Using The Trim Method To Set Goals For Weight Loss
You probably have an idea of how much weight you want to lose, but have you really made a commitment? When you set a goal - and write it down - you are, in fact, taking the first step to committing yourself to achieve that goal.
There are four requirements in setting your weight loss goals:
1. Your goal must be reasonable and achievable.
2. You must set a time frame for achieving your goal.
3. What is the main reason or motivation to reach your goal?
4. What weight would you be satisfied with if you can't quite meet your initial goal?
Now, set some workable goals for the next several months. Make sure these goals are ones that you are willing and able to work toward during that time. Keep the acronym, TRIM, in mind while setting your goals. TRIM will help remind you of the four requirements mentioned above.
T: Time - An effective goal should have a deadline. Choose some date in the future. In our example we'll say three months.
R: Realistic - If you try to set a goal you can't reach, you're setting yourself up for failure. Make sure it is a goal you can reach.
I: Inspiring - Your goal should be something that really matters to you; achievable but challenging enough to make it exciting.
M: Measurable - A goal must be measurable. Otherwise, you will never know when you have reached it!
Make your goal as specific as possible. Instead of saying, "I want to lose weight." say, "I will lose ten pounds by September 1st."
Make a least two other goals, such as fitting into a certain pair of jeans or exercising, for a period of time besides making the goal to lose weight,. These would be "sub" goals. So, if you don't reach your weight goal, you can still feel some success by reaching another goal. This will keep you motivated to keep trying.
For example, you could be replacing fat with muscle (which weights more than fat). You're looking and feeling better but the numbers on your scale haven't changed. You won't be disappointed about the weight on your scale because you will fit into those jeans again and you will have succeeded in reaching one of your goals!
Once you have decided on your reasonable and measurable goals, write them down. Make a contract with yourself to work toward those goals.
Why do you need a contract? Because just because you have some goals, it doesn't mean that you have committed to them. Make a promise to yourself in writing. You could even have a friend or family member witness it for you to make it more official. It will also give you extra motivation to keep the contract.
Use the TRIM method of setting goals for weight loss and you will have more success in reaching those goals than just having a vague idea of how much weight you want to lose.
Jude Wright is the owner of "9 Weeks to Weight Loss" at http://9weekstoweightloss.com . Stop by and get your free report about how hunger affects your weight loss efforts.
WNQA Articles:
To Stay Married, Keep Dating
One of my favorite memories from last year was not watching my young daughters rip into their Christmas presents, or seeing them perform in the school talent show. No, my happiest recollection was the date my husband and I went out on one stormy Tuesday night in November.
Online Dating
Dating has become easier for everyone due to the emergence and success of online dating websites. You can choose the site that suits you best, look for people who have the features you desire along with common interests and contact them immediately.
PregTASTIC Pregnancy Podcast, March of Dimes and Newborn Screenings
This year only two-thirds of all babies born in the US are screened at birth for more than 20 life threatening disorders. What about the remaining one-third? Most mothers-to-be don’t realize the number of newborn screening tests done for their newborn depends entirely on the state in which their baby is born. Dr. Howse, President of March of Dimes, answers these questions and more.
Parenting: Prescribing The Symptom
Rebecca was struggling with 3 year old Kevin's screaming. Whenever someone didn't do what he wanted, he screamed and screamed, hoping to get his way. Rebecca had tried many different things to get Kevin to stop screaming, such as time outs, telling him to use his words, walking away and ignoring him, taking away toys and taking away events, such as a birthday party. A couple of times she had lost it and screamed back at him. Nothing was working to get Kevin to stop screaming. Even though screaming didn't work for him to get his way, he kept doing it.
Why Did I Do That? How to Deal with a Lapse in Your Weight Loss Efforts
A bad day or even a bad week is not enough to "break your diet" unless you let it get you down. It's what you eat over the long run that counts.
How to Find an Honest Dating Site
In our days more and more people prefer to choose online dating for finding a partner. Online dating sites are used more by single people who are very busy with their work, and don't have too much time to meet other singles. Choosing an online dating service from the many available it is a little difficult, because you don't know which an honest one is.
Environmental Hazards-Pregnancy
Anything that you expose your to, whether it is the foods you eat or pollutants such as cigarette smoke, can affect your body and potentially, your unborn baby. It is especially important before conception and around the time of conception to be aware of how things in your everyday life may affect your chances of becoming pregnant and the heath of your baby.
Stemulite Natural Formula May Stimulate Weight Loss Cycle
Nearly two-thirds of American adults are overweight or obese, and more and more people are finding it difficult to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle for the long-term. While the rapidly-growing diet industry continues to provide quick-fix weight loss formulas and supplements, all-natural products such as Stemulite are showing promising results for improving health and fitness levels overall and helping dieters and fitness enthusiasts achieve long-term results.
New Dating Site Offers Safe Way for Athletes To Become Friends and More
Online dating for athletic singles, users can meet local and international singles and send a limited amount of messages for free. Athletic-dating.com focuses on matching athletes from all over the world in a user friendly secure fashion.
Pregnancy and Tanning Beds
With summer approaching, you would love to wear those cute maternity sun dresses, but you don't want to show off your pale white skin. Now, you need to decide what is the best way to tan without possibly putting your baby in danger.
Share the Gift of Positive Parenting on Father's Day: Easy-to-Use Activities Help Dads Support Their Child's Development
Research tells us that involved fathers contribute positively to their child's healthy wellbeing. Invest in Kids, a Canadian charitable organization, invites fathers and all parents to celebrate this Father's Day by sharing some Comfort, Play & Teach™ activities with their youngsters, aged 0-5. The three most essential types of interaction every child needs -- comfort, play and teach -- support a child's healthy development and help parents adopt a positive approach to parenting.
What Does Photography and Online Dating Have in Common?
Great photographs translate into increased online dating profile hits. Physical attributes are the catalyst for online communication.
Diabetes and Exercise - Just Move it!
While exercise and eating guidelines are based on good
scientific principles, they do not necessarily agree with
human nature or common sense. Recent history tells us that
we are better off encouraging the mediocre people who are
willing to include exercise in their daily lives, rather
than cramming guidelines down the majority of those who want
to fight the inevitable.