In the last post of this series, we talked about breaking down significant goals into smaller ones, or chunks, so that you can work toward more achievable objectives and be continually energized by more successes. Today, we’d like to talk about another weight-loss goal-setting strategy, which is to focus on just one goal at a time.

One of the most significant changes we need to make to lose weight is to eat better. The goal to eliminate bad food items from your diet can be far more achievable when foods or food groups are removed one at a time rather than all at once. For example, an individual who regularly indulges in fast food, soda, beer, or sugary desserts will find it extremely intimidating to say “No,” to all those items at once. Instead, focus on small changes that take place over one-week increments. You’ll find that to be less stressful.

For example, in the first week, focus on avoiding fast food. At the same time, you may decrease the amount of soda, beer, or desserts from your diet without eradicating them entirely. The following week, focus on avoiding or reducing the amount of another item that is detrimental to your diet or health.

The same approach can be used for changes in exercise or lifestyle habits. Don’t expect to go to the gym and run a mile on the treadmill your first week. While you are tackling your food issues, work your way up to various exercise goals by starting slowly. For instance, rather than attempting to run a mile on the treadmill your first week of exercise, focus on stretching and strengthening exercises that will help limber your body and focus your mind on how good you feel to be moving.

Setting realistic goals, maintaining a positive attitude, prioritizing your health and physical fitness, as well as laying out a well-planned, practical, and performance-based weight-loss program will ensure greater success.

Find out more ways to help yourself get psychologically prepared for weight loss in my new book, Advanced Weight Loss.