SMART Goal Setting Guidelines

7 SMART Goal Setting Guidelines You Can Use

Here's a 7 step formula that’s going to help you reach your weight loss goal for losing tummy fat.

Step # 1 - Specific – Be as specific as possible.

Don’t just say, “I want to lose belly fat.” Instead specify exactly what you’re shooting for.

“I want to lose 10 lbs.” is very specific, and that’s how you want to write it down.

Step # 2 - Measurable – Weight loss is a very measurable goal.

Rather, you would write something like, “I will measure my waist circumference every 2 weeks and I will weigh myself every Friday morning.”

This will satisfy and give you something concrete so you know you’re moving in the right direction. It’s progress that can be compared and measured weekly.

Step # 3 - Achievable – It must be achievable.

Challenge and push yourself a little here. A goal that’s too easy isn’t going to challenge you; too hard is going to discourage you.

Choose something that falls somewhere between the two and state how you’ll achieve it.

For example, “I will exercise 30 minutes each day; I will cut white flour, white rice, white potatoes and sugar out of my diet and replace them with whole grain bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes and stevia instead.”

Step # 4 - Realistic – “I want to lose 1-2 lbs. per week” is realistic.

Be realistic, or you’ll set yourself up for failure.

Break down a larger weight loss goal into more manageable, small ‘chunks’. It’s called ‘small chunking’.

For example, if you want to ultimately lose 50 pounds, your weight loss goal today should be to lose 10 pounds. Focus on losing 10 pounds - just that alone.

A fat loss of 1-2 lbs. per week will result in a total weight loss of about 10 lbs. over 4 - 5 weeks – so that’s a good start. It’s both realistic and healthy.

Don’t worry about the remaining 40 pounds for now….it’ll be far less overwhelming and discouraging to you when you ‘small chunk’ larger weight loss goals.

Once you’ve reached it, review what you’ve accomplished, make any changes, and then just reset these Smart goal setting guidelines for the next ‘l0 pound chunk’.

Step # 5 - Time-bound – Set a date when you’ll achieve your goal.

Being bound by time will give that ‘sense of urgency’ you’ll need (and want) to move forward and act on your goal.

In this example then, you would write, “I will lose 10 lbs. by (enter your date here). Count 4 - 5 weeks from the day you begin and just insert the exact date.

I've added two more important points to the original SMART goal setting formula – my own personal additions :-)

Step # 6 - Create incentive – Motivate yourself by creating some incentive and to keep you committed.

Try on a special or favorite item of clothing (better still buy something new) that doesn’t quite fit and try it on every week – watch and see as you slowly begin to fit into it ever so perfectly.

Tape your SMART goal setting forms onto you fridge so you can see it every day.

Keep a copy of it in your diet journal too – you’ll see it every time you fill in your diet journal and it’ll give you more incentive to continue and feel good about what you’re doing.

Step # 7 - Reward yourself for a job well done.

Personally, I think it’s important to reward yourself both along the way AND once you’ve accomplished what you set out to do.

Give yourself a set amount of money for each pound you’ve lost and use it to reward yourself with something special.

Choose something you normally wouldn’t buy or do.

It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate; it can be as simple as a manicure, or as elaborate as buying a gorgeous blouse or a style of clothing you’ve been admiring for some time, or a full out spa day.

Although reaching your weight loss goal itself is often enough reward for most women, I believe it adds a little more “oomph”, especially on those days when it feels difficult.

The SMART personal goal setting guidelines are an invaluable tool to work with and can be applied in all areas of your life, so don’t just limit yourself to losing belly fat.

When I didn’t have a clear weight loss goal and a plan in hand, I spent a lot time spinning my wheels and getting no where, so I’m speaking from my own personal experience!

Follow the SMART goal setting guidelines, design a solid weight loss plan, put it in writing, then put the wheels in motion…you now know where you want to go and how you’re going to get there!

Don’t be that person who aims at nothing and actually hits it.

SMART goal setting guidelines will work, but only if you work them!

Diet Motivation

Maintain your diet motivation and willpower to diet after setting a weight loss goal. Watch these inspirational Tony Robbins videos.

How To Make Your Weight Loss Goal Stick

10 questions to ask yourself BEFORE you set a weight loss goal for belly fat loss and weight loss success.

Personal Goal Setting

Personal Goal Setting Guidelines and the importance of setting a weight loss goal. A Smart online goal setting tool will help you reach your weight loss goal fast.

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