Successful Dieting: How to Set Short Term Weight Loss Goals

Setting up short term weight loss goals for yourself will make it easier to stay on the right track. They will keep you motivated and they will remind you of just how far you've come on your journey.

1. Set Your Overall Goal

Determine how much weight you have to lose. If you are not sure what your goal weight should be, discuss it with your doctor. You can also aim at losing 10 percent of your current body weight as a starting point.

2. Break up your Weight Loss Over Time

Be realistic, because you are looking at making lifestyle changes, not just temporary adjustments. Giving yourself plenty of time to accomplish your goals will allow you to adjust to one change before diving into another, therefore breaking up one big challenge into several smaller ones. This makes it easier for you to commit to your new lifestyle without feeling overwhelmed. Don't set the time frames too far apart, though, as you may begin to lose your focus over time. Set a schedule that works best for you.

3. Multiple Measurements of Success

Your goal may be to eat more fruits and vegetables or to lose inches off your tummy. You may want to drink more water or exercise on a regular basis. All of these mini-goals will help you to achieve your overall weight-loss goal.

4. Keep a Record

Whether it's a video journal, online journal, or a spiral notebook, keep track of your goals and your time frames. This will help you stay organized and will remind you of your focus. The journal will also allow you to look back at previous mini-goals so that you can see the progress you have made.

5. Keep it Interesting

Vary your mini-goals so that you are always attempting something new. If your goal every week is to lose 2 pounds, you are likely to get bored very quickly. Add different lifestyle aspects into your mini-goals to challenge yourself and keep momentum going.

6. Reward Yourself

This is the best part of setting mini-goals. Every time you successfully accomplish your goal, treat yourself. Your reward should not be food-related, but instead something that will make you feel pampered. If you reached your goal of toning your arms, buy yourself a sleeveless top. If you drank 8 glasses of water each day, go get a manicure or buy yourself a CD.

Your rewards should be tailored to fit your needs. They should be something that will drive you to work harder and then make you feel as though it was worth all of the work. Great rewards will motivate you to stick to your diet and exercise goals, and they will make the road to your overall success even sweeter.

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