Weight Loss Articles

In short, the title of this article is simply describing what most people have an extremely difficult time doing ? keeping at bay the short-term ?feel-goodness? of instant gratification in order to achieve a goal. In other words, think retirement. If you spent every single penny you earned on things that made you instantly happy, a long-range goal of retiring would be out of reach (barring a windfall of cash from a long-lost relative or winning the lottery).

Now apply that to setting goals for weight loss or eating healthier. If you have to eat a hot fudge sundae every time you pass an ice cream shop because you feel you deserve it or it will instantly make you feel better, your chances of losing weight are decreased. If you feel that lounging on the sofa every night vs. going for a walk will make you feel better, your chances of getting into shape are decreased.

However, at the same time that you engage in these goal-destroying behaviors and habits, you carry around the notion that you want to lose XX number of pounds, or tone up and get stronger. How in the world will that happen if you can?t reach your long-term goal?

By setting short-term goals. Rather than ordering that hot fudge sundae every week, set a goal of cutting down to once per month. Rather than sitting on the sofa EVERY night, set a goal of walking 3 evenings. These are interim, short-term goals that move you specifically toward a long-term goal. And yes, they involve delayed gratification. The gratification comes when that snug pair of pants now has breathing room, or you lift the blow dryer to do your hair and see your bicep pop out!

See? It?s easy once you practice. Now, what?s your short-term goal for this week? And what can you push aside in order to reap a later, healthy reward?