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Every good goal program needs a place to start. Steps 1-3 will build a strong foundation that acts as a launching pad for everything else that will happen later on.
Choose a tiny goal and turn it into huge momentum. Enter it into Other Goals page, and for 14 days, track that small goal, a small habit that will help you reach your other goals later on. Concentrate on that goal before moving on to bigger things. Nothing huge, just something that gets you used to doing what you set out to do. For example, if you want to lose weight, maybe start with a Fast Break goal of just drinking water instead of soda pop and build from there.
Build a foundation of habits with a strong plan backed up by regular action. Every goal needs a plan and priorities. Start with a specific, challenging Long-Term Goal that really motivates you. Write it down and create a deadline for it -- dates turn wishes into goals. Then think of 3-5 realistic Medium-Term Milestones that would point you right at that Long-Term Goal. Finally, what Short-Term daily and weekly Actions would get you to your first Milestone? The SparkDiet walks you through a lot of this process when you set up your goals. You can also download a SparkPeople Goal Worksheet.
Stop getting in your own way, and start heading off trouble before it starts. The secret to goal achievement is consistency. And the key to consistency is to keep problems from tripping you up. That means setting up systems ahead of time, not after the fact.
Motivator Systems are things that keep your eye on the prize. It's that boost when you need it most - inspiring pictures, an encouraging word, a positive thought. A great place to start is in your online journal.
Reminder Systems put your goals in front of you. A well-timed reminder can be the difference between building a new habit or business as usual. Surround yourself with things that jog your memory and refocus your efforts.
Tracking Systems take all the guesswork out of success. They show you exactly how far you've come and possibly how you can go even further.
Finally, every plan needs Contingency Plans. Know ahead of time what you can do to stay on track with vacations, injuries, time crunches and other commitments roll around.
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