squad of family, friends, coworkers, or others on a weight loss journey with you who will cheer you on and keep you motivated
create visuals that motivate you each day like a pair of jeans you want to fit into, a picture of that trip you have planned later in the year, or a photo of yourself when you were at your goal weight
most importantly, make a detailed plan to insure you stay on track
I hope these tips were helpful in your goal setting.
I will be focusing more on the holidays in upcoming blog posts. So, stay tuned!
Angie