If you have ever tried losing weight, you know how easy everything seems at the beginning. You are super motivated to stay on track and achieve your goals. Unfortunately, that initial enthusiasm wears off pretty quickly… The funny thing is, most people forget about their New Year’s resolutions after just a couple of weeks.
Is it because they no longer want to do what they initially thought they did? They consciously decided that being fit and healthy is not really their thing?
No.
They simply lack motivation to keep going OR they set themselves up for failure by choosing the wrong goals in the first place. Are you one of those people who just can’t seem to stick to their resolutions? Don’t worry – this guide will help you create SMART goals as well as give you a ‘motivation’ boost to make sure you achieve them.
1. Step 1 – SMART goals
As mentioned before, most people struggle with their resolutions because they simply frame them in the wrong way. When creating your goals, try to stick to the SMART rule. A SMART goal is:
S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Achievable
R – Realistic
T – Timely
For instance: instead of writing down a very general statement, such us: “This year, I will lose weight”, try to be more specific. Exactly how much weight do you want to lose? Creating a clear and measurable goal will keep you more accountable – hence, more likely to stay on track. Setting a realistic deadline is also vital. When do you want to achieve your goal by?
Research shows that we are most likely to achieve tasks with a short deadline. It doesn’t mean that you have to all of a sudden lose 20 pounds in a month! The goal needs to be realistic, remember? Be honest with yourself and think about the realistic results that you can achieve in 3 months. Then write it down. “I will lose 5 pounds by the end of February by doing the following:…”. And that brings us to step 2.
2. Step 2 – The Plan
The Plan is your customized set of everyday activities that will bring you closer to achieving your ultimate goal. It can include giving up unhealthy habits, such as smoking, snacking on high-calorie foods, or skipping breakfast. It can also include adopting new habits: exercising, eating more vegetables, drinking more water, etc. Whatever you choose, make sure it is realistic and measurable, so that you can check it off of your list at the end of the day.
Choose 3 things and stick to them. It’s great to make them part of your goal, too. For instance: I will lose 5 pounds by the end of February by:
- 1) drinking at least 40 oz. of water,
- 2) exercising for 20 minutes after work,
- 3) having a salad with every meal.
Now that you have The Plan, you need to track your progress. You can use a simple habit tracker or even a calendar. Each day, make a note whether you managed to stick to your plan or not. It’s not only very satisfying when you do, it also keeps you more accountable.
3. Step 3 – Small steps
Rome was not built in a day, and neither will your new body. We can’t stress this enough: Take. It. Easy. Most of the clients who seek help from our Hudson dietitians complain that they have tried losing weight so many times before, but they always fail. The reason is that they try to do everything at once. They switch to a completely different diet and lifestyle overnight and expect too much from themselves. No one can endure such a regime!
As mentioned in Step 2, start by making 3 reasonable changes to your lifestyle. That is enough to see positive results; plus, it’s easy to maintain. Don’t stress out your body or yourself. You will do great.
Weight Loss in Hudson – About Batista Weight Loss programs
Everyone is unique. This means that not all weight loss goals are the same and not all techniques work universally. Our Spring Hill Dietitian will work with you on a one-to-one basis to create a customized weight loss plan and treatment schedule specific to your individual needs. Depending on your exact circumstances, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
- Weight Loss Plans without Appetite Suppressants
- Dietary Programs for Medical Conditions
- Vitamins & Supplements
- Diet Management
- Ultra Slim Shot Injections
For more information, visit our website or call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!
This article was written on behalf of the practice by RedCastle Services. RedCastle specializes in Online Marketing for Doctors, including Medical SEO, SEO for doctors, and Medical Website Design. Contact RedCastle Services today to find out how we can help your practice increase its number of online patient referrals.