Do You Set Goal With or Without Date? What Is More Helpful?

msmayor · October 2011

I tried setting goals for other things not weight loss and to no real help - so when I started with MFP I kept far away from dates because maybe I don't want the pressure of feeling like a failure if I don't meet my "date"- so I stick with my various amount of goals because it give me something to work hard for and to look forward to something.... but no dates for me....just would like to know how well does it work for others....

Matttdvg · October 2011

I don't put any time limit on my goals, because I know if I fail to meet the goal in my time limit I'll get really demotivated and depressed. And when I get depressed I comfort eat. So that's counter productive for the entire thing.

But everyone is different. For some people, setting a time limit encourages them to keep on track and get to that goal. It depends on the individual. Do whatever works for you.

auntied · October 2011

I don't set goals... I just do and when it happens I get excited! I don't want the pressure. It's not a race afterall my husband tells me! LOL
Good Luck!

jamiesadler · October 2011

I dont put a time limit on mine. i just set a goal and work towards it.

lafaz · October 2011

I used to feel that way! But whenever you are operating out of fear, you are not operating out of faith - and you can't occupy both places at once. Have you ever heard of using SMART goals?

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Timely

By using dates you keep them very specific - but also keep them attainable! Do something to stretch yourself but also be realistic in how you set them. Even bigger than that -- if you can keep a clear vision of WHY you want to attain these goals - that "why" will keep you moving forward!

MinnieInMaine · October 2011

I'm not a fan of setting dates. What happens if you don't reach that goal? *kitten* Matttdvg said, not hitting those goals can lead to failure if you get discouraged and give up.

Thing is...this journey for me is as much about getting healthy and fit as it is about losing the weight. I've got a goal in mind of getting to 175 by the end of the year but I'm also realistic about it. I know there are the holidays to get through and although I plan on being good, who knows what will happen or what might come up. There are so few things within our control when it comes to weight loss and life in general, why pressure yourself like that?

Just my humble opinion...

msmayor · October 2011

I used to feel that way! But whenever you are operating out of fear, you are not operating out of faith - and you can't occupy both places at once. Have you ever heard of using SMART goals?

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Timely

By using dates you keep them very specific - but also keep them attainable! Do something to stretch yourself but also be realistic in how you set them. Even bigger than that -- if you can keep a clear vision of WHY you want to attain these goals - that "why" will keep you moving forward!

Yes I have heard of SMART goals we have to use them at my workplace when we're working on our yearly review....funny I've only applied this stratergy to work - I will keep this in mind!!!!

carrieliz81 · October 2011

I did not set dates for myself... I too want to avoid disappointment if I don't make it by a certain day. And weight is such a flexible measurement anyway, why set myself up for frustration if I happen to be bloated that week or something??? But -- I do think some personal "challenges" related to timeframes can be helpful. I am particularly good during Lent... I can follow my plan really well for a couple months, and that tends to kickstart good behaviors for me. Also, it's not SOOO long (like a New Year's Resolution) that I give up halfway through.

I also think, related to time and weight loss, that you have to go into it with the understanding that it's going to take a LONG TIME to achieve what you want, and you have to be ready to commit to your plan for a LONG TIME. If you're ready to go all out with it, and are prepared to be in the trenches for a while, it will help keep you going. At least, that worked for me. Not sure what works for others, but everyone is different!

Good luck!

hsk1019 · October 2011

I've been setting time goal of 1 pound a week, and using the dates to monitor my weekly progress - it's also helped with knowing where I should be during certain weeks (holidays, cruise) and what that last week is based on the 1lb a week schedule. I have found it very motivating and realistic (so far)! It's also a great visual - a small calendar/chart by the scale.

Good luck!

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CMmrsfloyd · October 2011

I did not set a date to meet any particular goals, I just work hard and enjoy ever small success along the way. Now 3 months after starting, I'm down almost 21 lbs. I'm about where I figured I'd be by now, but I'm glad I didn't 'set a date' so that I didn't have that added pressure of a 'deadline'. It's hard enough changing your lifestyle without feeling like you have to beat the clock at the same time.

msmayor · October 2011

Wow 3 months that's great... you are moving those numbers good job!

MzBug · October 2011

I didn't set goals, except for a general weight range. I tend to have bad reactions to deadlines...when I don't make it I get upset with myself and give up. No reason to set myself up for failure. I am a little more than half way in the last 15 months that included a 4 month plateau. I have a lot to lose, so I get there when I get there.

splackk · October 2011

While I don't set specific dates, I do join challenges to keep me motivated! Like right now, I am part of a Christmas Challenge and have set a number it would be awesome to see as my goal for the end. However, I take this with a grain of salt. I can't predict when my body will plateau and I know something as simple as eating too much sodium the day before a weigh in can make it look like I haven't hit my target, so I do keep that in mind and reassess as needed. My goals for certain dates aren't set in stone, if I don't see a loss for two weeks I'm not going to cry that I'm missing my date, I'll simply change my "goal" for that period and keep on truckin' :smokin:

Being able to see where I am and compare it to where I would like to see myself by a certain period is more motivating for me to keep pushing, but I could never understand hard and fast "goal dates", how can you predict what your body will do in the future!?

havalinaaa · October 2011

I don't set weight goals with dates, and I only truly focus on 5 lb increments at a time. Like right now my goal is to weigh 145, and that is the number I will worry about working toward til I reach it. I have a reward I receive when I reach it.

I DO set dated goals for lifestyle changes. Like by Dec. 1 I will be going to the gym for three hours at least twice a week. By Feb. 1st I will be going to the gym for three hours at least three times a week.

CMmrsfloyd · October 2011

Wow 3 months that's great... you are moving those numbers good job!

Thanks. :-) I think it's about to slow down though b/c you just can't keep up that pace forever when you don't have a whole lot to lose. I'm halfway to my ultimate goal so I figure it's about time for it to slow down anyway. :-)

I don't set weight goals with dates, and I only truly focus on 5 lb increments at a time. Like right now my goal is to weigh 145, and that is the number I will worry about working toward til I reach it. I have a reward I receive when I reach it.

I DO set dated goals for lifestyle changes. Like by Dec. 1 I will be going to the gym for three hours at least twice a week. By Feb. 1st I will be going to the gym for three hours at least three times a week.

I really like that idea of setting lifestyle/fitness goals/dates rather than number/weight goals/dates. Sometimes you don't have control over hitting a plateau or whatever but you do have control over the effort you put in. That's awesome. :-)

Do You Set Goal With or Without Date? What Is More Helpful?

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