Making a commitment to change is the first important step. Keeping it is the second. Learning to view your new behaviors as a way of life—not something you start and stop—is very important. It's much easier to maintain your weight than to lose it again after you've stopped! |
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Long term goal planning is part of this process. As you make improvements, your plans will need to change. For instance, you will need to find new challenges in your exercise program that will help you make improvements and keep you interested. Continuing to set new goals, challenging yourself and monitoring your progress will help you stay on track. Keep asking yourself these questions:
Remember that if you don't track your progress you won't be able to know whether or not you've met your goals. Healthy Habits for Success The National Weight Control Registry has tracked over 5,000 people who have lost weight and kept it off for a long period of time. Here are some patterns that have contributed to their success.¹
Reward Yourself Find ways to reward yourself for achieving your goals. Examples include getting a massage, buying a new outfit, taking a special trip or reading a new book. Don't make your rewards things you should already be doing to take care of yourself, such as taking a nap or getting a nice haircut. Make sure you praise yourself often for achieving your goals. Tell others about your successes. If you don't quite reach your goal, it's still important that you congratulate yourself for small accomplishments and the progress you are making. ¹National Weight Control Registry, National Weight Control Registry Facts |