Why Weight Loss Resolutions Don't Work

Why Weight Loss Resolutions Don't Work
If you're like many people out there, you've promised
yourself to do something different this year. Probably to
drop a few pounds by eating better, exercising more and
living a healthier lifestyle.

And if you're like a good number of people who made
themselves a promise, you may have already broken it - you
may not have made it a week or through the month of January.

Even if you have stayed faithful to your promise so far,
chances are all your good intentions will go out the window
before you live up to your resolution...

That's why I don't make resolutions any more.

I set goals instead.

Here's the difference:

Resolutions usually don't work. Goals do.

Here's why:

Resolutions aren't specific enough. They also tend to be
absolute and rigid.

Resolutions tend to sound like this:

I will eat better this year.

Sounds like a great idea, doesn't it? But, what does
"better" mean? If you eat one less Cheeto or French fry
over 365 days, have you stuck to your resolution? I don't
think so. And, if you count that as success, you're just
cheating yourself.

So, you've failed. Because "eating better in 2008" means
to be perfect for the whole year. Hey, the first time a
slice of pizza or piece of candy passes your lips - your
resolution is a goner - better luck next year.

Goals, on the other hand, when written (note that term!)
the right way are specific and have a specific time
attached to them. That's what makes them powerful.

A goal might look like this:

I will weigh 175 by March 1, 2008.

Now you have a measurable goal and a time frame in which to
do it.

But, here's the real magic in goals. If you don't reach
that weight by that date... no problem. Simply extend the
date (and you don't have to wait all the way until the next
January one).

Will you have failed if you get down to your goal weight by
April 1st instead? Or May? Or June? I think not.

And what if you only make 176 by the first of March? Is
that so bad? I'll bet you made a lot more progress than
you would have without goals...

Most times, resolutions set you up to fail because they
require you to be perfect.

Goals set you up for success because they are fluid and
flexible - they allow you to be human while still moving
forward - as long as you keep the target in your sights.

If you've set resolutions already - change them to goals.

If you haven't set anything yet... well, you get the
picture.

Heed this advice and have your best year ever. Ignore it
and you'll watch another year pass you by without getting
where you want to go.

----------------------------------------------------
Tim Alan Kauppinen, or Coach K, has over 20 years
experience as an athlete,coach and personal trainer. He
has helped people of all ages and abilities get and stay in
top shape. Coach K is the author of the Uphill Fitness
Training, and publishes a FREE daily training email
newsletter. Tim can be contacted through his website at
http://www.makesyoufast.com