THE IMPORTANCE OF GOALS
By: Mike Dolce
Just the word GOAL invokes a destination. Whether it be an end zone, a mountain top or a smaller dress size, we all know what a goal should be.
The problem I come across more often than not is that people have loose goals. They kid themselves by pretending to have set a goal, when really they just have a wish.
“I want to lose weight,” is the most common but often goes no farther than that statement.
When confronted with this person I always ask, “How much exactly? What deadline have you set?? Let me see your action steps to get there.”
Very rarely is my first question answered and almost never are my second two even considered.
This is when I switch into COACH MODE and make sure my friend has a clear set plan before walking away, which can sometimes be inconvenient because I am often recognized as being the ‘diet guy’ in coffee shops, gyms, malls and for some reason ALWAYS at the movie theatre. My wife usually looks at me with a smile, knowing we are now going to miss the opening credits of the new Disney movie, while I attempt to change the course of my new friend’s life.
STEP 1
Set a clearly defined goal.
“I WILL (not want to) lose 40 lbs.”
Now you have a very clear picture of your exact destination. There is no confusion here.
STEP 2
“I WILL lose 40 lbs. in 120 days.”
Now you have a specific timeline. No more circling the drain, waiting to begin. The clock is now ticking.
STEP 3
“I WILL lose 40 lbs. in 120 days by following these ACTION STEPS.”
– Read ‘The Dolce Diet: Living Lean’ and create my own lifestyle approach to weight-loss using the principles, recipes and exercise programs that Mike has already laid out, most suited to my own ability, goals and medical background.
–Be consistent. For the next 120 days (and rest of my life) I will dedicate myself to achieving this goal and hold myself 100% accountable. Regardless of what unexpected trial or tribulation may come up in my life, I will continue on with my goal until I have found success.
–Create a support system. This may be your family, friends, team, coworkers or online community. I have started such a community at MYDolceDiet.com for all of us to support, motivate and inspire each other as we all travel toward our own unique goals. Pro-athletes, bikini models, lawyers, students, moms, law enforcement professionals and many others from all walks of life are members and the community is thriving!
–Begin TODAY! There is no better time like the present. Don’t push it off until Monday. Start now, as best you can, and continue making improvements the first few days. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t gone grocery shopping yet, or have a trip scheduled. Begin moving toward your goal immediately and constantly work to improve your situation as you go. Start NOW!!!
The Action Steps above are general but apply to each of you. I also instruct my students to sit down at a quiet table with a notebook they have purchased specifically for this project and write down everything. Your goals, a more complete version of these steps with greater detail as it relates to your specific situation, write your daily bodyweight, progress at the gym, frustrations, successes and so on. This book becomes your own training partner, support system, cherished friend and annoying cheerleader reminding you of how far you have come.
Ultimately, you know everything I have said above. I did not break new ground in this post and that was not my intention.
My GOAL here was to get you accountable and for you to START RIGHT NOW!!!
Check me out on Twitter @TheDolceDiet or on Facebook/TheDolceDiet and post your thoughts, comments, questions, photos and videos as you move closer to achieving your goals with the hashtag #DolceDietGOALS and I will follow your progress and help you stay on track.
Let’s do this together!
-Mike
