Want to Lose Weight? Create a Strategic Plan for Success
Written by: Ebony Langston, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Many are successful leaders because they can create a vision, think with the end in mind, and create an action plan that addresses the key factors for success. That same skill and characteristic is transferable when it comes to achieving any goal in life, including losing weight.
First, it is important to remember that losing weight is not the action you need to complete but rather the result of several actions addressing nutrition, activity, and lifestyle factors. When put in that context, think about the smaller individual actions to accomplish the ultimate result you desire.
When setting goals, follow the S.M.A.R.T. goal system. This system will help you accomplish what you set out to do and reach your goals in a timely fashion.
Specific. Be explicit in what you want. Write down the specific actions you feel you need to complete. Instead of “go to the gym more,” try something more like “walk two miles a day 3x a week”.
Measurable. Use a journal or app to track your progress. Use the information to understand if the actions you are taking are getting you closer or further away from the results you want.
Attainable. Small goals that lead up to a larger goal are often easier to reach. The success of reaching these small goals will keep you motivated.
Realistic. Understand what your body can do and set your goals accordingly.
Timely. Keep your goal in focus by setting a completion date.
In addition, here are some more weight loss tips to help you succeed:
1. Be flexible. Strategic plans are intended to provide a guided map to get to the end goal. However, there are several different routes you can take to get there. If you run into a roadblock, do not completely abandon the plan, but rather use the data to make the necessary adjustments to keep you moving forward.
Be open to feedback, but don’t compare your journey to others. What works for others may not work for you, and vice versus. Be open to experimenting until you find what works for you.
2. 80% of the formula depends on nutrition factors. If you have to scale down (no pun intended) on actions, focus on your nutrition choices. Eating the right nutrition for your body helps your body function optimally.
Planning for days full of meetings or travel will help you stay on track with your plan and keep you energized during the day.
3. Get off the Couch. Many people fall into the trap of being an “active couch potato,” completing a structured workout but then sitting around all day in front of the computer or TV. Counter this by taking breaks to take short walks throughout the day, buy an adjustable desk and stand more through the day.
Moving more has other benefits... moving throughout the day increases energy, improves concentration, and reduces anxiety.
4. Make Some Friends. The people who are usually the most successful in losing weight and keeping it off are the ones who have a great support system. Nothing deters you like knowing you’re accountable to others.
Your support team will encourage you, work out with you, and bring you confidence when times are tough.
Losing weight is possible for anyone who approaches the challenge wisely. With some careful planning and determination, your weight loss goal can certainly become a reality.
Ebony Langston, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine
Ebony Langston is an Executive and Health Coach, and founder of You Deserve You. After spending 15 years in the corporate world in senior-level positions, Ebony realized that she was often in positions of devaluing her own health and self-worth to achieve more at work. She decided that enough was enough and started prioritizing her health and well-being and found that she contributed even more to those around her. Now, she helps other women leaders achieve more by shifting the traditional “work harder” mindset to one that prioritizes your own well-being first to better serve others. Ebony has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Duke University; M.B.A from Webster University, Primal Certified Health Coach, NASM Personal Trainer certified, and is pursuing board certification in Executive Coaching.
