Set Clear Goals Before You Start

Starting the New You Plan is an exciting step toward transforming your health and lifestyle! Before you dive in, it’s essential to set clear, actionable goals. This step will help you stay focused and motivated, ensuring you remain on track as you work toward your desired results.

Find Your "Why"

Understanding your deeper motivation for making a change is key to setting meaningful goals. Ask yourself: Why do I want to lose weight or improve my health? Whether it’s fitting into a favourite outfit again, preparing for a special event, or gaining more energy for everyday life, your "why" is personal to you. Identifying this will give your goals purpose, making the journey much more motivating.

Looking Long-Term

The first step in goal-setting is determining your long-term objective. This is often linked to your "why" and will help shape the direction of your plan. Your long-term goal might be:

To achieve a certain size or weight again.
To feel more comfortable and confident in your skin.
To have more energy or reduce medication.
To lower your risk of health conditions like diabetes.
To fit into a specific dress for a big event.

Make sure your long-term goal is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-limited (SMART). For example, if your goal is to avoid diabetes, regularly checking your health markers (like HbA1c levels) can be a measurable way to track progress.

Breaking it Down: Short-Term Goals

To achieve your long-term goal, break it down into smaller, short-term goals. This will help prevent overwhelm and keep you motivated as you celebrate each small success. Short-term goals could include:

Drinking an extra glass of water every day.
Taking a daily walk or adding exercise to your routine.
Practicing mindfulness or working on your mindset.
Creating new, healthier habits that support your long-term goal.

Each mini-goal should be achievable in about 2 weeks to 1 month, with room to reassess and adapt as needed. As you reach each mini-goal, give yourself credit and set the next one to continue your progress.

Life Happens – Be Flexible

The key to success is flexibility. Life sometimes gets in the way, and things don’t always go as planned. It’s important to stay adaptable and understand that habits take time to change. When you face challenges or setbacks, remember that they are part of the learning process.

Achieving Your Goals

Consistency is crucial for success. Keep track of your progress by writing down your goals and recording small wins along the way. This will help you stay focused and motivated. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to adjust your approach — the important thing is to keep moving forward. Don’t forget to share your journey with a friend, a community, or a coach for added accountability!

Putting It All Together

Setting clear, realistic goals is a powerful tool for achieving success. By understanding your "why," breaking down your long-term goal into smaller steps, and staying flexible when challenges arise, you will set yourself up for lasting change.

As you work through your goals, remember: This isn’t just about weight loss — it’s about creating habits that lead to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Once you master setting and achieving goals in one area, you can apply these skills to other aspects of your life too!

Connect with the New You Plan Community

The New You Plan offers several supportive groups where you can interact with others, share your experiences, ask for advice, and receive encouragement. These communities are a great way to keep the momentum going, especially on days when motivation might be low.

Here are some groups to consider:

Secret Slimmers – This is a great place for those on their weight loss journey to connect, share tips, and offer encouragement. It's a community filled with inspiration and positivity. You can join here: Secret Slimmers.
New You Total – For those on the Total Food Replacement plan, this group is a fantastic resource for support and accountability. Find guidance and inspiration from people who are going through similar experiences. Join here: New You Total.
Switch – If you’re following the Switch program, this group is a perfect fit for you. Share your progress, ask questions, and get the motivation you need from fellow members. Join here: New You Switch.

Good luck on your journey to a New You!