Having weight loss goals is a key element to having weight loss success. It's important to have something to strive for and if you pin it down into real live goals, it's "game on" for you. But coming up with just any old goal is not what it's about; there are three elements your goals should have.
First of all, be realistic with your goals. If you're 50 and want to wear the same jeans size you wore in high school, then maybe you're not being realistic. Yes, you'd really love to be that skinny again, but you've lived a lot of life in that body of yours since those good old days. Come up with goals that are achievable for you, although not necessarily easy to reach. Keep in mind your goals will not be the same as your best friend's goals.
Possible realistic goals
* I want to drop 5 pounds before my vacation.
* I plan to buy and wear a new pair of black pants one size smaller before the holidays.
* I'm going to lose 2 inches in my waist and maintain that.
Probably unrealistic goals:
* I'd like to drop 20 pounds a week to get to my ideal weight in 2 months.
* I bought this bikini that looks just like the Victoria Secret model's and I'm aiming to look just like her when I wear it.
* Even though I was a poor half-starved college student way back in the day, I want to wear the same size now as I did then.
Secondly, be realistic with the time you’ve given yourself to achieve your goals. As much as you feel you're in a hurry because your deadline event is looming ever nearer, you can't rush these things or you'll either end up losing the weight in an unhealthy manner or you'll fail. Don't set yourself up like this; give yourself a reasonable time frame. Think one to two pounds a week as being the healthy and realistic option.
Lastly, be realistic with yourself and what you need to do to accomplish your goals. How are you going to do it? Just wishing it will not make it happen. Obviously you have to get off your tush and do something. Start with coming up with a blueprint, an action plan. Maybe you're going to join Weight Watchers, start Jenny Craig, follow the Body For Life program, or begin power walking for 30-45 minutes per day. Those are all action plans.
Along with a plan, you need to set up a support system of caring friends or family who can help plus hold you accountable. While you're at it, figure out what motivates you best and work that into your plan.
It's important to have weight loss goals as a means of helping you along your weight loss journey. Take some time in coming up with your goals and make sure they're realistic including a doable time frame for achieving it and a plan on how to do it.
No comments:
Post a Comment