day 2

Yesterday I wrote down some goals that I am going to be working on. I forgot to mention one catchy little tidbit when it comes to goal setting that is to be SMART about setting goals.
S=Specific (state your objective in specific terms)
M= Measurable (make goals quantifiable) example I will drink 6 glasses of water a day
A= Attainable.
R= Realistic. We must manage our expectations and be willing to seek help if we need it
T= Time frame-specific.  Set a reasonable amount of time to accomplish this goal. For instance a healthy weight loss pace is 1-2  pounds/week. Setting a goal to loose a high amount of weight in a short amount of time is unreasonable.
So look at your goals and make sure that they are SMART goals.

The next step is to write out a Plan of Attack. Making changes in your lifestyle is hard work. There is no magic pill, surgery, alternative path to making changes that will last a life time. The best way to ensure success if to have a good game plan.
I am currently working on a plan of attack and will post it when it is finished for accountability and for an example. It may be a few days due to a family conflict tomorrow and through the weekend.

HOMEWORK: Make sure your own plan of action includes the following things:
1. Identify the sources that you will need to help achieve your goal. (if you want to run you will need running shoes)
2. Modify your environment. If there is something in your environment that hinders you then change it. (if you want to quit drinking than don't hang out with your drinking buddies on the weekends)
3. Identify habits that contribute to the problem and decide what you are going to do in its place. You can make a small adjustment like moving an exercise ball into the room to sit on instead of the couch and have some exercise aids close or go drastic and disconnect the TV from service.
4. Make sure your plan has Rewards. Rewarding yourself for small achievements helps to reinforce your better choices. Don't use things that can derail your efforts like eating a unhealthy snack as a reward for eating healthy.
5. Make sure to involve the people around you. Let your family know. Create a support group.  (This blog is my way of involving people)
6. Plan for challenges. I am planning on writing on this subject in depth later. Take time to think of possible challenges that could hinder you and prepare a plan a head of time.    

Have a great weekend. I should have my next post by Monday. :)