The thing about having a goal like “staying fit to have a healthy baby” is so wishy-washy. The best time to lose any excess weight is before getting pregnant. So lately I have taken “staying fit to have a healthy baby” as my workout mantra. Problem is – the mantra is actually less motivating than having a defined goal of losing 2 inches around my waist by spring.
I am one of those creatures that understand the long term implications of poor health, but find the short benefit of looking smoking hot in a sundress more motivating. Call it vanity. Call it youth. Whatever it is, most women would rather be at our “ideal” weight for the rest of our lives than win the lottery. Or maybe that is just me?
Can long term goals and short term goals co-exist?
The answer is a resounding yes! Having a smaller waistline is a component of my long term goal of staying physically independent as I age. And having a smaller waistline is related to my “healthy baby” mantra. I can only achieve a smaller waistline by exercising more or eating a little less. Both of which can only help with my short term and long term health goals.
The only difference is that my short term goal of losing 2 inches around my waist is measureable.
Why is having a short term measureable goal one of the secrets to success?
If you cannot measure it, how do you know you’ve achieved it? If there is nothing to compare with, how can you tell if what you are doing is going to make a difference?
“Staying fit to have a healthy baby” is a very vague goal. How do I define “fit?” Relatively speaking, I am “fit.” But 2 inches? Now that is something else entirely.
Until next time and thanks for stopping by Small Steps to Health.
Photo by: gabi_menashe.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Really good point. When we have a TANGIBLE goal, then we’re way more motivated.
Also, congratulations on planning your pregnancy! That’s very exciting that you’re thinking about having a baby.
.-= Sagan´s last blog ..Re-Cap of the Raw Food Challenge: Part Two =-.
Sagan – Tangible! That was the word I was looking for when I started this post.
Thanks for the comment.