Before you actually make a decision to go on a "diet" program, you should make your first step setting clear, written goals for your future. This is the beginning and perhaps most critical step when making any dietary or lifestyle change. Personal success expert Brian Tracy says that being absolutely clear about your goals will account for fully 95% of your success. After working with hundreds of clients whose main goals were weight loss and shedding unwanted body fat, there is no doubt that being clear about your goals has proved time and time again to be the most important factor!
One of the best methods of goal setting ever developed is referred to as the "10 goals a day method." This method has dramatically changed my life and has transformed the lives of millions of other people who have tried it. This is what you do: Start each morning by taking 3-5 minutes to write down a list of 10 of your most important goals. When using this method, remember the 3 critical "Ps". The goal should be positive, present tense, and personal. Thus, each sentence should begin with the word "I." Also, whenever possible, you should include a deadline for this goal. By writing down your goals in the present tense as if you already have achieved them, you will begin to see yourself more and more as the person you want to be. Here are a few examples to get you started:
1.) I weigh X number of pounds by September 15, 20XX.
2.) I eat the correct food for my body type every day.
3.) I plan every day and every meal in advance.
4.) I spend 45-60 minutes a day exercising.
5.) I am full of health, energy, and vitality every day!
6.) I am clear about what I want to accomplish in my business, career, and personal life.
7.) I earn x # of dollars per year by December 31, 20XX.
8.) I love to eat healthy food & exercise daily.
9.) I have a body fat percentage of only 18% by October 31, 20XX.
10.) I use this 10 goal a day method every morning before I get going!
This simple, yet powerful technique can change your entire outlook on life. By forcing yourself to put your ideas into words, and your words onto paper, you begin to activate your creativity and innate mental powers. By constantly repeating positive statements, you begin to become what you think about more and more. By becoming crystal clear about what you want in your life, you simultaneously become more clear about the things you don't want. This will begin to transform any negative thoughts and emotions into positive, creative energy that you can use towards the areas of your life that are most important to you. For example, you could make healthier food decisions. You could begin a structured exercise program. You can use this newfound energy for practically any other goal that you can set for yourself!
As the saying goes, "you can't hit a target that you can't see!" Your success in any goal or desire you have can always be traced back to your initial goal setting process. This is perhaps the single most important factor in dieting or in any other area of life!
My client Karen explains: "Changing my thinking was the biggest part of changing my body! Before you began coaching me on the principles of psychology and emotional eating, I never knew how to change my bad habits. I used to crave and eat processed sugar products every day and then beat myself up about it. I suppose I knew this wasn't helping, but I could never figure out what to do about it. Now that I've set clear, written goals for myself, I no longer obsess about food and therefore make much better decisions about what I eat."
Karen is just one of the many clients who have made significant changes in self-confidence, body shape, and overall quality of life after learning how to set, clear, written goals. Good questions to ask yourself before getting started are: What is my main goal for going on this diet? How much weight am I trying to lose (or gain)? What time frame is realistic for achieving this goal? How serious am I about making this happen TODAY? Why is achieving this goal important to me? Am I able to take on this journey by myself? Do I need professional coaching to help guide me towards my goal? What steps do I need to take to make this happen safely and effectively?
These questions should get you started thinking positively about your goals and desires. Once you know what you want to achieve, you have a track to run on!
Neil is a dynamic Speaker, Author, Corporate Wellness Educator, Personal Trainer, & C.H.E.K Practitioner. Neil has lived in St. Petersburg his entire life and has been involved in the health & fitness industry for the last 8 years. Neil specializes in providing weight loss, strengthening, & health solutions to clients of all ages, and holds many certifications and credentials including a BS degree from the University of South Florida, C.H.E.K Practitioner Level I, C.H.E.K Holistic Lifestyle Coach, PPS Mastery Practitioner, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (NSCA), Certified Personal Trainer, Sports Fitness Specialist, and Performance Enhancement Specialist (NASM), and Advanced Certified Metabolic Typing Advisor (Health Excel).
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