I’ve been thinking a lot lately about goal setting, and why it’s so important to set a goal in whatever you want to do, whether it is weight loss, or getting a new job, or moving to a new state. But what’s more important than setting a goal?? TAKING ACTION!! If you notice in all the weight loss success stories I have done is that in order for these people to change their lives for the better and finally shed the weight, what did they do? Did they think about it, did they read about it, did they talk to their friends about it or did they take the steps necessary to actually achieve their results? I think the ACTION part is harder than the goal or dream.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with a Life Coach for the last month. Her name is Karyn and she’s AWESOME! What has it done for me? Well, for one, I am actually taking the steps I need to make my dreams and goals a reality AND being consistent with it. How many times have you made a plan to eat better and do great during the week, but over indulge on the weekends? That’s not going to get you anywhere! Has it been hard so far? Nope! In fact, if anything its made me think of my future in such a more positive way than before when I was just talking the talk, but not walking the walk.
So, what changes have I made in my weight loss efforts this last month? I will tell you!
Walking to and from work every day (3.2 miles)
Finally got my running shoes on and have started running (okay jogging!) again
No seconds after dinner – the kitchen is CLOSED!
Planning ahead and making great breakfasts and lunches!
No food at work (other than the food I bring) meaning no donuts, leftovers from luncheons, etc…
No cookies, ice cream or junk late night!
Writing stuff down in my journal
Since my main goal is still weight loss, one of the things I’ve been focusing the most is the plan I am following which is a LIVE IT diet, not a “DIET”. If you notice the word diet has the word DIE in it. Because for most of us, going on a “diet” means that you feel like you are about to die! You restrict your calories too much, or go on a food plan that makes you not eat certain foods, or you have to follow too many rules, and after a while (or a few days!) we give up because it’s too much!
A LIVE IT diet is one that you get to eat the foods you LOVE, but in the correct portions. You make subtle changes to make certain things healthier, such as using olive oil instead of margarine, or baking things instead of deep frying them. You try new fruits and veggies and expand your horizons. You have fun getting creative in the kitchen finding new ways to make things better for you and your family. You are not DEPRIVED in any way, shape or form. You make your eating experience a treat and enjoy every morsel. It’s not drinking a can of Slim Fast for lunch, or microwaving a meal in a box for dinner. It’s eating REAL food that tastes amazing and spicing it with your favorite spices. That’s the plan I am on and I am loving it!
The other reason I wanted to mention goals is that time goes by so fast that unless you write down what you want and what it will take to get there; it’s never going to happen!
Did you have any goals at the beginning of the year? Are you still working towards them, or has time just passed by and your not anywhere closer to where you want to be?
I am inviting you to leave in the comments section one thing that you would like to accomplish this year and I URGE you to TAKE ACTION!
I haven’t weighed or measured myself all month, so my weigh in date is this SUNDAY, so I am hoping for good results. Even if it doesn’t show up on the scale, I feel great and I know every day gets me closer to my dreams coming true!
I leave you with this quote:
Michael Altshuler: “The bad news is time flies. The good news is that you are the pilot.”
I love it Jen!! Go Jennifer Go…Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah!
Ah Jenn, what a great post – your life coach sounds like she’s been really helpful and inspiring! And you are walking a 5K every day – that is incredible!!! Love that you are eating good food that you enjoy; love the whole “Live It” idea! Congratulations on grabbing life and going full steam ahead!
Yay, great job! Johnny and I have been working out together which is a great motivator. Have you checked out the new food pyramid?! It’s great!
Wonderful post, great job and the life coach sounds awesome.
Great job!! You’re so awesome! 😀
Will you be my life coach??!! This is the exact thing I needed to hear…er, read…tonight. I’ve set weight loss goals and have actually stuck to them (I’ve lost 26lbs on Weight Watchers since 1/12/10) but I am not meeting my dissertation goals. Maybe I need to start applying my weight loss goals to my dissertation and see what happens! Track everything…set mini goals for the week…don’t get distracted by the junk food (or gossip websites in the case of my dissertation). You’ve inspired me to rethink my approach to my dissertation. Thanks! Oh, and you go girl!
How lucky you are to have such a great life coach! You sound like you are doing great!
Setting realistic (and short-term) goals is definitely the way to go. Having HUGE expectations for yourself often leads to disappointment but if you don’t make any goals at all, you (I) definitely feel like I’m flailing around aimlessly and don’t know where to begin. Your goals that you listed above sound great. if you’ve been sticking to them, I know you’ll see results on Sunday!
What an inspirational post! I’m very goal oriented too – I just ran my first 5K and my goal for my next one in May is to break a 10 min/mile pace!