Goals

Setting realistic goals is an important aspect of keeping ourselves motivated and empowered in a weight loss journey. It's important to be specific with our goals so that they don't become dauting or overwhelming. Below are some ways to make your goals achieveable. Take a few minutes to write down and plan out some realistic goals for yourself:

• Envision your goals. You must be able to conceptualize a goal so it is understandable and then be able to identify clearly what the first step should be in achieving it. You are on your way if you can see yourself achieving the goal down the road.

• Set goals that are meaningful. If all you do is set a list of goals that would be nice to accomplish, forget it. In order to achieve goals, you must have a strong desire to do so.

• Make your goals specific and measurable. You have to be able to specifically monitor your progress.

• Set challenging and realistic goals. Stretch yourself with your goals, but make sure that you are not setting goals out of reach, but within your given strengths and abilities. Remember: small victories lead to big successes!

• Your goals should be flexible to allow for unplanned changes. Be ready to readjust your goals so you won't have to give up on them.

• Set a time period or target date for each goal. Many people have things they have planned for a long time, but fail to accomplish. Just having goals is not strong enough without a time frame.

• Put your goals in writing. This dramatically increases the likelihood of achieving those goals. Remember: ink them, don't just think them!

• Prioritize your goals in relation to their importance to you and your short-term and long-term objectives.

• The most important step now is to take action to achieve your dreams.

This journey isn't easy. Life stress and unknown obstacles are constantly working against us. However, by knowing exactly what you want to achieve, you'll be more likely to get back on track and push forward despite any setbacks. BELIEVE you'll accomplish your goals; never give up!

Dr. Doug