So, how do you set your goals? Here is a short guide to help you along. Set it out on a piece of paper and share it with as many of your friends as you can. Make sure they hold you accountable for meeting your goals, even if it's just by asking how you are doing on your journey. This will help you, I promise. Support from family and friends is so important!
Your goals should be SMART. By SMART, they should be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time framed. I am going to use losing 25 lbs as an example.
- Specific - I want to look good naked is great, but it is not specific. I want to fit in size such and such jeans. I can do this if I lose 25 lbs. If you lose those 25 lbs, I'm sure you'll look good naked.
- Measurable - If you weigh 200 lbs and your goal is to lose 25 lbs in 6 months, it is measurable. Just jump on the scale and you can see your results.
- Attainable - Losing 25 lbs in 6 months is more attainable than losing 25 lbs in 1 month.
- Realistic - Losing 25 lbs in 6 months or 26 weeks is very healthy and you'll more than likely keep that weight off in the long run. Also, if you are a well built guy weighing in at 200 lbs, is losing 25 lbs realistic if you are already at 10% body fat? Your lean mass is at 180 lbs with 10% body fat, getting to 175 would not be realistic.
- Time Frame - 6 months will allow you to have some structure. Without this time frame, there is not an urgency to get 'er done.
