Goals
Hey blogosphere, today I’m going to write about goals. I’ll be using weight loss as an example, because it’s something that many people (including myself) are very focused on right now. I’ll be outlining three major types of goals, and providing examples of correct uses for each type so that you may use them to provide yourself with the best possible success story when your deadline is up.
When setting goals, many people get caught up in the excitement of reaching their final goal, that they forget the timeless phrase “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. If you set one major goal for yourself, along with a deadline, it’s possible you’ll succeed, but unlikely. The first kind of goal you’re going to read about is the “Resolution”, I’ve decided to call it that because often around the new year these goals are chosen and then forgotten just as quickly. Often, people make these long term goals without offering themselves any instructions as to how they’ll achieve it. These goals are lovely ideals to aspire to, but without a sturdy bridge to get there, how will you reach your final destination? A great way to resolve this issue is to evaluate how long your goal would realistically take to achieve. Start out with “I want to lose 50 pounds.” What a great goal, right? So what’s next? Do a little research! Of course everyone is different, but the recommended safe rate of weight loss is one pound per week, so why not give yourself 50 weeks? Your resolution goal is now “I will lose 50 pounds in 50 weeks.” Adding the phrase “I will” personalizes this goal, and motivates you to stick to it. The next step is to provide yourself with mini-deadlines to keep yourself on track, because such a far off goal can be easy to forget.
“Milestones” can be used to keep yourself on track towards a larger goal. Try not to be overzealous in this stage, just make one or two milestone goals. Since our example goal is to lose 50 pounds in 50 weeks, the obvious choice for our first milestone is “I will lose five pounds in five weeks”. Why not write this somewhere you’ll see them daily? Seeing a constant reminder of your goal will remind you to take active steps towards it. For a secondary goal, incorporate a step towards what you want, like “I will exercise five hours this week.” Now you have a way to reach your goal, something you can feel good about having completed right away, and an easily manageable time frame. This goal is written so that you aren’t required to do the same thing everyday, or even on a daily basis. If you don’t feel up to it one day, okay, just remember to get your five hours in.* Now we can make some everyday goals so you can improve your life overall.
If you want to reach your resolution goal, and be able to stay there, you’ll have to change the habits that put you there in the first place. “Small Step” goals are daily goals that will help you move towards your end goal, and overall better yourself over time. Think of a small step that you can complete in one day that will help you reach your goal. Since our goal is to lose 50 pounds, let’s think of weight loss related goals. How about “I will eat five servings of fruits/vegetables today” or maybe “I will bring my lunch to work, rather than drive to McDonald’s” or even something as simple as “I will not add any salt to my food”. Try making one or two of these goals either the night before you plan to complete them, or in the morning right when you wake up. Write the goal on a post-it, and put it where you will always see it. Let’s say I have made all of the above goals.
1-I will lose 50 pounds in 50 weeks.
a-I will lose five pounds in five weeks.
b-I will exercise five hours this week.
i-I will eat five servings of fruits and vegetables today. (Put post-it on whatever snack you normally eat, the fridge, or your computer monitor, and make sure you have five fruits or veggies readily available.)
ii-I will pack a lunch rather than buy one. (Place a post it on your wallet or purse, and allow yourself enough time to make or pack a lunch full of healthy foods.)
iii-I will not add any salt to my food. (Post-it on the salt shaker.)
Now, make a notepad document of your goal list, update it as needed, and keep it on your desktop so you always see it. Give it a motivating title like “Who I want to be”, and then, keep a second document next to it, and list each goal as you complete it. Look back on it as you go along, so you can see how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown. Next update, we’ll talk about easy, flexible exercise goals that you can tailor to suit your needs and your lifestyle.
*Obviously I am not suggesting that you exercise for five hours straight in one day, please do remember to pace yourself.
New Update Schedule!
Mommy Monday-Mom talk! Advice, questions, stories, dilemmas, and anything else mommy related!
Topic Tuesday-Talk about current hot topics in the realm of celebrities, politicians, and really whatever else is going on.
Wednesday Workshop-Help for working on yourself, your life, and your relationships.
Thursday-Absolutely nothing for now, unless I update randomly just to talk.
Fit Friday-Fitness related advice, exercises, routines, diet help, and things like that.
Saturday Stew-Recipes, and maybe even a copy of my own personal week’s menu if I feel like it!
Service Sunday-Ways you can help others in your community or a world away.
I look forward to sticking to this schedule, so I’ll see you on Friday!!
Posted on Dec 16, 2009. Leave a comment?
