Make Sure the Goals You Set Are Relevant and Attainable

When you force yourself to engage in change, you are unlikely to stick with it. Simply stating your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight does not create a viable action plan. Most resolutions are too vague to be sustainable. If you don’t where to start, write down all the bad habits you want to change that could be limiting your weight-loss efforts. Assign them a timeline and get started on your New Year’s journey. If your New Year’s resolution is to lose weight, look at the journey as a fresh start that will allow you to adopt a new, healthier lifestyle. The outcome will be more promising. If you have a detailed picture in your mind as to what your New Year’s resolution will entail, it will be much easier to see the course of action that can get you there.

• Unrealistic Weight Loss Goals - Unrealistic weight loss goals can lead to yo-yo dieting, which can lead to unwanted weight cycling. Be demanding of yourself but embrace realistic weight loss goals.
• Resolution Too Vague - People often make vague New Year’s resolutions to make it easier to fail. Successful weight loss comes from being fully committed to clearly stated processes.
• Lack of Planning - Unless you’ve been working out on a regular basis, do not start by focusing on high intensity interval training or joining the bandwagon for pumping iron. Start smart and you are likely to stick with it.
• Lack of Support - Ideally, you will find a weight loss partner before you launch your journey. Having someone to check up on you, and vice versa, can help during tougher times.
• Lack of Motivation - Very few people can stay committed to a weight loss program that requires them to repeat difficult tasks that produce few rewards. In fact, the best thing to do is to quit and start over with a personalized plan.
• Slow to Recover from Setbacks - Skipping fitness sessions can lead to resolution failure. Start with less intense options like a brisk walk or working in the yard. All movement counts, so re-focus on being more active.

It doesn’t matter which month you choose to set your weight loss goals. Being overweight puts you at greater risk for developing health problems and losing even a small percent of fat gain can reduce or even reverse the risk. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, your long-term goals should be focused on living a healthier life. Adopting new eating habits and staying active is a smarter approach than targeting an exact number of pounds. If you cannot measure a goal, it is difficult to determine how successful you’ve been at achieving that goal. So, make sure your weight loss goals have measurable timelines. If you don’t have the time, resources, motivation, or determination to accomplish your goals, making a New Year’s resolution to lose weight is waste of time.