We have all made the resolution to lose Fat and keep it off. After two weeks of a restrictive diet and long, boring workouts our motivation, or lack there-of, goes flying out the window and we slide back into the unhealthy habits of the year past.
If you really want to stick with this year’s resolution, you need to understand and recognize your motivation. Are you uncomfortable with your body and are you looking for a boost of self confidence or a way to increase your self esteem? Do you have current health problems which could be treated with Fat loss? Are you looking to transform your body for a special event, such as a ten year reunion or an exotic vacation? Once you have established the reasons you want to lose Fat, it is much easier to stick to your plan of action.
Learning the art of goal setting is essential in order for you to accomplish anything. Very few people can make changes to their life unless realistic goals are set and documented. Follow the SMART goal guidelines to create goals which will be clear, concise, and important to you. Be sure to write it down and put it where you can see it every day.
Specific – Your goal should be very specific and clearly defined about what you want to achieve.
Measurable – It should be stated in a way that gives you the opportunity to measure your progress.
Actionable – This aspect of goal setting provides you with the chance to specify how you are going to achieve your goal and what your plan of action is.
Realistic – Your goal should be something that you can accomplish with effort.
Time based – Your goal needs to have some sort of deadline to ensure you actually follow through and complete it.
An example of a SMART goal:
I plan to lose 10 pounds of body fat in 8 weeks, March 1. To accomplish this, I plan on working out three to four times per week which I will schedule into my day. I will weigh myself once per week to make sure that I am making progress.
Be realistic about your goals. If you give yourself an unrealistic goal such as never eating chocolate again, you will be sorely disappointed. You need to give yourself a bit of room, at least in this example you may want to treat yourself once a week. If you deprive yourself, you are bound to feel the constraints of an unrealistic goal.
Last but not least, remember to schedule your resolution into your life. You will be very surprised at the hidden slivers of time in your life which can help you achieve your goals. If you come home so late from work that you eat unhealthy food simply for the convenience, maybe it is a good idea to start using your slow cooker to prepare healthy foods during the day so it’s ready to serve and eat when you get home.
It’s very possible to keep your New Year’s resolutions throughout the whole year and only you are in charge of making it happen.
