Setting Goals

I did neglect to mention that in order to be successful at anything, including weight loss, you MUST set goals. Years ago, when my late husband and I began building our Shaklee business, we attended many business building seminars, and the one thing that was etched into my mind was that goals must be:

1. Written down
2. Must be measureable (i.e., what you intend to accomplish by when)
3. Must tell what you are are going to do to achieve that goal
4. Must have a reward

Some smart person came up with an acronym for setting goals called SMART. SMART usually stands for:

•S - Specific (or Significant).
•M - Measurable (or Meaningful).
•A - Attainable (or Action-Oriented).
•R - Relevant (or Rewarding).
•T - Time-bound (or Trackable).

So, I have as my LONG-TERM goal, to lose 150 lbs. in 18 months. My SHORT-TERM goal will be to lose 10 lbs. per month. As you can see, that gives me a 30-lb. additional loss (10 lbs. X 18 months = 180 lbs.), but realistically, I know that the closer you get to your goal, the less you will lose.

I plan to get to that goal by cooking my foods at home for the week on one day each week. If I eat out, I will take my protein, fruit or carb, and dressing with me, and I will order a plain salad without croutons, cheese, etc. I will ask the waiter what is added to the salad, in order not to receive a "surprise" when it is delivered to the table. I will also begin to add more and more walking activity, as I am able, to boost my metabolism.

I will make up a list of rewards for each month I am successful, but they will NOT include food. They may be books, jewelry, entertainment,trips, etc., but the reward cannot involve food.....which is why I'm where I am now, Food has always been the reward in my family, and I must break that habit. The time-bound part of goal setting for me is 10 lbs. lost monthly and 150 lbs. lost in 18 months.

So, have YOU set YOUR goals? Remember, if you do not write them down and tell yourself (and others) what you will do to attain them by what time frame, and how you are going to reward yourself when you do achieve them, you are simply floundering around making wishes. If it is not written, you have no goals. The ones in your head don't count. No one else can see your progress or if you actually hit your mark. They MUST be written. So, get out your pen and paper and get busy. Goals are never written in blood, so you may need to revise them at a later date, but that's OK.

If you never write a goal, how will you know if you hit the mark? Remember, goals are specific, written, measureable, rewardable and attainable events, but wishes are just that......wishes, with no spine or plan to get you to your GOAL!!!! Keep me posted on what you are doing to be successful!! Liz emaxson2@tx.rr.com