You can find the past installments of “Weight Management 101″ here:

Part I

Part II

Part III

Setting healthy and realistic goals is an overlooked but crucial component to achieving healthy and lasting weight management.

Today we will outline specific steps you will take to set goals. Don’t skip this step! This simple exercise is foundational to your success.

So grab a piece of paper and pencil, and let’s get started.

Setting Healthy Goals

The first step to achieving results is setting a realistic goal. No matter what the reason, successful and healthy weight management depends on sensible goals and expectations. If you set sensible goals for yourself, chances are you’ll be more likely to meet them and have a better chance of managing your weight long term.

Setting healthy goals at the start of an ongoing program can help you change and improve your physical activity and eating habits. To set goals that are right for you, think about what you want to change and why, and what steps you can take to reach your goal. These changes don’t have to be big. Even small steps can make a difference. Also, think about who can help you, and how you’ll reward yourself for making these changes.

5 Steps to Setting Goals

1. Make a choice – Look at your body, your quality of life. What do you really want to have?
2. Be specific – Leave no detail left behind.
3. Find Your Reason – Now that you know what you want to change, ask yourself WHY?
4. Form your plan – What is it going to take to get there? What are you going to have to do?
5. Take action – Do you know what the number one cause of failure is in most people’s lives? Never taking action. We develop these comfort zones and become afraid to step out of those boundaries and really go after our goals. We know that we must change; we know that we have to follow our plan to be happy, but seldom do. Do not let your written plan of action go to waste. Start immediately on working towards your goals!

Realistic expectations are based on the fact that – safe and long term weight loss is 1-2 pounds of fat per week, 2-3 months to drop one size or 2 inches off a belt size.

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All actions start with a change — no matter how small. This is the first step toward making that change: an inventory of exactly how you really feel about losing weight and exactly what you are willing (and in many cases, not willing) to do.

List 3 Things you want to change about your body.

Why is this so important to you? What is your Reason?

List the habits or actions that have contributed to why your body is the way it is today. (What are you doing right now that allows you to keep this body?)

List 3 things you could do right now that will make a difference today (an action, no matter how small, that will bring you closer to your goal).

List at least 2 things that you are giving up by not being more fit or having a body you can be happy in. What is it costing you? (If you’re really ambitious and want some extra credit, try tackling this one as well: What do you gain by keeping things the way they are? What’s the hidden payoff?)

Now I want you to take the sheet of paper that you wrote your answers on and post it where you can see it – Every Day! Keep yourself accountable and take action Every Day!

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Did you complete the exercise?

If not, why not?

Most people reading this will not take the time, and they will fail – again.

Don’t let that be you!

To your best health,

Dean

http://Cr8Health.com

http://GetFitNHbootcamp .com