Setting Short Term Goals: 21-Day Challenge
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Today starts another 21-Day Challenge group on Facebook.
During the last three weeks, I made a few changes to my workout regime and cleaned up my eating quite a bit. Though I ended up gaining a few pounds, I felt stronger, more tone, and more mindful about my choices each day.
In other words, I achieved a lot of “NSVs” – “non-scale victories.”
My goals for this challenge are:
Continue making a schedule of my workouts and meal plans.
I think when it comes to creating short-term goals, I’m not creating goals as much as I am creating habits.
My morning workout has become a non-negotiable because it’s been on my schedule as an appointment with myself. (Google Calendar is GREAT for planning out your week!) I’m less impulsive at the grocery store when I have a list to refer to because I’ve planned out all my meals. I’m slowly re-training my brain by following a schedule that I create with myself over the weekend.
Collect other data besides my weight.
I want to compare measurements between now and three weeks from now. I want to be able to track how much more weight I’m lifting in 21 days. I want more qualitative data recorded about how I’m feeling at the end of each day. If the past 3 weeks have taught me anything, it’s to not place so much emphasis on a stupid scale.
Use MyFitnessPal to log all my meals.
I think it’d be helpful to know that I’m keeping my calorie count in check. But, more importantly, I like the idea of keeping a log just to have record of what foods trigger my energy slumps and what contributes to my more active days.
That’s it.
I’m hoping to make these three small changes over the next 21 days. I think by choosing a few, smaller things I want to focus on, the whole process of “losing weight” seems a lot less daunting.
Questions of the Day:
- Do you have any short-term (or long-term) health and fitness goals?
YES! New habits is a better name I think! My “goal” was to get up an hour earlier every day so that I could say goodby to the hubby and breath before my 2 little hurricane’s wake up LOL I think I would benefit from logging my food too. I will add that to my list! I used to be so good at it. I ate so much junk this weekend, so I should be more accountable this week!
YESSS. With this and in all arenas here. SMALL STEPS. CONSISTENTLY. OVER TIME. BOOM!! Goal achieved.
My health goals are to get back into the gym! I have gained so much weight with health issues and I recently stopped drinking and picked up eating chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream. So… I am working to lose about 15 – 20 lbs… but the cookies are calling me… Wish me luck!
I haven’t set any health goals but I like reading your 21 challenge goals. My very short term habit is to cut on carbs to reduce weight.
You got this! I think everything changes as soon as your habits change. It becomes a lot easier. I’m attempting to change some of my habits now, too. I am TERRIBLE at drinking water, so I’m trying to find fun ways to incorporate more of it into my day. I’m also trying to hit by 10,000 step goal every day. It is surprisingly harder than I thought it would be! I didn’t think I was that sedentary, but I am definitely realising a lot about myself. Thanks, Fitbit. Gah.
The group seems to be what I need right now. It’s almost winter here in South Africa, and the comfort food is calling already – for the first time I really dread the prospect of me continuing eating the way I do now.
Love what you said about “I’m not creating goals as much as I am creating habits.” That is such a good way to look at it! I’m trying to be all around healthier because of health issues so I try to not have junk food in the house, if I’m craving something sweet, I’ll grab an orange or another piece of fruit. I try really hard to meal plan for the week but that is one habit I can’t seem to be successful with, I plan maybe 2-3 days maximum and that’s it.
I prefer going to the grocery store more times a week than doing a large shop otherwise that’s when I get into the bad habit of getting boxed foods, with preservatives because I know If I go once a week or once every two week, the more fresh stuff I buy won’t last as long. 🙂
Such great ideas! And it’s so important to make them habits! I also think it’s smart that you are taking measurements because the scale doesn’t tell the whole story. Best of luck this 21 days!
I’m impressed with how organized you are with this!
You are exempt today for its party time and celebration time for your Big One Year!!!! And also the fact that Ankur’s exam went well!! Pick it back up from tomorrow!!!
I don’t really need to lose weight, my doctor says I am just within the range of normal for my height, built and age. If I were to make fitness goals, it would be to be consistent in engaging myself in exercise and to take my supplements regularly. I like how you used the word “habits” instead of “goals.” There’s so much motivation in there.
Yes my friend, yes!! There is so much more to being fit than just the number on the scale. I fall prey to that number too. But the truth is, while the numbers haven’t changed too much, the size of my pants has (in a good way), and I feel strong. 🙂 Also, I should totally get back on MyFitnessPal… but maybe only after my truffles are gone… 😉
Best of luck with all of your goals! I’m mostly focusing on exercise and water intake for the 21-day challenge. I’m already doing really well with the food because of my weight loss program, but it’s harder to do the other two.
Amazing list of goals, Divya! And that’s wonderful that you are keeping track of everything on the My Fitness Pal app–I used to do that too but then got lazy (I KNOW, I’m le worst!). Anyway, it’s a great way of staying accountable and keeping track of everything you put in your mouth.
Feeling good > # on the scale. Always. I’m glad to see you are taking such good care of yourself, and wish you all the best this month! XO
Having that morning exercise routine locked down is going to help a lot. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism will be too!
Before I did weight watchers I used MFP for years. Its a really great app to keep track.
Short term goals are the only way I can role. They are fantastic, more manageable, more determinable, and keep me encouraged. Rewards for achieving short term goals are good too. 😉
my short term goal is to be consistent with my workout, which i have been skipping A LOT.
Fantastic goals (and you’re right, ultimately, habits) for good health! I’m glad the new workout routine has been going so well.
I just restarted a program I started that helped me lose 70 pounds in my thirties, I have to eat a certain way to be healthy because I have digestive issues. I am determined to lose 20 by august. The most important thing I’ve found is sticking with it even beyond the goal
Awesome ideas! I have got to do better when it comes to exercising. I think it’s a great idea to make a schedule and menu plan.
These are such great goals! I think you have the right idea too- small goals will get you farther in the long run.
I like your “goal” and plan. My goal in May is to lose three pounds with eating plans and resting plans. Besides, I jog every morning.
So well written. Small goals, small steps, change your life style gradually.
Yes, ma’am….. will try and follow your advise.
I have signed up for your 21 day challenge on facebook.
Wish me luck.
Have a blessed day.
We have to start somewhere and it is best to take things by strides. Not too much or you will not stick to it
Glad you are trying to stay on track. Short term goals are an excellent way to motivate you for longer ones. I’ve been trying to drink more water and go for one walk a day. Nothing major because I tend to give up easily when it staying active lol
So important to collect more data than your weight! The scale can go up and down for SO many reasons – water levels, hormone levels, muscle mass, etc. I like taking measurements, progress photos, seeing how much clothes fit, and how I feel too 🙂
I can completely relate to this post. I just joined the gym with my husband last week and I am also hoping to reach some short-term and long-term fitness goals.
Some great advice here, some of which I will be using. I use MyFitnessPal too. It’s a good app.
Great post. I really like your idea of “NSVs” 🙂 A shift in focus to good HABITS is what it should be about. Focussing on weight or other metrics is such short term thinking and can even be counter-productive. Changing habits is what will make the difference long term.
Great post. I really like your idea of “NSVs” 🙂 A shift in focus to good HABITS is what it should be about. Focussing on weight or other metrics is such short term thinking and can even be counter-productive. Changing habits is what will make the difference long term.
I love the idea of tracking your measurements and weight lifting! Those will be great ways to look more realistically at your progress in a way that’s about so much more than just the scale. I’m looking forward to reading through the rest of your journey.