Elements of an Effective Weight Loss Goal

Weight loss experts agree that setting goals before you begin dieting and exercising can increase your chances of losing weight. But not all weight loss goals are created equal. A weight loss goals that’s most likely to help you succeed contains a few essential elements.

4 Elements Of An Effective Weight Loss Goal

Personalized: A weight loss goal that will keep you motivated is built on the things that truly motivate you, not the things you think should matter. Are you motivated by looking good for a specific event? Is a number on a scale or a dress size more important to you? Perhaps you’re most excited about the idea of being able to achieve some physical accomplishment, like running a 5K. Personalize your goals to meet your values, wants and needs.

Written Down: It’s been said that difference between a wish and a goal is pen and paper. Writing down your goal turns something you wish for into something you are more likely to accomplish and helps you commit to taking action.

Dated: An effective weight loss goal has a deadline, possibly more than one. You’re more likely to achieve success if you set a goal to “lose 5 pounds in 6 weeks” than an ambiguous goals of “lose 5 pounds”.

Measurable: Using a date is just one way to measure your goal, and it’s important that you’re as specific as possible so that you know when you’ve reached your goals or when you need to work harder. Saying you want to lose weight isn’t an effective goal. Saying you will lose 5 pounds by December 31st is a measurable goal that you can monitor.

Creating a weight loss goal with these four elements in mind is the first step to creating weight loss plan that works.