Dedicate some time to ensuring you have a focus and a destination.

Before setting off on any journey, we must have a destination in mind, we need to be able to see the future and remain committed to that goal.

What do you want to achieve and what is that success going to give you?

When setting goals, it’s important to start with the end goal and then break it down into medium and short-term.

Don’t rush this part. Consider the principles of SMART goal setting.

Specific: Well-defined, clear, and focused

Measurable: Specific criteria that can measure your progress toward the accomplishment of the goal

Achievable: Attainable and not impossible to achieve

Realistic: Within reach, realistic, and relevant

Timely: With a clearly defined timeline, including a starting date and a target date, creating accountability

Physically writing goals down is proven to increase the likelihood of sustainability.

So, taking a pen and paper, write down the following:

By 12 weeks I want to have achieved:

1)

2)

By 6 weeks I want to have achieved:

1)

2)

By 3 weeks I want to have achieved:

1)

2)

Now consider what success looks like and what tangible things achieving those goals is going to give you.

If we think about it, most of us don’t actually want to lose weight, or even necessarily to lose fat.

What we want is to benefit from the lifestyle improvements that come with these achievements.

Let's expand on this ...

Turn to a fresh page and write:

(example)

My no.1 long-term goal is: To drop two dress sizes, to size 12.

This will give me: The ability to take my children to the school gate without feeling like ‘the fat mum’

My no.2 long-term goal is: Improve my sleep

This will give me: Improved concentration levels at work and allow me to be more patient with my children in the evening

(continue this for medium- and short-term goals)

It is important to reinforce the ‘why’ behind the goals, this is the emotional driver which will help you to get back on track through the difficult days. Reminding yourself why this is important to you and what you wish to achieve will give you the boost you need to continue in the right direction.

Once you've done this task - now you MUST take ACTION!