#166 - Have a Clear Goal: Health Tips for Weight Loss
Weight loss tip number 72 is for dieters who are just getting started. Coach Tadris Parker has personally tested this recommendation and a hundred other health tips commonly shared in the running and fitness world. Listen to the audio clip below to hear his take on the importance of having a clear goal… Learn all about this at Keep Calm and Run To The Best You!
What are you doing this for? Losing weight for a wedding? To decrease adverse health risks? To run around with your kids without feeling wiped out? Whatever your specific goal is, keep that in mind and have a visual reminder nearby so you’ll remain focused.
Tip 72. Have a Clear Goal (weight loss)
The science of goal setting sounds a little abstract but it is a real and practical study! For the past few years, this topic has been a launchpad for newer trends like visionboarding, and a cornerstone for something called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Back in the sixties, two partnering psychologists spearheaded this research to explore human motivation. (Edwin Locke and Gary Latham)
We published an article back in June to share what we learned from psychology journals about goal setting. The biggest takeaway is a method called SMART goals, with “smart” being an acronym for goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. When we set goals that meet SMART criteria, we are positioning ourselves to reach and exceed the marker for success. This is a highly effective approach to business, education, and health, among other things.
You may be wondering how far this knowledge will actually take you. After all, sitting around to read scientific explanations doesn’t seem like a good way to lose weight, does it? Going down a rabbit hole can be overwhelming and the last thing we want to do is start stress eating due to a never ending web search! If you’re more interested in learning what to do instead of knowing the ins and outs of goal setting, let’s just agree on the importance of “mind over matter.” Your way of thinking will determine the actions that follow.
How can I be more specific with my goal? How can I be more detailed in my plan to achieve it? Have I identified the true “why” that is motivating me? Train your mind to think this way. Let’s apply this thinking to real life and compare some vague goals to clear goals.
Vague Goal: Lose weight
Clear Goal: Drop 35 pounds by my next birthday so I can lower my health risks by adopting a clean diet and joining a run/walk club
Vague Goal: Support a cause
Clear Goal: Sign up for a cause-supporting 5K and train for 2 months, raise money for it and create awareness in your community
Vague Goal: Set a good example for my family
Clear Goal: Model healthy choices when making a grocery list or workout routine. Start a friendly contest where the person who walks the most steps each week gets to choose a movie or pick another way to celebrate
Next, take time to analyze your own plans and dreams, and identify your reasons behind them. Through this practice you will become self aware and deepen your commitment to making it happen. Maybe you will realize that a goal you had wasn’t as important as you previously thought. Maybe your goal was placed on your mind by someone else and you were never personally committed to it. Cross out any goals that you don’t have a clear reason for. What you’re left with is what you must clarify and plan for.
Lastly, have a visual reminder closeby to keep your goal on your mind. Maybe you’ll hang your bathing suit next to the refrigerator or place a copy of your 5K registration next to your running shoes. Do whatever makes sense to keep your eyes on the prize!
Ready…Set Goal! ;)
At Keep Calm and Run To The Best You, we are actively helping people from all walks of life to get healthier and happier in the body they’ve got! We’ve collected advice from professionals, combed through archives, and gathered insights from our group members. Click here to see the rest of our 101 health tips about running, intermittent fasting, and weight loss.
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Coach Tadris Parker trains athletes at all levels for intermittent fasting.
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Chris, Dawn, Coach, Melissa, & Lisa! Congratulations Lisa Gallagher & Melissa Southrey for placing 1st & 2nd place in your age group of 60-69!