Achieving a healthy weight is as much about the desired result as it is about planning the journey, in the same way one travels with a route and a destination in mind. In weight loss, setting personalized landmarks along the way this is an often overlooked key to feeling and looking one's very best. One might argue, of course one would know what one wants, and how many of us wouldn't like to lose 10 or 20 pounds? Here are goal setting tips from a coaching perspective. Three common goal setting errors and how to fix them: 1) Example: "I will try to be a bit better this week." The tendency to use the word "try" is a common barrier to success. It implies that if anything comes up, the old habits have permission to take over, leaving behind not much more than a big list of excuses. If one "tries" not to snack mindlessly in front of the TV at night, the plan is counting on the sudden appearance of ample willpower and inspiration! Revised goal suggestion: "I will clear my cupboard of unhealthy snacks, eat an early and balanced dinner, and brush my teeth right away to signal to the body that no more food is coming. At the end of the week, I will reward myself with a trip to the movies with my best friend." 2) Example: "I really should do something about my physical fitness." The word "should" hints at an unformulated goal looming over one's head, and incorporates a negative feeling with no counterbalance in the form of a plan. Getting stuck in a "should" mindset is as if we are carrying a heavy rucksack of woes with us throughout the day. Revised goal suggestion: "I will spend Saturday morning visiting three gyms near my place of work and select the one that best matches my needs, signing up and scheduling at least two sports sessions during the following week." 3) Example: "I would like to feel better." This goal is perfectly valid, as feeling better is at the heart of most everything we desire, but is formulated in a way that is not helpful in how we intend to get there. Feeling good is a volatile mindset, as almost anything can come along to change that in an instant. Revised goal suggestion: "I will sleep at least seven hours every night, eat three healthful meals each day, and practice positive affirmations about myself and my surroundings." These are controllable factors that make feeling good a higher probability, without entirely leaving our happiness up to circumstance. Goals in healthy habits work best if they are very specific and measureable, even if they represent very small changes in the everyday. Once the goals are taken for their road test, they may work well or need revising. For example, if three trips to the gym did not work out, then possibly 2 trips with a long walk on Sunday would work better. As you refine your program, goal setting will become more natural and effective over time. Using the techniques above to create empowering and self-affirming daily goals is the fastest way to aligning your actions to sustainable habit change and overall wellness. Tatiana is the creator of 'The 3 Step Mind, Body, and Self Care Transformational System' for young professionals who want to feel confident, look great, and live custom-designed healthy lifestyles. She brings 8 years of health coaching experience to her programs designed for today's young adults. Her dynamic approach brings out individual strengths to looking, feeling, and living one's best life. Visit http://www.bodyvisionhealthcoaching.com to find out more. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tatiana_Abend Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7384358