Strategies for Change: Setting Realistic Goals

Here's a framework for setting goals and objective - crucial preliminary step for making changes:

Determine your goal or objective. Define it in words and on paper. Then test your definition against your own value system. Can you attain your goal and still be the person you want to be? 

Think in terms of evolution, not revolution. Revolutionary changes only inspire counterrevolutions.

If you want to change the way you eat, start by changing just one meal a week.

Identify your resources. Do you have the knowledge, skills, finances, time - whatever it takes? Find out from others who know. Be sure you're ready for the next step.

Systematically analyze barriers. How can missing resources be acquired? Identify and select alternative plans. List solutions for any obstacles you foresee.

Choose a plan. Think it through, step by step, trying to anticipate what might go wrong and why.

07/2008 - Source: Based on Roizen, Michael. RealAge: Are You as Young as You Can Be? New York: HarperCollins, 2000 - Invitation to Fitness and Wellness - Dianne Hales & Charleen Zartman