I am going to list the 5 steps up front so you know what’s coming. But I invite you to do this step by step each week so you can build a custom exercise program for you.
- Goal- Vision
- Plan
- Tools and Support
- Progression
- Joint Integrity
Goal setting my seem boring and obvious to you- most people say,” I want to lose weight” or “ I want to be healthy”. But those goals are not specific enough. Take a few moments to take this quiz for yourself and your goals.
- What does healthy (or whatever your goal is)mean to you?
- Do you have measureable small steps to take on your road to a bigger goal?
- What does that look like?
- What does that feel like?
- How will you get started?
- How will you know when you have reached the first goal?
- How important is it for you?
- What obstacles you run into before trying to attain this goal?
- What will you do differently this time to succeed?
- What do you need in terms of support to make this happen?
Once you have thoroughly gone through these questions, you can then start to create a PLAN (step 2) to get to you goal. Without knowing clearly what your exact vision is, creating a program might be a step too soon. I use the analogy of shopping. If you know you need to buy a dress and you start out shopping for a dress- you will have many choices to pick from and it may take some time. But if you know you need a dress for a formal occasion that will be outside and the temperature will be cool, know you have a style and what it needs to provide for you- so you can skip the summer dress section. Make sense? If you shoot for a goal you had 20 years ago when life was completely different, you might find it hard to commit to a program you did 20 years ago because your body, time frame and lifestyle may be very different. “I want to lose weight” may sound direct and specific to you, but how much how soon? What are you willing to do to get there? Once you get there, are you willing to do what it might take to maintain it? Do you think you will be happier once that happens? What if you aren’t happier? Can you decide to be happy now? AND then, if you are happy now, why do you want to lose weight or get healthier?
I am asking all of these questions instead of telling you what I think because it doesn’t matter what I think. It matters what YOU think. You make the rules for you and without motivation or a dedication to a goal, nothing is going to change.
If you have been on the weight loss roller coaster long enough and you have never really thought about your goals to this extent, please do it now. It’s time to get off the rollercoaster and enjoy some success in your weight loss and exercise program!
Be sure to check out our Products and Programs page to get some immediate help on building your program!
JJ Flizanes is the Director of Invisible Fitness, Co Founder of the 6 Week Beach Body Program and the Author of Knack Absolute Abs: Routines for a Fit and Firm Core. 800 571 5722
JJ, this is so great!
I realize that I have an overall goal, a big picture, but no real short-term plans to help me get there. Without that necessary step of planning, it’s just wishful thinking, which is what I can see has happened every time previously. Or, previously, I’ve had little milestones that I collapsed with the big goal, and was then left disappointed when I fell short of that…which led me to gain back the weight or stop the exercise. So, I find myself feeling afraid to even create any plan, because I can see that without little milestones along the way, I am setting myself up for failure…again. Also, by asking me/us/the reader the questions, it really puts the ball in our court and has me start to think, instead of just agree or disagree. I would love to lose 30 pounds by September…is that even a realistic goal? I think that losing 15-20 would be relatively simple (not easy, but simple) and attainable, and I can see that I currently don’t have the tools in place to support me. What do you recommend? I think most of all, I’d like to be a role model for my kids and family, but I won’t give up wine and I don’t know where to start. I am ready for help.
xo, Molly
Hi Molly- and I would love to help you! Is 30 pounds by September realistic? It depends on where you are now and what shifts need to occus between now and then. We had someone lose 17 pounds on the 6 week beach body program in 6 weeks but I haven’t checked in with her to see where she is now. I know she wanted to lose more than 17 pounds total. Knowing you a bit and some of what you have done over the years, I think 30 pounds might be pushing it. Why not release the time line and say I know I can release 30 pounds. Work from that perspective so it doesn’t send you into rebellion. You don’t have to give up wine. I won’t