A Goal is just a Dream without a Plan

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New Year Resolutions

Here we go, 2016 is going to be the year. The year you ‘up your game’. That’s what you’ve told yourself, right? You’ve set yourself a goal – a target weight, maybe a dress or suit that you’re going to get back into. If you’re really determined you might even have an idea about how you’re going to go about it. Join a gym, cut out the biscuits, or probably do exactly the same as you did last year when you set yourself exactly the same goal.

I don’t mean to be disparaging, and maybe you are one of the few who achieved the goals they set for themselves last year. But the truth is that the vast majority of New Year Resolutions don’t last more than a few weeks. That is when the will power wanes and a return the default setting usually occurs. Any change that requires will power is doomed to fail. Think of will power as holding a weight above your head. You may be able to hold it there for a time but as the shoulder muscles fatigue, you eventually have to let the weight drop. This is the same as using will power to stick to an unrealistic change in diet and activity levels.

It’s true that some changes to lifestyle are necessary to effect a physical change in body composition and/or fitness, but these must be sustainable and seen as positive changes. If you feel like you are depriving yourself or perceive exercise as a chore, then you will be in the same position as you are now in 12 months’ time.

It may just sound like a matter of semantics, but if you see your changes in a positive light then you have a much higher chance of making these changes for life. So instead of thinking of staying on track by using will power, think of it as self-control. When the voice in your head is trying to persuade you to make poor choices or skip a planned session, just take control and remember the reasons for making better choices. The more often you overrule the voice, the weaker it will be and the easier self-control will become.

When you aren’t feeling particularly motivated, this doesn’t mean it has to be the crashing end of all your good intentions. It just means you’re having an off day. What you need to do is make a commitment. This means you have made bond with yourself to continue forwards towards your goal, even when motivation is low. It will always come back as long as, deep down, you are committed. There is a difference between motivation and commitment. Keep your eyes on the prize, and remember that even when your goal is achieved, a new one should be set. This is a continuous journey.

Finally, if you’re not sure – get help!! I wouldn’t dream of attempting to rewire my house or service my car.  A proven factor in successful weight loss is accountability, you are much more likely to make good choices if you have someone to report to at the end of the week. fit360 weight-loss coaching is more than just a weekly weigh in and a quick check of the food diary. I believe in educating clients so, even if you haven’t got the first clue about nutrition or exercise to begin with, by the time you reach your goal, you will understand the reasons behind making the choices that you need to make so that these behaviours will stay with you for life.

A weight loss coach should not be interested in return clients, only referrals. Your success is my marketing, and hopefully once your body composition goals are reached, you may continue with us as a sports or performance client.

If you’re interested in coaching and support for reaching your goal in 2016, get in touch.