I am sure most of you have made one of your NY resolutions to lose some weight and get back into shape. But why is it that within a few months the majority of Americans will lose sight of that particular goal and fall of the horse face first? The answer is simple; not wanting it bad enough and poor planning.
What I mean by not wanting it bad enough is "wanting" to achieve the goal but lacking the "correct drive" and not willing to make the actual sacrifices necessary to stay on track and reach the ultimate goal. Poor planning is part of it that as well.
Here is how you can make it happen!
Step 1: Set a realistic goal
This means setting an actual, realistic (achievable), rational and measureable goal. Don’t tell yourself you want to look like Pamela Anderson by March when you currently look like Roseanne Barr. Or declare you want to lose 20-lbs a week. These are not realistic.
Start off with a simple goal that incorporates a “rational” 1-2 pounds of actual fat loss per week. Anything more would require too big of a change of your current lifestyle and you risk not being able to sustain the change.
Sit down and write your overall goal on paper! ( ← VERY IMPORTANT STEP ). If your goal is to lose fat, break that overall goal into monthly goals, assuming a 1-2 lb fat loss per week. If your goal is to drop size, break it down to ½ to 1 dress size per month. If your goal is an physical activity goal (example; to run a half-marathon, or do so many pushups in one minute) determine where you are at currently and research what are reasonable increments to reach that goal.
Step 2: Plan out your program. Research what you need to do to reach your goals. If you are clueless but willing to make a financial investment, hire a good trainer or coach or an expert.
Step 3: Establish who and what could be potential obstacles and stallers and prepare how you will get around them.
- Toxic people…. Ignore them
- Spouse who won’t be doing this with you- have a talk with him or her and tell him/her what you want to do and explain why it is important to you.
- Money… budget! wisely!
- Demanding boss… treat like spouse but explain that your bettered health will improve your overall job performance and morale (this has been statistically proven)
- Each person will have different obstacles. Figure them out asap!
Step 4: Determine what sacrifices must be made for you to reach your goals.
Step 5: write out your overall program, and place these in various places where you will see them frequently. Taped to your bathroom mirror is one good place, and a reminder on your smartphone is another great idea.
Step 6: If you are religious or spiritual, include your goals in your prayers/meditations.
Step 7: Tell yourself ever day, many times a day that you CAN and you WILL!
Step 8: Now go do it! And don’t just wait until January 1. The sooner the better!
