Taking Small Steps Towards Huge Weight Loss

How many times have you said, 'I want to lose X kilos by the end of the year' and have failed to achieve this goal?

An outcome goal is a big goal you want to achieve. The bigger picture. 'I want to lose 12 kilos this year'. But it can be extremely demotivating when you don't achieve this goal, and you might never try again. 'Shoot for the stars, but land on the moon'.

Progress goals are the small steps that you take to achieve a larger goal. They are based around the actions and tasks that you can control focus more around achieving smaller milestones. You focus on taking one step at a time.

Let's say you want to lose 12kg in 12 months, a goal that is achievable with some hard work and adherence. What is the first 'step' you can take to achieve that?

A simple goal can be: 'I will go for a walk twice a week for 15 minutes'. A very simple, and achievable goal that anyone can commit to.

You might want to set another goal to help you achieve your weight loss. Something like: 'I want to prepare a healthy lunch for work on Wednesday'. Another simple goal that anyone can commit to.

Once you have consistently achieved these small process goals for several weeks, you progress them. You can start walking three times a week for 30 minutes. One month later, you can start walking four times a week. Three to four months down the track, you now have this new routine that you have committed to, and you can easily evolve this into 'I will go the gym four times a week for 45 minutes'.

The beauty of process goals is that there is a natural progression. Once you start setting small goals and consistently achieve them, you gain a lot of confidence and motivation, and you don't ever want to stop. Before you know it, 12 months down the track, you've lost that 12kg (maybe even more) and it seemed effortless, because now a healthier lifestyle is just part of your routine.

If you're struggling with your health and fitness goals, reach out to us.

Written by Stefan Grkinjic
Strength Coach
Inner Athlete Aus