How S.M.A.R.T. Are You When Setting Your Weight Loss Goals?
- By:Jeff Cadwell
What does S.M.A.R.T. stand for?
In terms of weight loss goals, this is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.
By establishing S.M.A.R.T. weight loss goals, you will show yourself that you have a solid determination and drive to get to your purpose. Setting goals is so very important to your success and will be influential in maintaining your weight loss for a lifetime.
Simply, goals give you something to work toward. They also confirm that you are moving along a specific, achievable and self-defined path. The system I am about to present will show you a way to achieve your goals more effectively.
Got a weight loss goal? Examine it against these S.M.A.R.T. guidelines:
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SPECIFIC – Set clear, concrete, significant and well-defined goals. Your goals for losing weight should be clear-cut and specifically define what you want to happen. The more detailed your goals, the more it will help you focus your efforts and clearly identify how you are going to proceed.
For example, if you wanted to build a house, you would first think about what type of house it would be. You would consider whether it would be a condominium, a bungalow, or maybe even a mansion. You would also think about the location that you wished to live in.
In setting goals for your own weight loss, these same clear and concrete planning strategies should apply.
You need to think about what you want, why you want to do it, and how you are going to do it.
• Do you have the means to do it? (financial, self-control, patience)
• What tools will you need to complete this? (books, food diary, gym)
• What kind of foundation will you need? (coach, doctor, support group)
Unfortunately, many individuals miss this critical piece of the puzzle when setting their weight loss goals.
Imagine if that house you wanted to build did not look the way you wanted it. Think about if you did not have an ample supply of tools to get the job done. Consider the possibility that your house did not sit on a firm enough foundation to give it the necessary support.
Once you have thought your plan through, write down the details so that you have a clear understanding of your goal and the finer points involved. Post them somewhere visible as a constant reminder of what you want to accomplish.
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MEASURABLE – Make certain that your goal is meaningful, motivational and measurable by markers. Always keep in mind that if you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it.
The wonderful aspect about this part of the process is that you get to see the change come about. Aim for a specific target and establish solid deciding factors for measuring your progress. During the progression, you will not only get to measure your growth, you will also be able to stay on track and experience the joy of success, which will motivate you to keep moving forward.
When I work with clients, I not only request that they weigh themselves on the scale at regular intervals, but that they take their body measurements on a quarterly basis. Their key, though, is to record their results in a journal of some sort. This is also a place where they can document their triumphs and challenges.
Journaling can be a powerful tool. It can become a tool in which to track your progress as well as a place to reflect on your journey to health.
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ACHIEVABLE – Aim for action-oriented, attainable goals. When you discover the goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out the means to make them come true. You develop the spirit, abilities, skills and financial capacity to achieve them. You realize previously unseen opportunities to bring yourself nearer to your goals. Have you heard, “Where there is a will, there is a way”?
A common mistake is to aim too high. It is just much easier to accomplish smaller goals that fit into a larger objective instead of trying to complete all of them at once. Although you aspire to get that big grand prize, you need to be sensible and break it down into smaller chunks. It will turn the odds of success in your favor.
Great examples of aiming too high and too fast are the products that promise you overnight success. Yo-Yo dieting or drinking weight loss drinks filled with sugar and chemicals, are shameful cases of seeking the “Magic Pill.” Yes, you might lose a few pounds. But, are you really going to be able to eat and drink like this for the rest of your life? Also, consider that these quick and easy solutions have been proven to put health at risk.