Planning for Success!

Goal Setting Part I:

As the New Year begins many of us will set resolutions to be healthier this year. Even if it is not one of your New Year's Resolutions it probably is something you think about often. And it is probably not the first time you have set this said goal. In fact it is probably the goal you set every Sunday night only to fall short just a few days later. Am I on the right track? When it comes to goal setting there are a few things you can do to make your goals more realistic. It is all about planning for success.

First, you obviously have to set your goal. Before you decide on a goal to drop lots of weight so that you can look like a supermodel at your high school graduation lets talk about setting a goal that is both ambitious and attainable. Not that I am implying you can't look like a supermodel:). I am talking about the kind of goal that you can stick to for more than a few weeks, even 6 months. Lets talk about goals that will create permanent lifestyle changes.

Before going any further, get yourself a notebook where you can write all your goals down. A place where you can journal your feelings and thoughts, track your food and exercise and monitor your progress. Go ahead and decorate it with motivating pictures and thoughts, make it your own.


Next pick up your pen or pencil and write down your long-term goal. After figuring out your ultimate goal I want you to now answer the question why? Why this goal? Do this until you have found the underlying reason you want to reach your goal. You may discover the reason quickly, or it may take some deep soul searching.

Now analyze your goal even further. Here are a few things to think about...

Is your goal Specific?

What about Challenging?

Is your goal Measureable?

If your goal is a long-term goal have you figured out Short-term goals to keep you motivated through the journey?

If you need to, go back and adjust your goal a bit so that you can answer yes to all the above questions.

I want you to take time to get your goals together before you go any further in the process. Take time to really think about what you want to gain from all this effort. And don't be afraid to dream big. You will have to reach those big goals with baby steps, but if you plan for success you will find it. I came across a quote that I feel applies perfectly in this situation..."Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be."

The road to better health be it weight loss, running a marathon or anything inbetween is often daunting. The journey will be a challenge both emotionally and physically. Don't go into it with a light hearted attitude. Taking your health serious is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those around you. I will hop off my soap box for the day. But I will be back to continue Part II...Creating a Support System.