I tend to set goals for myself that are difficult to reach. And then I have to settle for not achieving my goal.

Example - we spent 3.5 days in Philadelphia, visiting family. I walk a lot, and my routes there include more hills than where we live. Plus I knew it would be cooler weather - so my goal was to lose 5 lbs in those 3.5 days. Ridiculous goal. But it sounded nice.

So did I meet my goal? No way. Did I walk every day? Yes. Did I eat sensibly? Kind of. Did I gain weight? No. Did I wear my new 3 sizes smaller skinny jeans and look fabulous? YES! Did everyone notice how great I looked? YES!

So why can't I just set those yeses as my goals? Why do I set unachievable goals for myself?

I don't even beat myself up for not meeting them. I shrug and think, boy, that was a dumb goal. And I forget about it and move on.

I don't make the goal "Walk every day" or "wear the skinny jeans" or "get 5 compliments" - I take those things for granted. They happen, I know they will happen, and I accept it.

I need to get more realistic with my goals. Challenge myself, but not make the challenge unattainable. Be realistic without being overly optimistic.

Reality therapy. That's what I need.