Why your Weight Loss Plan Failed

If you're like many people out there, you promised yourself to drop a few pounds this year. You made a resolution that this year would be different - that you would eat better, exercise more and live 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 rigid and absolute.

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 face it, you're cheating yourself if you count that as success.

So, you've failed. Because "eating better in 2008" means your have to eat perfectly for the whole. 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 virtually guarantee you made 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.

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