We are a mere 20 weeks into 2015. That’s just a little over 36 percent of the way through the year. My question to you is: How are you doing? We all set fabulous goals five months ago. We called them New Year’s Resolutions. How are you doing with yours? Have you lost any weight, if that was your goal? Have you brought up your grades? Made more time for your family? Finished reading that book you’ve been working on? How are you doing?
The best way to reach a goal is to make it SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. So when you said you wanted to get into shape, it’s a dream, not a goal. A goal would be: “I will lose 25 pounds by August 15, 2015 and be in a size (fill in the blank).” If you’ve allowed your New Year’s Resolution fall to the wayside, have hope! There is still time to do something in 2015. We still have 33 weeks left in the year.
Another great way to reach a goal is to find someone to be accountable to for that goal. If you are a student, teachers and parents will hold you accountable without a doubt. If you are an adult, ask a friend who has a similar goal and be each other’s accountability partner. I have a group of friends on Facebook to whom I report. I have been working on getting in shape and even though it has been very hard, it makes it easier to know my friends will be looking for my report.
By sharing a report of my goal, I will be even more accountable to even more people. I started the year at 135 pounds with 35.16 percent body fat. At four foot, eleven inches tall, this makes me fall into the “obese” category. Needless to say, my feelings were hurt. Many people who have seen me say they don’t agree with this information. However, the numbers don’t lie. I have worked hard over the last 19 weeks and I am proud to report my progress. I am now 127 pounds and at 31.51 percent body fat. I have not been able to affect the four foot eleven inches in any way. I have not reached my goal. Nevertheless, I am working hard and I now fall into the “acceptable” category. I am happy to not be obese any longer.
I hope you have not given up on your goal, and I hope that you will renew your efforts for the remainder of the year. We still have time to do something in 2015.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: How Are You Doing?