Setting Goals When Dieting
As with most things in life, setting goals is very important when dieting. When you look at things truthfully and objectively you should notice that most of the things you’ve accomplished in life have been accomplished because you not only had a goal but also had a clearly planned and well thought out process for achieving that goal. That being said, why is goal setting so important when it comes to dieting?
First of all, it is difficult to achieve a goal if you do not have a clearly defined goal. There are times in life when it is almost impossible to tell whether you are succeeding or failing because you aren’t certain exactly what the desired outcome should be. Identifying your dieting goals before you begin eliminates this particular possibility.
Second, having dieting goals gives you a measuring stick by which you can judge your process. This is important so that you know when your efforts are failing behind and when you’re moving along schedule or ahead of schedule. In other words, you will know when to celebrate and when to give yourself a swift kick to the rear.
Now that we know why we set weight loss goals, let’s discuss how we should go about setting those goals that are so important for dieting success. You want to set goals that are aggressive without being impossible to achieve. If you set goals that are beyond your reach you will find that frustration will be your dieting partner until you reach the point where you give up all together. In order to avoid this you should take great care to insure that your goals are possible for you to achieve.
When it comes to weight loss be specific when setting your goals. Rather than setting a total goal of 40 or 60 pounds start with a specific goal such as 10 pounds in one month. Then you can extend the goal to the next month until you’ve reached the overall goal of 40 or 60 pounds. It is much easier to lose 10 pounds four times than it is to lose 40 pounds at once. It’s a trick of the mind but it works. Ten pounds sounds simple and achievable. Forty pounds sounds like an insurmountable obstacle.
Another thing about goals is that you want to hold yourself accountable but you shouldn’t call the whole thing off if you only lose 9 pounds instead of 10. Instead, find out where you dropped the ball for the final pound and set your 10-pound goal for the next month.
You should also take great care that you are working with your personal goals and not the goals that someone else is pushing on you. The truth is that if it’s personal to you, it will be much more rewarding than if you are doing this for someone else. If your heart isn’t in it, there are very few goals that are going to motivate you properly.
Finally, you should establish small (non-food) rewards for accomplishing your dieting goals. Perhaps your reward will be a new accessory for your new (or new old) wardrobe or a pedicure for your new look. Make your reward something fun and frivolous and teach yourself that accomplishing your goals can be accomplished by something other than food. This is a key to dieting successfully.
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The succes of dieting is to NOT dieting . u gotta make it a lifestyle . but of course thats the hard way
January 29th, 2008 | #
I completely agree with the above comment, I despise the word dieting as I feel it has been given a bad name when really it can make the world of difference if done properly.
Lifestyle changes are key to success and gaining energy and vitality. A daily intake of fresh organic vegetables, juicing, and avoiding sugars and processed foods is key to success.
Best of luck.
February 17th, 2008 | #
Yes I think to make a goal is very important, and then do the best to achieve it, and the progress is then not far.
February 29th, 2008 | #
Dieting is so hard, such people must really set goals seriously.
March 1st, 2008 | #
Great post. Dieting really works best when accompanied with exercise. A half hour walk a day does wonders. Hope this helps.
March 10th, 2008 | #
Dieting needs a lot of commitment..your lifestyle should match with your commitment..
March 13th, 2008 | #
its not dieting that is hard. its sticking to the path we set to achieve our goals that is the problem.
March 23rd, 2008 | #
Well, without a goal in dieting you just don’t have a chance. Well said, and I can agree from experience.
March 29th, 2008 | #
setting a goal for dieting is a short term measure. it only builds your resistance to success the next time round. Have a balance diet and incorporate exercise into your life and you will look and feel wonderful
April 2nd, 2008 | #
Setting goals, an monitoring them, is the only way to diet. Lord knows I need to do better with it.
April 14th, 2008 | #
I don’t really go on a diet. I eat balance meals and that’s more important I think. Otherwise, you keep on dieting yet you are not having enough nutrients.
May 13th, 2008 | #
guys, just remember that dieting alone won’t do much good. Exercising is the key. Also, love your body! Don’t diet because you hate it!
May 20th, 2008 | #
Nah, diet is not really good for health though. Take balance nutrition and meals is the best way to keep fit. That’s it
May 21st, 2008 | #