Your reasonable game plan must be realistic for you and
help you maintain the changes over time. The game plan will include your
goal and all of the things to do in order to reach that goal.
The reasonable game plan will include:
A game plan that fits you well. How much
weight are you trying to lose? How often will you exercise?
There are many decisions to make about the details of your game
plan. Your goal and game plan should fit with current medical
recommendations, as well as with your own personal values and
needs. Take time to sort out what is healthy, reachable and
sustainable for you. Use your own common sense, as well as input
from us, your physician, or valued friends.
A goal described in specific and positive
terms. Be very clear about what you are expecting of
yourself. For example, I will walk for 30 minutes each
morning" is a great, specific goal. While, "I’ll
take better care of myself tomorrow" offers no clear idea
of what you are supposed to be doing.
Reasonable expectations of yourself. How
fast are you expecting to reach your goal? Be careful of wanting
the change too fast, and then falling hard when it isn’t a
quick fix. Many people will experience periods where they aren’t
losing the weight as they would hope. The three-month point is a
common time for this. These "plateaus" should be
expected and prepared for.
Caution Areas!
The following are common mistakes that can cause people to
get off track from their game plan. Be mindful of these and address each
directly if needed
Vague ideas of things to do without specific,
concrete plans
Having a goal that doesn’t feel like you own
it or comes from within you
Having a game plan that causes you to feel
overly restricted or controlled
Unrealistic expectations for your progress or
for your effort
