Breaking up your total WL goal

TheCats_Meow
TheCats_Meow Posts: 438 Member
edited October 2024 in Motivation and Support
Who else does this?

And by breaking it up, I mean instead of thinking of the big picture (ie: I've got to lose 50 lbs), you break it up into smaller groups of like 10 or 15.

I'm not sure why, but I found myself getting getting a little overwhelmed when I realized I have to lose a total of 55 lbs. Well, it's down to 48 lbs now, but that's still a pretty significant number and I started to have a little mini freak-out.

Then I clicked on a tab I had opened that had my BMI chart on it and showed at what BMI & weight I would need to be to be considered "overweight" and "normal".

Then it clicked!

Focus on getting out of the "obese" category right now! That's only 8 lbs away from where I'm at right this second!

8 lbs is sooooo much more manageable than my overall goal. Plus, it'll be better for me to focus on the smaller goals so I'll feel like I'm actually making a dent in my journey. I, previously, would always quit because that 50+ number always seemed to be just TOO much for me.

So does anyone else do this?

Just curious :)

Replies

  • spa9177
    spa9177 Posts: 327 Member
    That is exactly what I do. I set myself a goal 10lbs each time instead of a big weight loss goal.
  • kimtpa1417
    kimtpa1417 Posts: 461 Member
    I used the BMI calculator as well. Obese to overweight to healthy. Now I am working on the UGW which is only 12 more pounds. Good luck I think mini goals are great. Find a way to treat yourself when you get to them. It makes it all the worth while.
  • Angelgrl86
    Angelgrl86 Posts: 74 Member
    I broke my 100 lbs down into 20s..
    but I also put in goals of when I would go from "Obese" to "overweight" and "overweight" to "Normal"

    Right now, I'm focused on getting from 224 to 213
  • PatasDeGallina
    PatasDeGallina Posts: 155 Member
    Cassie,

    I think a lot of people do this, and I think it's one of the common aspects of success stories. I also focus on the next 5 lbs. Focus on each day. Focus on each meal.

    I also have a spreadsheet that lists the rewards I'm going to give myself for each 5 lbs lost. Some are simple like getting my eyebrows done or getting a pedicure. Others are more substantial like buying a new bathing suit.

    Also I have next to the small goals the approximated date that I'll have lost that weight by and the event/holiday happening around that time. For instance, I would like to have lost another pound by Halloween and have lost another 5 lbs by Thanksgiving. :happy:

    I also changed my ticker to reflect my actual weight loss over the last seven years and not just since I started tracking 10 weeks ago. It reminds me how far I've come.

    Best of luck to you and your next 8 lbs!
  • Bluejay789
    Bluejay789 Posts: 176
    Yes.......... I do increments of 2-3 pounds. Goals I can actually make.

    I started at 190. Dropped 3 pounds and went to 187. Set my next goal to 185... 2 Pounds.

    Then I went to 183 set my goal for 3 pounds and then went to 182 set my goal to 2 pounds and went to 180.

    Then I set my goal for 1 pound trying to get under 180. Got to 179 and set my goal to 2 pounds and then so on.

    I set mini goals that are achievable so that I am not disappointed. I hit a plateau in September. For 2 weeks I could not drop one pound! Then I dropped 2 pounds and the weight is still coming off. I am 160 now my current goal is 1 pound to get under 160.

    I have to be able to stay at that same weight or lose in order to feel like I have actually been successful.

    Set mini goals and when you do hit a plateau do not give up. Keep eating right and exercising. I could set goals of increments of 10 pounds but that takes over 5-6 weeks and I need weekly goals to keep me motivated for the next goal. I am now at my half way point. Total goal is 60 pounds.

    You can do it. I have some tips I can send that I have learned while on MFP, if you want them I will be glad to share what to do and what not to do so you are successful. Send me an email requesting tips and I will send to you as I have them in a word document.

    You can do it! If I can lose 30 pounds you can too!
  • usmcmp
    usmcmp Posts: 21,219 Member
    I started at 217 and each time I focused on making it down a level. First was out of the 200's, then out of the 190's, 180's and right now I can't wait to leave the 170's. Focusing on a smaller goal helps me from feeling like I will never get there. At 217 I couldn't imagine being in the 170's, but I'm here!
  • cirellim
    cirellim Posts: 269
    I think this is by far one of the best idea's there is when it comes to weight loss and anything else in life really. Baby steps, it can be really easy to get all frustrated when looking at the big picture especially when it comes to something as difficult as weight loss however, if you choose to say ok forget 50lbs and lets set a goal of 5 first. Upon reaching that goal I personally believe it gives you a level of satisfaction and accomplishment, pushing you to set another small goal and achieving that one as well. I actually even do this in my cardio instead of telling myself I still want to do another 30 minutes of sprints or low intensity I say just get through 5 more minutes and MAYBE I'll just stop there. Even though I know I'm lying to myself and know for a fact there's no chance I'm stopping it helps the time pass and still tricks my mind into believing I'm not doing as much as I really am.
  • TheCats_Meow
    TheCats_Meow Posts: 438 Member
    Thanks guys!

    It helps to know others have had better success when they focus on smaller goals.

    It just took me a little longer than normal to figure out what works best for me!

    Y'all are the best! :bigsmile:
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