How to Set Short and Long-Term Weight Loss Goals

If you have a lot of weight to lose, realistically, it could be a long road ahead until your reach your goal weight. Looking at the big picture can often be intimidating. Setting short and l;ong-term goals, and rewarding yourself throughout your weight loss journey can help you stay motivated.
First, set up your long-term and short-term goals for your weight loss efforts. These goals should be personal and focus on the things you need the most improvement on.
Long-Term Weight Loss Goals
Long-term weight loss goals are important for the big picture. You should have a vision of your final goals. What is your goal weight or size? What will it feel like when you reach this goal?
Examples of long-term weight loss goal rewards include: a weekend vacation or cruise, a new wardrobe in a smaller size, a new hairstyle, a large piece of workout equipment.
Once you have this image of your end result, break it down into smaller chunks. Goal-orientated rewards work better if they occur more often. Even small rewards can keep you motivated to stay on track.
Short-Term Weight Loss Goals

Short-term weight loss goals can be all the bits and pieces that collectively bring you to your long-term goal. They can be related to weigh loss, food, exercise, water intake and other areas of personal improvement.
The key with short-term goals is to set small, achievable goals and reward yourself frequently. Create a simple chart to track your progress and watch as your rewards quickly add up, giving you another reason to stay on track.
Some examples of short-term goals are: cardio goals, staying within your daily calorie range, drinking 8 or more cups of water per day, reaching a 5-pound weight loss, reaching a 5-inch loss according to a tape measure, creating and completing challenges.
Using Rewards for Motivation to Lose Weight
It can be difficult to stay on track with your weight loss program if you feel deprived. Depravation often occurs when people cut back on calories and increase their exercise while working on lifestyle changes. You have to break the habit of rewarding yourself with food. It will be easier to adapt if you put something else in its place. Try using small rewards to stay motivated. The reward should be pre-determined and something you are willing to work for. Rewards should not consist of food.
Examples of small rewards include: workout clothes, running shoes, a massage, a manicure/pedicure, a book, CD or DVD, dumbbells, medicine ball or resistance bands, costume jewelry, a heart-rate monitor watch or craft supplies.
Soon you will work harder and stay on track because you will look forward to treating yourself to these rewards as you work towards your long-term weight loss goal.