If you are trying to lose or maintain your weight, it can sometimes feel like an impossible challenge. For most people, the goal is to see results as soon as possible. No one wants to see the adverse health effects associated with weight!
However, this is also the catch-22 that a vast majority of people on the weight management journey face. The strong desire to produce immediate and drastic results can be overwhelming. For this reason, lots of people set unrealistic goals.
Realistic Goal Setting: Why it Makes a Difference
Goals are a great thing to have. They give us something to work toward and keep us motivated. When we feel like the going gets a little too tough, our goals keep us inspired and fighting for the finish line. They help to keep us in the game!
The specific goals we set also make a difference in the way we strive to reach them. That’s why it’s important that our goals are manageable and realistic. If we’re striving to attain something that’s impossible or unhealthy, we resort to unhealthy means.
This is especially true with weight management. Far too often, we wait in anticipation for the number on the scale to drop as quickly as possible. It’s a waiting game and a numbers game, and we want to see our hard work realized sooner rather than later.
Working to lose a dramatic amount of weight in a short period of time is one of the most prominent examples of unrealistic goal-setting, but there are many others – including goals related to food, exercise and supplementation. However, reality matters!
Tips for Setting Realistic Goals
Realistic goal-setting can be a lifesaver. It will help you make gradual progress and avoid too much disappointment later down the line. Not sure how to make your goals “smart goals?” Check out this acronym for helpful tips:
- (S)pecific – Define your goals clearly. Ask “Who,” “What,” “When,” “Where” and “How?”
- (M)easurable – Establish real and concrete criteria for measuring progress.
- (A)ttainable – Will you be able to keep up with your goals for the short and long-term?
- (R)ealistic – Are your goals doable? Are they healthy and able to be attained?
- (T)ime-based – Give your goals an end point so you have a clear idea of time available.
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