Why do we do this? Why when we meet our intended behavior do we reward ourselves with food? Especially when most times this treat is the exact trigger we are fighting against?!
Success comes from preparedness and preparedness comes from setting a SMART goal. Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. I’m sure I don’t need to go into detail here, but I’ll add a little insight just in case this is new for you.
Specific. Lose weight isn’t a specific goal. How much do you want to lose? How much body fat do you want to reduce? How much muscle are you looking to add? Nail down these numbers and make your goal specific.
Measurable. You’ve got to be able to measure your success. The scale, a tape measurer, calipers, an InBody, whatever… even progress photos can work. You’ve got to be able to literally see your progress.
Achievable. Let’s tie this right in with Realistic. Let’s even go a step further and loop it in with Timely. You’ve got to have honest and sensible goals that can be supported by science and effort in order to achieve them in your desired time frame. It’s important to have all of this information because a goal without a time frame is really just a dream. So follow the plan.
When you focus on each of these areas, it’ certainly helps you to achieve your desired goals. The Realistic portion is just as it sounds. Let’s not go from the couch and plan a marathon for four days from now…be realistic. If the only running you’ve done is to the refrigerator, let’s start with a walk around the block first. It’s human nature to convince ourselves that we will go from slug to super hero in one nights sleep; but is it realistic?! Probably not for the long haul.
You didn’t get into the shape you’re currently in over night. It’s a series of days and a progression of decisions. If you’re not in peak physical condition, at what point did you opt for a larger pair of pants instead of increasing your physical activity? Again, no judgement. I’m right there with you this time. I’m planning on this being the last time for me, however.
What kind of shape? Round is a shape. It’s just not one most people aspire to be in.
The resources are endless. Recipes, food blogs, workout videos, fitness programs, motivational memes, walking plans, running routines, music to move by, dancing workouts and so on and so on….the tv shows, success stories, social media moguls…it’s all at your disposal and much of it free. But it’s not motivating. Why? So you subscribe to a plan because if you pay for it you’ll use it because you don’t want to lose the money. However, one day turns to two and into a week and into a month and nothing has changed. Why?
If you don’t find the time to take a hold of better health, you will make the time to see your doctors. That’s a fact. And one that is so avoidable.
So I’ll ask again, why?!
Gym Girl Dana 