Goal Setting for Weight Loss

Goal setting works because they :

• Direct attention to the important daily activities required to succeed.
  If you focus on the end result, it will always be a dream. Focus on the daily activities that cause the problem and you will soon see results!
• Mobilise efforts
  By designing a goal setting plan you provide the framework for commitment to your goals in every aspect of your life.
• Prolong persistence.
  It gives you something to look forward to. By breaking down your goals into smaller, manageable steps, you will identify achievements on a regular basis and this will keep you motivated.
• Foster the development of new learning strategies.
  Committing to a goal setting plan forces you to face those problem areas of your life and develop a plan to overcome them.

Goals fall into three categories :

• Outcome Goals
• Process Goals
• Performance Goals

Outcome goals - typically focus on the result of an event and can either be subjective or objective. In order to suceed, we need our goals to be objective!

• Subjective goals are general statements of intent (e.g., I want to lose weight) but are not stated in measurable, objective terms. This gives you very little motivation or feedback.
• Objective goals focus on attaining a specific standard of proficiency on a task, usually within a specified time (e.g., I want to lose 5 kilos in 2 months).

Performance goals - focus on achieving standards or performance objectives independently of other people or competitors, usually making comparisons with your own previous performance. (e.g. Commit full attendance, always punctual, and perform all set tasks during training sessions).

Process goals - focus on the actions you must engage in every minute of every day to achieve their Outcome goals. (e.g. No drinking alcohol during the week. Adhere to eating program.)

Performance and Process goals create less anxiety than Outcome goals because they are in the total control of the person. It is important that all 3 types of goals are set as they all play important rolls in directing behavioural change.