attractathinneryou

Change is challenging.  We really need to be gentle with ourselves when trying to make changes to our physical shape.  It has taken time to get into the shape we are in now, it’s only reasonable to expect it’s going to take time to get into our new, desired shape.

The best way to make changes is by setting our intention on a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely goal.  You can’t omit any one of these, but I wanted to specifically discuss making your goal achievable.

Making a goal achievable means taking bite-sized chunks.  If you haven’t exercised in a long time, making a goal of ‘going to the gym three times a week’ is a bit of a stretch.  That’s a big chunk!  What about setting a goal to walk ONCE around the block three times this week?  Doesn’t that feel more achievable (= feels good!)?

I made this very mistake last week.  I decided I wanted to start running.  I even took it as a positive sign that I had two very encouraging girlfriends in my life who were willing to help me get started.  And they did.  I ran with Melinda on Monday.  I ran again with Darlene on Tuesday.  My knees were sore.  It was too much, too soon.  I haven’t run since.  Maybe I’ll get back at it, but I think I need to take my activity level in more achievable, bite-sized chunks.

The bite-sized chunks are not a threat to our ego, therefore, we stand a greater chance of achieving our desired change.  When we go all gangbusters and set our intention to go from couch potato to gym rat, well that’s just too much of a stretch.  Ego says, “Woah, woah, woah, woah….woah.”  You have to be gentle.  Even if it’s couch potato to standing on the porch breathing fresh air for 10 minutes three days a week.  Whatever is achievable and bite-sized to YOU, is the point.

My bite-sized, achievable goal?  Walking the dog for at least 30 minutes a minimum of four times a week.  I can do that.  To commit to seven days is just not achievable but four, I can do.  If you’re not having success with your weight loss related goal, can you see where you might be able to knock it down into smaller bites?  I’d like to hear from you.

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