Setting realistic goals

jessmaus

I've been reading about the benefits of setting yourself goals (and even little rewards, like new clothes or a massage, for reaching those goals) and I want to set them for myself but I don't know what are realistic goals for me. When people set goals are they just a target weight or to reach a target weight by a certain date? Do you find that aiming for a specific number on the scales and achieving that is satisfying, or do you just prefer the knowledge that you're living a healthier, fitter life without aiming for a weight? I feel like I'd work harder if I was aiming for a specific weight by a certain date, but I've no idea how long it takes to get to lose weight (I know obviously it varies from person to person).

My stats are:
5'2"
CW - 143
GW - ?? maybe 115ish (that seems so impossible to imagine now though)
Exercise (lifting and cardio) 5x week
Eating 1,600 cals a day

If I were to set myself 5lb goals, how long do you think they should each be apart? What sort of goals have other people set themselves?

BlueObsidian

I find that setting dates to achieve specific weight loss can be very defeating. Weight loss isn't linear and doesn't always go as you plan, even if you stick to your calories 100% of the time (and many of us have days where we slip up or eat a little more). In past weight loss attempts, I've said that I'm going to lose X amount of pounds this month, or by this date, and if I don't get there I would feel like a failure, even if I had made major progress.

So, I'm trying to focus on goals that are health and fitness related, rather than the number on the scale. When I can run a little farther or lift something a little heavier, that's an important success.