Setting and achieving your goals
 Your weight loss is a means to an end. It’s the means to a healthier, more active, more confident you. Setting and achieving goals is a critical part of your success.
Take a few moments to envision yourself healthier. What exactly will be different? What activities will be open to you or more enjoyable for you when weight is not an issue? Perhaps your child loves to swim, but you avoid the pool at all costs. When you are fit and healthy, this may no longer be an issue. Maybe you pass a clothing store on your way to work and wish you could shop there because you love the clothes in the window. Imagine what it will be like to be able to walk into that store and try on clothes.
Establishing these type of goals is based on a clear vision of the new, healthier you. Set goals focused on this vision. Refer to them often, and assess your progress. Remind yourself that each action you take either moves you closer to your goals or away from them. Acknowledge your progress in small steps, even if they seem insignificant. Slow progress yields big results over time. Meaningful goals help you celebrate each step of your weight-loss journey and keep you focused on the rewards to come.
How to set and achieve your goals
Goals are personal; they reflect what matters most to you. How you set goals is as important as the goals you set. Keep these guidelines in mind as you set your personal goals.
- Be specific.
Don’t say, “I want to play with my children more.” Instead say, “I want to be able to play football with my children at our annual family reunion.”
- Set measurable goals.
If you can’t measure the goal, you can’t know when you have reached it.
- Be realistic. Set goals that are a stretch for you but are still attainable.
- Set smaller, intermediate goals.
If your overall goal is a big one, set smaller goals you can achieve along the way.
- Give the goal a timeline.
Timelines help keep you accountable to yourself as you work towards the goal.
- Get a pedicure
- Outline steps to reach your goal.
If you know what action steps are needed to achieve your goal, it’s easier to turn your goals into realities.
- Believe in yourself.
You must believe you can reach your goal in order to achieve it. Be confident in your ability.
Remember, celebrating all the small victories that are stepping stones along the way is also very important!
Here are some reward suggestions:
- Buy a new outfit, shoes, jewellery
- Go to a sports game
- Buy a magazine at the grocery store
- Put a star on your calendar when you exercise
- Go to a movie with a friend
- Get a pedicure
- Get a message.
When you focus on your personal goals, your journey will be a quest for personal growth and not just a trial of endurance. Remind yourself often why you want to achieve your goals, and reward yourself for each milestone along the way.
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