Goal Setting

I've never been a goal setter or at least I don't call it goal setting. I want to set a goal but I don't know what it should be.  If I set a goal to lose so many pounds by such a date I feel that it is out of my hands.  I'm following the plan so I know I'll lose the weight.  And what happens if I don't make my goal?  I don't want to get down on myself.  See, I can talk myself out of setting a goal.  But I'd like to give it a try. So please help me choose a good starter WLS goal. What are your goals??

I generally set my goals around things that I know will help me be healthier rather than a particular weight goal -- that way, it's something that is totally within my control vs. weight loss which is partially within our control but not totally. It helps me not feel like a failure which I can feel like in the past when I have set specific goals around loosing x amount of weight. I started with simple things like the number of days a week I would exercise, or goals for successfully taking all of my vitamins everyday, or drinking all of my water everyday, etc. This has really helped me. Hope this helps! Molly

Sandy, I've been setting mini goals.......5 pound goals at a time.......Do treadmill twice a day.......Drink 60-80 oz. of water a day...........I like setting mini goals, I don't get as frustrated then. Hopes this helps. Kelly

Thank you girls!! I think I'll start with making a list, you've given me some good ideas.

I do three goals -- daily, weekly and monthly -- to fit my WLS goals with my family, work, and leisure goals.  I wouldn't recommend setting weight loss number goals because the body is going to do what the body is going to do.  Your goals should incorporate the rules of the plan, the body will follow and the weight will come off on its own.  This should not be a number game, but a healthy life style change. Example, today I'm having coffee with a friend, finish the final third coat of paint in the upper bathroom (primer, color, final color) so hubby can install moulding (and then we are done!!!), and get two walks into the day.  So I've written down what and when I'll eat and get in all my fluids so I don't fall behind.  I've filled the water bottles and put in the frig to get cold, laid out my food and/or food list for the day, and I checked my painting supplies for painting later today.  I've already taken the dog for a walk (since it wasn't raining). My weekly list breaks out into the daily, and includes trying 2 new protein sources each week that I normally would not try (stupid peanut clusters----OMG they were good -- and I tried a new south beach protein water mixer).  And the goals for the week come from the monthly list. Monthly breaks into weekly and includes activities that I need to get done for the month into weeks.  During May I had to paint the family room, both bathrooms, guest room and repaint the living room/dining room to freshen up after construction of bathrooms.  I also had spring cleaning (windows, top of cupboards, shampoo carpets, clean garage and organize stuff in it, etc.) to split into the weekly list.  These can all be used as exercise (up and down off ladder helps the legs, and the painting, window washing motion helps the arms) which tied into my WLS plan.  WLS goal was to maintain within 1 pound, exercise different parts of the body daily, and to try 10 new protein sources (5 weeks in May) -- don't have to keep eating/drinking them, but I had to try them.  It is so gratifying to cross items off and see what I have accomplished with all my new energy!!  And stuff I don't get done (because stuff comes up and life happens) get moved to the next month.  Hubby can't keep up but I feel so much better and organized.  I may be anal but I hate forgetting things and this organization helps keep me on track.  Last month I screwed my weeks up and missed group and I'm still upset about not going so believe me, the lists are great for me, if I put in the right weeks/days.  Well, June's list is waiting so I'm marching toward today's goals......Mmmmm, Caribou coffee!!! XXOO

   Wow Barb!!  You know how to set goals. It tired me out just reading your list. Thank you!

(((Sandy))) ~ I miss you!!! I cannot wait to see you again at an MG coffee, but June is not looking good for me with all the baby showers I've got to attend - two nieces pregnant! Maybe I will see you at the welcoming coffee for Randall, though at the end of the month??? What I've always been told about goalsetting is this: Goals should be realistic, but yet stretch you. Goals should have a time/date on them. Having said that, I truly do not believe in setting weight loss goals after surgery because you are working on a specific plan with a specific tool that will work but not always on your timing. Each of us does not know our body well enough to put numbers to that tool. But, that is JMHO on that matter. I think the water goal, protein goal, exercise goal, etc. are much more realistic. If you are used to walking 15 minutes a day, maybe stretch yourself to walk 30 minutes a day, but knowing that this can be broken into 3 - 10 minute walks or 2 - 15 minute walks, etc. You should also set small rewards for yourself to stay motivated. i.e. - Pedicure after walking 30 minutes for 14 days. Or something like that. For me personally, I try not to tie rewards to food. Rock your goals girl!

Hi Sandy, I've been using the "Today I WILL" posts to work on daily goals of water, vitamins and exercise... also a few misc things along the way. My biggest goal is to take it one day at a time and make sure that I follow plan for one day.  If I can do that one day, I can do one more... etc...  :)  Come join us!