Achieve Your Goals

If you're like me, you probably set your sights high! Shoot for the stars, I always tell my kids! However, when you have a lofty goal that will take some time to achieve, it's easy to get discouraged along the way and lose your motivation to continue. Don't let that happen! Keep yourself feeling motivated and encouraged throughout your efforts by breaking down your big goals into smaller, more manageable steps.

This means, for example, that if your goal is to lose 40 pounds, you may break it up into eight smaller goals of 5 pounds. Losing 5 pounds doesn't sound as hard as losing 40, now does it? As you hit each of your smaller goals, reward yourself — not with food but with something that you enjoy and that will continue to motivate you. How about a new workout top for each 5 pounds? The latest fitness magazine or book? Or you can put five bucks aside toward a larger, more substantial gift that you'll get yourself when you hit your long-term goal. Some people find it motivating to keep a chart and put up a check mark or a sticker for each small goal they achieve.

This works for weight-loss goals as well as any other large goals you need to accomplish. Got a big home improvement project? Divide it up into small tasks you can work on each weekend. Do your kids need you to organize a school trip or help them get packed for college? Set up detailed lists to get you ready for the big day. This method can help you manage any life goals you set for yourself, even very long-range ones like saving to buy a house or for retirement.

This month, your job is not to let yourself become overwhelmed when you have a daunting task before you. I know you can do this! Start by breaking it down into smaller goals. You will accomplish so much more — and feel so much more relaxed and proud of what you've done. And I'll be proud of you, too!

Tips:Morning Stretch with Denise Austin.