The Power of One Goal

I sent this in for the Sophie Magazine but wanted to share it with you first. Enjoy.
It will be January soon and I everyone I know is making a resolution about something. The number one resolution is weight loss. It’s every year for some of us and I can tell you I have often found myself looking at that goal too. This year I plan to do something different and that is make one goal. When we make a number of goals it minimizes the chance to focus on the one thing we really want to do. Perhaps your goal is to loose weight but each year you try it and fail. How about not making that goal this year and try a different approach? For example- Plan to run a 5K- I have asked several of my clients who have said this has been a goal to finalize it in their minds and plan to achieve it this year.
How do you choose a goal? I see success in goals that are not weight related- try not to make the goal about losing 10lbs but try to make a goal like keeping a daily food journal and staying within the calories you need to be at your ideal weight. This means that now your goal will lead to weight loss but isn’t dependant on it and you might stick with this one longer. Another goal is eat out less, try to eat out only one night a week. Much of America’s obesity problem has to do with eating out nearly nine meals a week. If you think eating isn’t where you need to change then work on activity. I would recommend something you like to do for example if you love a certain program(i.e. yoga, spinning or aerobics) commit to getting certified as an instructor.(even if you aren’t planning to teach this will result in exercising more without feeling the “have to” effect.)
Maybe it is plan to walk or run a 5k, I can tell you there is something about crossing a finish line that makes you want to do more and this may be your secret weapon.
This year I am taking my own advice and that is I am planning and have been training for a natural body building competition in June. I hired my own trainer and am working towards something I think will help me stay on task. I will let you know how it goes. This year the power of one goal can be the best resolution you make for the New Year. Happy New Year everyone.