inportance of keeping track of progress?

londonboyben

hello all

decided about 2 weeks ago to change my lifestyle, cut out the junk and start working out, think i have done better than i expected too in that sense,
however i never set my self any goals, have no idea how much i weigh?, and truthfully have no set target i wish to achieve
basically i am just getting on with it and seeing where it takes me,

is this a common thing or should i really be setting myself targets?
if i knew exactly what i wanted maybe i would have but i have no ideal weight that i want to achieve, rather i just want to look a bit healthier

as long as i see any minor changes to my body is that enough to keep motivation up?

thanks

dgoradia

If it works for you then great.

Defining goals or set points in their journey's find better adherence as they are "on their way". To the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. Whatever that may be for them.

Defining goals helps you plan to reach them, helps you perform to reach them and let's you know if you're wavering or deviating from the goal. For most of us here, it's very important and many of us know where we'd like to be in 1 month, 6 months or 1 year. I know I do.

mkmerrill

Change takes time to see results. Even if you don't track your weight track your food. Most of us need to see what we are actually eating so we can be accountable. I think the little things keep you motivated. Weigh, measure, track

EHisCDN

When I started out I set a weight goal for myself. Now that I've been continuing I don't really know, I'll just judge based on how I feel and look in the mirror. That being said I am starting to have fitness goals (for the first time in my life!). I've begun cycling and my usual route takes about 30mins, my new goal is to extend that to 45 mins. Hopefully my rides will eventually get to 1 hour at a time.

Everyone is different and has different motivators. I see this as a new lifestyle so I'm here for the long haul and sustainability is key. My goal is to figure out what works with me and stick to it.

Best of luck!

Duck_Puddle

My goals are to eat "better" and exercise. As long as I achieve those goals, the weight will come off. I don't have a hard and fast "goal" weight (although mfp makes you choose one). I strive to achieve eating and exercise habits I can maintain forever. There isn't any "done" to this-the habits must continue forever. If those habits lead me to stay the weight I am forever, I'm ok with that.

As for measuring progress-I'd stick with whatever you can possibly use. I didn't start this all on purpose, I have no before photos, no before measurements. And I look at myself now and see no difference. I know I'm smaller, I just don't see it or feel it. Although I don't have a specific weight goal in mind, I need something to remind myself that achieving my eating and exercise goals IS producing results. You may not need that validation.

Whatever works for you is what matters. FWIW, I wish I could turn back the clock and take some "before" photos and measurements.

londonboyben

thanks all

think my issue is i am not sure exactly where i want to get, just that i want to get somewhere,
also not even sure what an ideal weight would be for me?, just want a smaller body

got no pictures taken yet as my before photo to compare, but maybe thats what i should do and use it as my goal setter,

everyone i seen on mfp had goals and i was thinking i maybe had made a mistake in not setting some

TheBeerRunner

You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. Some people are very driven by numbers, others are driven by visual results (loss of inches, increase in muscle tone, etc.). Do whatever works for you, there is no one thing that works for everyone (aside from calorie deficit, if you eat less than you burn, you will lose weight.) Logging your daily food intake will be eye opening at first, and sets you up for success, but again, plenty of people have lost weight without doing it too.