These 7 Super-Specific Goals Might Help You Lose More Weight

Working out, eating healthier, and clocking more hours of sleep are all goals you might set when you want to shed a few pounds. But you’re human, and the overarching goal of “eating healthier” might seem pretty vague when you’ve had a rough day and you spot some pizza or donuts in the conference room.
Enter, the mini goal, or the halfsie goal, or whatever you want to call them. These micro benchmarks might actually help you achieve major weight loss without a ton of effort.
Interested? Here, we’ve rounded up some sneaky motivational techniques to help you keep your eyes on the slim-down prize.
1. AIM HIGH
In a 2017 study, 46 women who predicted they’d shed more weight over a 27-week diet period dropped more pounds (37 on average) than those with less lofty targets (they lost as little as 13). This challenges the common belief that setting higher-reaching goals could make dieters abandon ship. Victoria A. Catenacci, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Anschutz Health and Wellness Center, says the findings may inspire a new weight-loss strategy: Set an ambitious big-picture goal, then celebrate at smaller incremental points (Catenacci suggests losing up to 10 percent of your weight in six months). “You’ll make progress toward your major goal, but your success along the way will provide ongoing motivation.”
2. SHOP YOUR CLOSET
For some, aspiring to fit into the sizes of clothing they already own, instead of ditching last year’s too-small duds, may help drive weight-loss efforts, says Keri Glassman, R.D. Use the dress that fit you like a glove last summer as motivation — and a way to mark your progress — while working toward your bigger goals.