Ever heard of SMART Goals? I’ve seen several variations on the title, but it’s used something like this:
S - Specific M - Measureable A - Achievable R - Relevant T - Time dimensioned
Most people think of them as important for things like life goals or large projects, but you need to think about them even for your diet.
Many people just don’t realize how important goals like this are. If you really want to lose weight, take some time to develop SMART goals and you’ll find that everything goes smoother.
Just what ARE your SMART Goals?
- Specific - What EXACTLY do you want to achieve? How much weight loss? What other life changes? Be CONCRETE. Be EXACT.
- Measurable - How will I know I’ve been successful? How can I tell that I’ve been successful? What milestones have meaning?
- Achievable - Can I REALLY do this? Is there anything which stands in my way? What obstacles am I likely to face?
- Relevant - Does this REALLY matter to ME? Am I passionate about this or is this something that I’m expected to do for someone else? If it’s not personally important to me, then I’m probably not going to make it.
- Time Dimensioned - What’s the deadline? When EXACTLY will I reach my goal weight? When EXACTLY will I reach each milestone?
Don’t take this as a need to build some sort of formal goal structure. That’s not necessary, but some goals even informal ones are important to success.
Once you can clearly see your goal and you know that you’re passionate about it, you know that it’s really achievable, then get to work and make it happen!