goals- baby steps

OlearyGirl

I have a hard time making small goals. I tend to jump right into the huge ones- like NO BACON EVER AGAIN! then I fail miserably a few days later. I recently made a small one of drinking soda only on Mondays & Wednesday only and its working out, but thats as far as I have gotten.
So I'm looking for some ideas- what are some of your baby-step goals that help you?
I look forward to your ideas! thanks, Brrrrrt

_Sonia_

Rather than planning small goals (though that's an awesome idea too!), I have taught myself to think in terms of small (non-food!) rewards for eating well and exercising regularly. A pedicure... a book I've been wanting... a new pair of earrings... a glass of really nice wine with dinner (OK, so that's sort of a food reward, so sue me...!)... but stuff like that.

My big reward for losing 30+ pounds was taking myself for my first surfing lesson ever when I was in California last week! Not sure what my next one will be. I'm thinking something nice when I hit the 40 lb mark, but I'm sort of plateauing, so it may be a while!

Most of my eating changes have involved reducing portion size rather than cutting anything right OUT. Like you, I don't do well when I tell myself "Don't do this ever again!" It's too much pressure! So, for example, I have a little stash of fun-size candy bars rather than buying full size ones, for when I absolutely have to have something sweet. I have low-sugar jam in the fridge, and so on. I buy pretzel sticks instead of chips. that sort of thing.

Anyway, I didn't exactly answer your question, but I tried... I look forward to reading other people's suggestions, too!

Goldenwoof

I'm all about the mini-goals. In fact, I wrote a blog on that a few weeks back. Check out my page if you wanna have a look.

In a nutshell, I found it to be too daunting to think, "I need to lose 36 pounds." Because even if I'd lose a couple of pounds, rather than thinking of it being a good thing, I'd think, "Jeez...I need to lose 34 pounds."

Mini-goals have given me a constant source of satisfaction, pride and accomplishment. going from 226 to 220. Going from 220 to 215. Etc., etc., etc.

And giving up bacon forever? That's just crazy talk. Bacon RULES! You can't completely eliminate the things from your life that you enjoy. Just enjoy them less frequently and in smaller portions. Me? I love pizza, and while I hadn't had any in a while, I let myself have a small one today. I don't need to inhale a whole 16" pizza with pepperoni and extra cheese, but a small 9" cheese pizza? Nothing wrong with that at all. Especially since it was a lunch break in the middle of a 22-mile bike ride.

jilleebean777

I have some little goals for weight, little marks in my journey where I will reward myself when I reach those. When I did weight watchers, I joined a group that set every 5lbs lost as a goal, and you reward yourself for every 5lbs. Small, attainable goals, so that you aren't dreading the BIG number overall.
But there are many mini goals that you can work on. The soda one is a GREAT start! I don't know if you have a problem drinking your water, (some do) that can be a goal to drink 1 16 oz bottle of water with every meal (=6 servings), exercise goals are good (time wise i.e. 30 a day min), fruits and veggie goal, the list can go on. It's all going to depend on what you are looking to accomplish on your journey.

I don't know if this has helped...I hope in some way...

jilleebean777

I'm all about the mini-goals. In fact, I wrote a blog on that a few weeks back. Check out my page if you wanna have a look.

In a nutshell, I found it to be too daunting to think, "I need to lose 36 pounds." Because even if I'd lose a couple of pounds, rather than thinking of it being a good thing, I'd think, "Jeez...I need to lose 34 pounds."

Mini-goals have given me a constant source of satisfaction, pride and accomplishment. going from 226 to 220. Going from 220 to 215. Etc., etc., etc.

And giving up bacon forever? That's just crazy talk. Bacon RULES! You can't completely eliminate the things from your life that you enjoy. Just enjoy them less frequently and in smaller portions. Me? I love pizza, and while I hadn't had any in a while, I let myself have a small one today. I don't need to inhale a whole 16" pizza with pepperoni and extra cheese, but a small 9" cheese pizza? Nothing wrong with that at all. Especially since it was a lunch break in the middle of a 22-mile bike ride.

I also agree too, cutting something you love completely out of your life, is bound to set you up for failure. Moderation is key. I have a problem with sweets/chocolate, if I was told I could not have it ever again I think I would suffer a panic attack (LOL) I don't inhale chocolate bar after chocolate bar anymore (yes I used to buy 2-4 and eat them all in one sitting), but when I crave it I allow a little here and there. I satisfy with out over indulging.

And yeah, NO BACON!! WOW!! lol