Setting Goals

scarletspy

I've fallen off the health wagon the past couple of months and I'm starting again in the morning. I think a big problem for me is I've never set a weight loss goal. I have my end goal in mind but it's hard to stay on track when your goal seems unattainable. I want to break it down into more manageable chunks to help keep me on track. I've seen pictures on pinterest, etc of goal/reward charts and I was wondering how you choose your small goals.

So, how do you break down your weight loss journey into smaller attainable goals? How do you choose your smaller weight loss goals?

SezxyStef

I don't choose smaller weight loss goals...I had a number in mind and hit it, I didn't like what I saw and changed it.

Most of my goals that are in increments are fitness goals...but those are broken out into smaller obtainable goals...

For example I had a goal to Bench my nephew...he is 70lbs...I got there so then made the goal to Overhead press him...I got there too..

Rewarded myself with new weight plates...

Now I know this isn't exactly what you wanted to see but it applies.

sloth3toes

Rewarded myself with new weight plates...

Now I know this isn't exactly what you wanted to see but it applies.

You probably needed new weight plates, unless you were planning on overfeeding your nephew to keep up with your added strength.

David_AUS

Absolutely if it supportive break our goals down to realistic chunks. Be careful not to punish yourself as well so make the goals attainable - even very attainable at first. Try to avoid food rewards unless it is a special restaurant you would like to go to, but there are many other rewards such as a manicure or day spa or even smaller things personal things that you like. Make small goals like "drink 8 glasses of water a day"; "try yoga"; "walk 10,000 steps a day for 7 days"; "weight loss by a date - be careful with this one - you need to make this achievable and if you don't you may get dis heartened - see the next point".

These are your goals and you need to be kind to yourself - it is about bringing awareness to where you are making excuses not about beating yourself up if you do not achieve a target. I think it is better to let a goal expire than to push it out. Clean slate principle - if you did not achieve a goal this is just as great - as you are armed with knowledge to set a smarter more achievable goal next time, it is likely that you also were not as clear on why you wanted to lose this weight - re-look at your whys do they really resonate with you - not just "nice to haves", dig a little deeper to get to your real reasons to be fitter healthier.

luluinca

I always have the weight loss goal that I'm shooting for but I set smaller goals monthly. I usually have three or four per month that have nothing to do with the scale. This month I'm keeping my daily carb average under 150, trying to put in 7 hours/week at the gym, swim 3 miles every week for a total of 12 for the month and accomplish 20 up/down planks at one time. If I accomplish all of these the scale will reward me. I write it all down and keep a daily record of how I'm doing.

LTKeegan

I break mine up in 10lbs then 5lb increments (I want to lose 20lbs)

And I reward myself with expensive exercise clothes. (Lululemon tops!)

CarolinkaCjj

I have so much to lose that I think in terms of decades and centuries. For me, seeing the weight continue to drop motivates me and even if it creeps back up, I do not let it throw me off. I celebrate every decade on my news feed and jumped for joy when I got back into the 2nd century (ie under 300 pounds). I think about what rewards would be appropriate - for me, fitting into old clothes, altering the clothes I have and, of course, new clothes are great rewards.

Artionis

My small goals are small successes. Seeing the scale settle below 200 lbs. was a success along the way. Watching the scale stabilize with the two first digits being 18 was another success along the way. Now I'm three lbs away from the 170's. Cool. And I'm officially no longer obese, but merely fat. (Yeah, I know about the unreliability of all the charts, but even so...) Hey, I'm just fat!
My lipid panel numbers have improved dramatically. Success!

I bought two pound weights to walk with -- two extra pounds to carry in each hand feels like a lot. So never disparage a two pound weight loss. If a ten pound weight loss doesn't impress you, buy a ten pound sack of flour and carry it up and down the stairs. Your knees are ever so grateful for every ten pound loss, be impressed with yourself!

I reward myself by having two glasses of wine a week, a nice Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand is my favorite. I energize with Motown and mellow out with classical.

My ultimate goal is 140 -- and if I stop at 150 or even 160 I'm still better off and healthier than I was at 200+. C'est la vie.

And yes, I've had a "bad day" or two -- just chalked it up to "off program" and metaphorically got back on the the horse that threw me. I'm on a journey, and it is within my power not to be deterred by roadblocks and detours. Every step, however small, in the right direction is progress. And for you too.

scarletspy

Thanks everyone for all the advice. I like the idea of making fitness goals rather than aiming for a certain weight. Now to think up some rewards