Goal timelines?

Sea_Witch

Did any of you all who have had success actually sit down and write out goals and a timeline to accomplish them? Check points etc. I think I would like to do this but I don't know how realistic it is to apply the S.M.A.R.T goal setting method to weight loss. Any loose variation would help. Basically anything other than my typical, 'get in shape for vacation'. Something more specific.

SueInAz

I actually did not. Weight loss is a slippery thing and it's not linear which makes time-based goals problematic unless they are very, very generous. Here's something to consider, as well, what happens when you reach that end goal in a certain period of time? If that means you're "done", what next?

jemhh

If you must use the SMART method, use it to set out cutting and maintenance cycles--"I will eat in a 500 calorie deficit until November 15 and then I will maintain my weight through the holidays"--not to set weight loss deadlines.

kshama2001

jemhh wrote: »

If you must use the SMART method, use it to set out cutting and maintenance cycles--"I will eat in a 500 calorie deficit until November 15 and then I will maintain my weight through the holidays"--not to set weight loss deadlines.

I love this so much I think I will implement it for myself

nowine4me

I'm a very goal-oriented person with tremendous focus on deadlines, so yes, I set realistic date milestones and have hit them. It helps me stay focused. That being said, the last time I hit my goal, my project was"complete" and I went back to my old ways. This time (down 70) I will continue to set fitness goals to keep me inspired at maintenance.

Machka9

I did not set up goals for myself. When it comes to a non-linear thing like weight loss, I didn't want to set myself up for disappointment.

When I did instead was this.

I put my details into MFP. MFP gave me 1200 cal. I upped that to 1250 cal.

Then I stuck to that like glue for 16 weeks. Never ever going over my calorie limit in those 16 weeks.

I had no idea how much I was going to lose in 16 weeks ... if any. But I figured I'd give it my best shot and see what happened. At the very least I figured I'd lose 'some' whatever 'some' might be, and that would be better than losing 'none' or staying the same weight.

I lost 15 kg in those first 16 weeks.

Took a 1-month diet break, then tried another 16 weeks at 1350 cal, during which time I lost 11 kg.

I've been maintaining for almost a year since.

Habiteer

Yes.

I'm a little ahead of schedule, but I feel fine. I'm gauging my progress by how heavy my main weightlifting days are.

I started these goals about 6 weeks ago and I have them going for about 26 weeks, but if I'm ahead of schedule I'll probably end sooner.

kommodevaran

I have used the SMART goal approach for weight loss, in fact I believe that it is the best way for many of us, with one caveat, as you have noticed: The time thing can't be used as deadlines when it comes to weight loss, but it can be formulated as realistic milestones - as in, "with a 500 calorie deficit - 500 grams down per week - I can weigh 70 kilos by Dec 12". This is what I have done, and it worked well, I have hit those milestones quite predictably.