Weight Loss Goals... just sharing what I have learned ...might help someone else...

I have a new "goal" system; I modify them weekly/monthly.

I have a Short Term Goal... reach 200lbs by 4.30.08... did that... so I have adjusted it to as far under 200 as I can get by that date.

I have a Mid-Range Goal... reach 190lbs by July 1st.

I have a Long Term Goal or Target... reach 160lbs by 12.31.08... but I may modify this one next week to 150lbs.

Stretch Goal... [call it a stretch...because it is one.] reach 140lbs by March 2009.

I have done really well at reaching my short term goals... and as such have had to modify my midterm goals ...a bit. I evaluate every week... and then once a month with my dietitian. It really helps... because I can keep things in perspective. Sometimes we get so fixated on the one number...we can not see the forrest for the trees.

I developed this goal system after my last plateau. I had made short term goal to be at 200lbs by my next weigh in... well I wasn't... and was totally bummed. However... I did reach it a week later. I got to thinking... had I had more fluid goals... I would not be so affected [emotionally that is] by plateaus, and minor set backs... it would also relieve some stress, and add to my motivation.

Now some of you are going to say... DUH! But, honestly... I knew this, but did not understand it. Now I do... and just wanted to share. Maybe there is someone else out there like me...who was missing the big picture too.

Thats a good idea! I'm going to try that, thanks :)

I have weekly goals for my weigh-ins. I weigh-in every Saturday and look for at least 2.5 lbs. ive been averaging about 3 but the average is declining slowly.

I have an overall goal to be down to 349 by August 2nd. I was 435 in December and today I am down to 386. I find that having weekly goals keeps me motivated through the week so if I happen to have a day where I binge a little i get back on track the next day to make sure I hit the week's goal. saturday is the perfect day for me so I dont screw up on friday which i used to do when i had my weigh ins on monday. when i know i have to weigh in the next day I am on extra good behavior haha.

That is amazing... polpot... 86lbs in 5 months! I am in awe. You go girl. Here I thought my 28lbs in 4 months was good. I choke on your dust honey... lol.

I tried the weekly thing... but, I have a tendency to obsess... so my short term goals are usually monthly. month beginning to month end.

i wish 86 pounds! haha but its only 49 = 435-386

my bad... one should wear there glasses at the computer. it is still great... 49 is a lot.

I set realistic monthly because I am a fan of instant gratification and rewards...I need to see progress on a regular basis or I shut-down and quit.  I also set weekly "good-habit" goals to make small incremental changes.  I like to reward myself ALOT, so I tell myself I acheive my goals I have a new pair of shoes, a pedicure, a girls night out...whatever!

I'm working on losing about 150 pounds, which is a big, scary number.  I set up 54 milestones to mark my progress, which I find really helpful.  (They're all listed in my bio if you want to check them out.)  I've reached the first seven of them already (since mid January).  I try not to think about the big number very often, but these little goals keep me focused.

Just checked out your bio and your goal list...I love it (especially that you mark it with smileys as you reach your goals)!   I may just have to "plagiarize" with tweaks to fit my goal (consider it a sincere form of flattery).