setting realistic goals

Setting aside obvious things like having a very slim or apple-shaped body and hoping to morph into Sofia Vergara (sp?) or wanting to grow taller and so on...

I think a lot of it depends on how much work you are prepared to put into your fitness/weight loss/etc.

For example, I don't love to work out and I like to eat "treats" on a regular basis. I DO exercise daily and I DO eat a lot of healthy food. But I'm not gonna live in the gym or eat 100% "clean". That's my choice.

I started losing weight at 307 then got to 262 and joined MFP. My first goal was 220, and I reached it in 6 months. So my current goal is 199. I plan to set a new goal of 180 when I reach that goal, and so on. But I doubt I'll ever get smaller than 170 or totally get rid of my belly "rolls", and I am genuinely okay with that. I just don't want to put in that kind of work, personally.

A lot of people are really different though and would definitely have a goal more like 130 or something...and want to lose every bulge. I'm just not that bothered. I may change my mind but I doubt it. OTOH, I am sure there are others out there who are at 250+ and aren't motivated enough to get to 208 where I am now.

I think whatever works for you is a good goal. That's the thing about goals...they're personal! I do think it's easier for some personalities (like me) to start with smaller attainable goals because it can make the whole thing seem less daunting & overwhelming. But everyone's different.

when setting realistic goals what's really realistic and what's considered a pipe dream?

Realistic goals - goals that you are humanly capable of reaching if you work hard enough and are consistent on that. For example - lose 20 pounds in two months, run a marathon, lose 200 pounds, get super fit and get on a cover of fitness magazine one day, become a billionaire in next 20 years, etc.

Unrealistic goals - goals that you will never be able to reach. For example, lose 40 pounds in one week, run a marathon in 30 minutes, fly with your lats, etc.

Well this is my definition of realistic and unrealistic goals anyways. Have to say that I don't like the phrase "realistic goals" because it just so pessimistic. What if I am 200 pounds overweight and my dream is, let's say, to be a fitness model? People will say it's unrealistic goal. No, it is realistic! Everybody can do it if they work hard enough. It may take years but it's realistic.