Everyone has goals… From wanting to lose weight, to simply eating healthier, making more money, having more time with family, etc.
The tricky part can be pin-pointing a goal and creating measurable ways and strategies to obtain it.
If you are discouraged about the outcome of last year’s goals or past New Years’ Resolutions, it is time to make changes in how you plan and achieve your dreams.
After all, “You must have long-range goals to keep you from being frustrated by short-range failures.” – Charles Noble
Here are 4 tips for success and to hold yourself accountable to your goals:
WRITE DOWN your goals and be specific.
Don’t just say, “I want to lose weight.” Since muscle is more dense than fat, that’s a misleading statement. Instead, write down a physical attribute you want to change about yourself, set a time frame, then describe how you plan to achieve it.
Example:
“I will [drop two sizes and wear my favorite pair of jeans] by [my birthday three months from now] by [replacing one meal a day with Shakeology and walking 30 minutes every morning.]”
VISUALIZE your results!
Rip a picture of your dream body (or body part) out of a magazine and tape it to your mirror or fridge. That way you’ll have a constant reminder of what specific goal you’re working towards.
REWARD yourself for success along the way.
For example, if one of your goals is to work out 5 times a week for a month, once accomplished, reward yourself with a new pair of tennis shoes or a workout top. DON’T reward yourself with garbage (like an eating-fest at your favorite restaurant).
Be REALISTIC with your goals!
This is the most important one of all. If your goal is to lose 100 lbs. in 3 months, you’re just setting yourself up for failure. You didn’t put the weight on overnight, so you’re not going to lose it overnight either.
Always keep in mind, the name of the game is to enjoy yourself. Change is an uncomfortable process but your journey doesn’t have to be. Remember to stop and smell the roses, be kind to yourself and take note of how far you’ve progressed on the way to your ultimate goal!
