How to Set (and Reach) Your Weight Loss Goals

Losing weight is hard and can be extra daunting when you have a large goal in mind. In this post, I’ll share how to set realistic weight loss goals you'll actually stick to and how to stay motivated even during setbacks. 

When it comes to goal setting, it's important to dream big and plan small. Let's start by dreaming big (the fun part!).

Vision Setting

Close your eyes and envision yourself at your ideal weight. What clothes are you wearing? What are you doing? What can you do in your new body that you didn't feel comfortable doing before? How's your energy? Your confidence?

Hold onto these feelings.

Maybe even create a vision board to materialize your dreams and keep them front and center during your journey.

It's important when dreaming big to not let self-limiting beliefs stand between you and your goal weight. Forget about past experiences, what others have told you or what you've told yourself. You CAN and you WILL reach your goals! 

Setting SMART Goals

Now, in order to reach your ideal weight, it's time to plan small. Because the fact of the matter is, no matter how badly you want to lose 50 pounds, it likely won't happen without a plan in place.

When it comes to dreaming, no goal is too big. But when it comes to planning, no goal is too small.

I like to set weekly goals but you can set daily goals too. When thinking of a goal, you want to make sure it’s a SMART goal -

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Relevant

Time-bound

An example would be: I will drink 8oz. of water each morning this week before breakfast. It is specific and measurable (8oz. every morning), definitely achievable, relevant to your overall health and weight loss goals, and time-bound (this week/ before breakfast).

An example of a non-SMART (dumb?) goal would be: I want to drink more water.

Can you see the difference?

I know some people may be thinking a goal like "drinking a cup of water before breakfast each morning" is too trivial to get them to their final destination. But these little habits, when implemented regularly over time, really do make a difference.

At the very least, they empower you to make other healthy changes. They also open the dialogue to discuss setbacks. Because as simple as it may seem to drink a cup of water in the morning, there will be days where you don't follow through.

This doesn't reflect poorly on you, your work ethic, or your motivation. It's just life. The key is having a game plan for when setbacks occur.

So, once you’ve set a SMART goal and have a short-term action plan in mind, ask yourself, "In the next week, what barriers do I foresee that may keep me from achieving this goal?" In other words, what might trip you up? 

Generally, you'll be able to think of one or two things that could pop up that you can plan ahead for. Using the water example, if you push snooze too many times one morning, you may not have time or even think about drinking your 8oz. before breakfast. To plan ahead, it may be helpful to put the water out the night before. Better yet, put it in a cup with a lid in case you need to grab it and go in the morning.

And don't forget - no setback is so great that you can't get right back on track. 

Ready to get started with your new SMART goal? Grab your SMART Goal Setting worksheet then share your dreams and SMART goals in the comments!