goals

Serial dieters will know that the first week, or even month, of a new diet or exercise regimen is often a time of super-high willpower, intense focus, and a sense of deep determination.

That initial enthusiasm doesn't last long though, and many people give up in despair at the thought of the months ahead - often regaining the weight they've managed to lose (and then some).

So, how can you keep up your motivation when you know you've got a long way to go before you reach your goal?

In a destination-focused world we often ignore the importance of the journey. In doing so, we tend to skip over the crucial foundational behavioral aspects that can impede the chances of long-term success. We seek out the fastest possible route to achieve whatever goal it is we have in mind (let's go with weight loss as an example).

Sometimes we need to take a step back and look at the underpinnings that will support the outcome goals. So here are 11 behavioral goals that can help translate into physical goals and shape a lifetime of success. I encourage you to modify them to fit your needs.

Weight loss clubs and pools have become popular in recent years whereby groups of people get together and have contests to see who can shed the most weight. Getting some form of financial reward can be motivational, but what if not reaching your goal meant you could lose your savings?

Serious enough to put money on it?

A new site called StickK allows you put your money where your mouth is.

Here's how it works:

There is little doubt that setting goals is the first step when setting your course towards any given achievement. When it comes to aspects of fat loss and health, many are stuck in the starting blocks due to shoddy goal-setting. Putting in the extra groundwork in the goal-setting stage will boost your chances of enjoying long-term success. So grab a pen and let’s plan for action with these 4 crucial aspects of goal setting.

We are generally very adept at starting exercise and programs and dietary regimes... and we pretty much suck at sticking to it.

One of the most formidable reasons for this is the failure to permanently ingrain our newfound healthy habits into our psyches. Before the physical aspects of reaching your goals take place, we need to re-program our minds.

Here is a 3-step process to help you not only stay on the wagon, but get you driving the darned thing!

Lisa Gates, of Design Your Writing Life, has a unique and powerful way of helping her clients identify their commitments, and move forward in the direction of their goals.

What makes you tick?

If you are attempting to change diet and exercise habits then you need to work with who you are. You don't need to blindly follow someone else's mandate.