Set Your Goal & Time-scale For Your Weight Loss Success

If you want to get fit, get healthy and lose weight it is always a good idea to have a plan in place. This will help you to monitor your progress so that you can see how well you are doing. A great way to do this is to have a specific goal in mind and a time-scale in which you want to achieve that goal.

Your Goal Should Be Realistic
One of the most important factors to success is working towards a goal that is achievable. With regards to losing weight, you want to pick a goal that is realistic. Now working out what is realistic is the difficult part. A great way to look at this is to think about your goals in stages. Instead of thinking about losing 100 pounds, think about creating milestones. Break the task down into smaller figures so that you are not faced with such a daunting thing. Instead of 100 pounds, why not set a realistic goal of 20 pounds. You can also break down your goals into days such as what do you want to accomplish in the next 30, 60 and 90 days. Seeing small progress is what will keep you motivated. Motivation is what will keep you moving forward toward hitting and finally achieving your goals.

What is Realistic’
You know that in order to lose weight, you are going to have to change things in your life. You are going to have to look at either starting or potentially increasing the amount of exercise you do. You are going to have to look at the types of food you eat, the choices as well as the portion sizes. Yes, you can change but it is rare for people to make drastic changes overnight. Be patient with yourself and give yourself time. Instead of having an all or nothing mentality, think of two things you can change this week. 

If you have never exercised before, it is not really realistic to say that you are going to exercise 2 hours every morning. Instead set a realistic goal of perhaps going for a 20 minute walk 3 times a week. Think about the things that you know will take a little adjusting to but are not impossible. You are more likely to stick to your goal.

Your Time-scale Should Be Manageable
Once you have set a goal to aim for, you need to set a time-scale that will make it possible for you to reach your goal. It is no good saying that you want to lose 50 pounds in 2 weeks. I say good luck with that!  This is not a healthy time-scale, especially if you are aiming for long term results. Quick fix programs are a dime a dozen, but they don’t last. You’ll have great success in the beginning but then all that weight returns and sometimes even more. Sounds familiar’

If you have armed yourself with the right information, you will be able to work out healthy weight loss goals. For some of you it will be a bit of a surprise as to how long it may take. I say this not to discourage you to be sure you go into this entire process with an open mind. It is much better to make slow and steady progress than to do things too quickly and in an unhealthy or unnatural way.

Starting January 5th I will be starting a 6 month program that will teach you how to set realistic goals and become your own fat loss coach.