The first thing that you need to address while setting goals is how to set goals. You can’t obviously set ridiculously easy goals. This will defeat the entire purpose of the goal-setting exercise. Similarly, you can’t set unrealistic goals. So, what do you do?
You need to start with small goals, or sub-goals. If you have never exercised before then don’t chalk out a three-hour gym regime. Instead walk around the neighborhood for about 20 minutes every day. If 20 minutes at a stretch is too much two spurts of 10 minutes will do.
Similarly, your goal should not be to starve but to cut down on your fat intake. Small goals keep you motivated because they mean progress. They also make you keen to reach a larger goal
Keep your successive goals a little more ambitious than the preceding ones. After, say a two-week successful period of 20-minute walks, you may want to embark on an hour-long walk program. Instead of just watching fat intake, you may now want to begin cutting down your meals.
Always keep the big picture in mind. Once you have that big picture in mind, the daily and intermediate goals that you set should all be geared towards reaching it. So you would need to make a commitment to jog or run everyday, learn to cook and eat as nutritious food as possible and pick up an activity that boosts your self-esteem and keeps your mind off food.
Always remember the end is not what is all-important, the means is. If after a fortnight of walking and reduced fat intake you do not lose the weight you thought you would, do not worry. It’s just that your body is different. Stick on and progress to hour-long walks. And what’s more reward yourself with a facial or a weekend trip. Sticking to goals is half the battle won.
