Weight Loss Goal

Setting a weight loss goal is your first step to getting healthy and fit. A good weight loss goal is "SMART":

Specific: Clearly define your goal and give as much detail as possible. "Losing a few pounds" or "getting in shape" are general goals. "I will lose twenty pounds in five months by going to the gym 6 days a week, cutting out processed carbohydrates, and eating 5 small balanced meals a day" is a specific goal.

Measurable: You must have some way to measure the progress of your goal, and luckily for us, weight loss is easily measured via the scale. Your weight can fluctuate on a daily basis, so weigh yourself once a week rather than once a day. Weigh yourself on the same scale, at the same approximate time, and wear the same clothes each time for an accurate assessment.

Attainable: Your goal should be challenging, but not too extreme. Trying to lose too much weight too fast is simply setting yourself up for failure. It took months to put the weight on - it will take months to take it off. Realize that, and set a goal of losing 1-2 pounds a week, which is an attainable goal.

Realistic: Your goal must be something that you are willing and able to work towards achieving, and that is realistic for your current situation. If you can realistically only get to the gym three times a week, choose to lose one pound a week. If you and your workout buddy have committed to working out six days a week, aim for 2 pounds a week.

Timely: Set a specific time frame for achieving your goal. Without a time frame, there is no sense of urgency in achieving your goal. So pick a start date and an end date for achieving that goal.

Now that you're familiar with S.M.A.R.T. goals, it's time for you to set a SMART goal for your weight loss. Here are a few more tips for setting goals:

Write it down. Writing goals down on paper is critical. A written goal is much more concrete than a goal that is simply floating around in your head.

Post it prominently. Place your written goal in places where you will see it throughout the day.

Tell the world. Or at least your friends and family. Ask them for their help and their support.

Chart your progress. Tracking your progress lets you know if you're on the right track or if you need to make adjustments.

Example of goals: My goal is to lose 50 pounds by my 44th birthday which is September 14, 2010 by working out 6 days a week, spending more time being active with friends, eating three meals and two snacks a day that consist of mostly protein and vegetables, and to get 8 hours of sleep every night.

What's your SMART goal?

Return from Weight Loss Goal to Fitness Motivation

Return from Weight Loss Goal to Little Black Dress Fitness Tips