We will start off with focussing on your goals. Having a clear goal of what you would like to achieve will help you in the long. The word ‘goal‘ is defined as the “object of a person’s ambition or effort.” If you have a goal in life, you will find ways to accomplish them.
In life we have different types of goals:
- Finalcial goals
- Personal goals
- Health and Fitness goals
- Life goals
- Career goals
- Relationship goals
- Personal development goals
- Spiritual goals
- Educational goals
- Family goals
- Business goals
- Social goals
- Retirement goals
WE WILL FOCUS ON YOUR HEALTH & FITNESS GOALS
First let’s hear these tips from Susan Bowerman (Herbalife’s Registered Dietitian) on how to start with a healthier eating plan, including cooking at home and replacing meals with a shake:
Having Health and Fitness goals, you must always have these in mind:
Set realistic goals
You’ve decided to take the step towards changing your lifestyle and you really want to lose a few kilos. The 1st thing most people do is to head out to their nearest gym, sign up and train like there is no tomorrow. Training without a plan is a ticket to disaster and a month or 2 down the line they quit with no results whatsoever.
Realistically you will not lose all your weight in such a short space of time. You did not gain your weight in a month, why try to lose it in a month? You have to focus on your nutrition as well, have to detox and rest.
Instead of saying ‘I want to get fit’, set goals like ‘I will walk outdoors for at least 15 minutes every day’ or ‘I will take part in a 5K in three months’ time’. Think about what you can and will do to become more active.
Short and Long-term goals
This really helped me to break down my goals into smaller goals.
So for this example, you decided to lose 20kg’s and your long-term goal is 6 months. The mistake most people make is just to think about that 6 months instead of thinking of 1 x 6 months. YES…1 month at a time. Let’s break that down even more…1 x 24 weeks OR 180 days.
Write down what you would like to achieve each day, week and month. You will stay more motivated by enjoying the every day goals that you’ve achieved.
Plan for success not failure
Don’t self-sabotage. If you hate running, then putting running as one of your goals will defeat your efforts before you even begin. Although running is good for you, chances are you’ll give up on your running goal more easily. With so many options to choose from, you’ll easily find something else that you can look forward to each week.
A goal without a plan is just a wish
Keep a positive mental attitude
There will be days that you will be less motivated than other days and it is OK! You are just human. What really helped me in the past, is to focus on how I feel after a workout OR to focus on what I have achieved thus far. This always helps me to get that positive feeling and ‘wanting to go back for more’.
If you feel tempted to eat bad (not on your ‘cheat day’), just remember the last time you ate bad and how that made you feel.
By putting an emotional connection towards your actions, can help you stay on track. Try it!
Track your progress
Keep a small notebook with you always and write down each and every accomplishment you have achieved, doesn’t matter how small it is. This will show you where you were and where you are at present. It’s a great motivational tool.
Enjoy the process … Rome wasn’t build in 1 day
Share your journey
Share your results and achievements with friends and family. Talking about your successes and struggles will make your journey easier. Support groups also works great as everyone in the group are all on the similar journey as you.
After you have reached your goals, why not write about it? It can inspire others that are on the same journey as you!
