WEIGHT LOSS : Setting Goals for Success

In my last post on this subject I talked about how to keep your motivation powered up after your first enthusiasm for losing weight begins to wane.  (Click here if you missed it)

I promised that I’d help you with goal-setting which is another very important factor when it comes to maintaining that steady weight loss.

We often set a goal of X number of pounds or stones and this is useful up to a point.  For instance if you set your goal at 2 stone, it could seem too big a goal and too far away to be attainable.  Result : loss of motivation.

So when setting weight related goals, stick to the next 2lb or the next 4 lbs only.  Don’t look too far ahead. 

Also set some ‘prize’ for yourself.  For instance, “when I’ve reached 7lbs weight loss I’ll celebrate by going for a manicure” … or to the cinema or whatever floats your boat.

This way you have something to look forward to.

Taking your focus off weight

Sometimes it’s not a good idea to focus on weight loss at all.  It could remind you too much of other times you failed to lose weight.  So here are more suggestions for other, more effective goals:

• By this time next week I’ll fit into (a garment that’s a bit too tight now).

• By this time next week I’ll have exercised for 15 mins at least 3 times.

• By this time next week I’ll have got used to drinking 1 litre of water every day.

• By this time next week I’ll have cut down on my consumption of (sweets / chocs / crisps or whatever) by one quarter (do the same the week after).

• By this time the week after I shall have enjoyed every mouthful of food and taken my time over it, chewing thoroughly and putting my knife and fork down between mouthfuls.

• By this time the week after I will have parked my car as far away as possible from every destination so that I walk further.

• By t.t.n.w I’ll have sorted out my wardrobe and thrown out everything that’s even the slightest bit too big (keep this up).

• By t.t.n.w I’ll have booked into a weekly aqua aerobics class (or similar).

• By t.t.n.w I’ll have found a much smaller dinner plate for my meals.

• By t.t.n.w I’ll have cut down my portion size of (bread / butter / meat etc.)

• By this time the week after I’ll pluck up the courage to get into my swimsuit and go for a swim at least once a week.

• By this time the week after I’ll have listened to a relaxation disc every night and feel much less anxiety.  Click here to find 4 wonderful relaxation downloads).

• By t.t.n.w I’ll have got used to thinking about how hungry I really am before I eat instead of serving the same old portion sizes whether I’m hungry or not.

• By t.t.n.w. I’ll have started a journal where I track why I’m eating.  Is it because I’m bored or worried.  Is it just because it’s ‘time’ to eat.  Is it because I’m avoiding something else or am I truly hungry.

 

And so on, and so on.  Think up lots of ideas that suit you and your life and your desires.  With this outlook you won’t have to concentrate entirely on weight loss and you’ll get into new and healthier habits automatically and easily.

Make yourself a list and go for one a week or even one a fortnight.  Let yourself really get used to one change before you begin the next.  That way it won’t seem like hard work at all.

Have FUN losing weight
Bee