Let's set some SMART goals
The S-M-A-R-T in SMART goals stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goal helps ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame.
Follow SMART advice to set realistic and achievable goals:
Specific
Be specific. If your goal is to lose weight, specify how much and by when? How are you going to achieve your goal? Why do you want to achieve this goal?
(e.g. I will lose 0.5kg this week by reducing my energy intake by 2500kj a day and increasing my physical activity)
Measurable
Measure your progress regularly so you know whether the changes you are making are working and to provide motivation to keep going
(e.g. I will measure my weight and waist circumference each week)
Achievable
Setting goals the you can achieve means you will be motivated to continue. Setting a series of small 'mini-goals' is often better than one big goal.
(e.g. I will only eat home-prepared meals this week)
Realistic
Make sure that your goals are realistic. Drastic changes can be hard to stick to.
(e.g. I will only eat takeaway food once this week and have two pieces of fruit a day)
Trackable
Any goal you set works best with a time frame so that you can track how you are progressing. Again, make sure the time you select is realistic and achievable.
(e.g. I will aim to lose 0.5kg per week for the next four weeks and I'll record my measurements in the diary each week to track how I'm going)
Reward yourself whenever you achieve one of your goals. It doesn't have to be a food reward — simply do something nice for yourself to celebrate. Buy yourself an inexpensive present, take yourself to the movies, or just set aside some "You-time" to relax