Any journey you take in life will require you to have a destination in mind — and your health journey is no exception. After all, having clearly defined weight loss goals in place can provide you with motivation and direction while allowing you to monitor your progress.
The key is to set achievable goals that will keep you on track. This article explores how to set weight loss goals that are personalized for your success.
Define Your ‘Why’
Ask yourself why you want to lose weight. While the question may seem easy to answer, take some time to ponder it. Really gain an understanding as to why you want to do this. Is it because you want to be healthier and live longer? Is it because you want to gain confidence? Perhaps it is because you have a big event coming up and want to look your best.
Stepping off on a weight loss journey always starts with a vision or hope. What is yours?
Knowing why you are taking on the challenge will make it easier to keep moving forward when times get tough.
Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals
SMART goals are those that are:
- Specific. Define what it is you want to achieve, such as how many pounds you’d like to lose.
- Measurable. Set target goals throughout the journey, rather than one big goal. This ensures you are staying on the right track and keeps you motivated as you reach each target.
- Achievable. Be realistic with your goals and have a customized plan to achieve them.
- Relevant. Know your reason for improving your health and wellness and make sure your goals align with them.
- Time-bound. Set a deadline. This gives you a destination and something definitive to work toward. It can push you harder on your health journey.
The SMART method has proven to be one of the most effective ways to set clear goals for anything in life — including weight loss.
Enlist the Help of a Weight Loss Coach
Setting goals and, more importantly, sticking to them can be hard when you are trying to improve healthy habits on your own. A weight loss coach can be an amazing asset to have.
Not only will a supportive coach help you find solutions and maintain accountability, they will increase your chances of sticking to your plan and achieving your goals.
Celebrate Victories, Big and Small
On a weight loss journey, so much focus is placed on the scale. While the goal is for that scale to continue a downward trend, there are many more things that will happen with your body that you may want to cheer about.
For instance, you will begin to get better sleep. You will have greater confidence. Your energy will soar. You will discover new things. You will push yourself harder in a workout. You will stop eating when you recognize you are full. You will choose healthier snacks over the bag of potato chips.
All of these things deserve to be celebrated. Acknowledge them.
Keep Your Chin Up
Think about it — if weight loss was so easy, it would never even be the subject of conversation and there would not even be a need for this article. Except, it’s not easy. Weight loss is going to come with struggles that may leave you feeling as though you are climbing a mountain with no end in sight.
Keep your chin up.
Goals are a crucial part of getting you where you want to be. But, when you have a bad day and go off-plan, show yourself kindness. Ups and downs are all part of the process.
The nutrition coaches of Beyond the Box Nutrition take you beyond dieting, helping you to create a balanced lifestyle and a healthy relationship with food with a plan designed to fit your life. Feel empowered on your weight loss journey. Visit www.BeyondtheBoxNutrition.com to learn more.
