Hi All-

I find that I hide things. I hide splurges, I hide the fact that I'm on Jenny Craig from most people, etc. Sometimes I wear lighter clothing to my weigh in so I can post a loss for the week.

When it comes to losing weight, I fall short of my commitments to myself.

Well, I decided that I need to say my goal out loud so I can be accountable and get off the mantenance track and get on the losing track.

I'm making a commitment today to lose 10 lbs by May 21, 2009. This is just before Memorial Day weekend, the unnofficial start of Summer.

I'm also contemplating a BodyBugg purchase to aid me in this promise to myself.

Thanks for "listening"

Congratulations for taking a step that is meaningful to you.

However... I would caution against setting a pounds by date goal. That's really out of your control. Instead, break it down into concrete action items that you CAN control. Maybe you'll get 10 pounds off by then... maybe it will be 8... maybe it will be 15... you really can't determine that. What you CAN control is staying on program x days, exercising x days, drinking water, getting enough rest, challenging yourself.

Set up smaller goals and rewards for reaching those goals. Say them out loud, write them down, commit to them, and celebrate when you reach them. But be sure they are things that you can actually achieve. If you do all of the right behaviors, the weight will come off. But you can't get the weight off without the behaviors.

You can be proud of your accomplishments for the week even if they don't show up on the scale on the day that you want them to. There may be a delayed reaction, but if you had a great week behaviorally speaking, then it's cause to celebrate!

Best of everything to you!

Congratulations on setting a goal and being proud of it! Whether you lose by memorial day or not, you have already made a significant accomplishment by saying your goal out loud. Be proud of the journey that you are on. Share your success with others. you will be surprised with the support and recognition that you receive! Wear whatever you want to weight in. Imagine how great it will really feel to post a loss without wondering if it was your clothes..

Thank you both for your thoughtful replies and affirmations.

I appreciate the idea of setting smaller goals; it helps to only have to think in terms of water, exercise, eating on plan, etc., not always in terms of lbs. Sometimes those smaller commitments are easier to keep; they don't seem so daunting.

For me, I'm trying a weight goal because I need something bigger to shoot for. As long as I'm accomplishing all of the"dailies", I should see a result on the scale, whether it be 6 lbs. or six inches. And, believe me, I wouldn't be upset with 6 lbs. or any inches!

I'm trying to push myself because I believe that is what I need. And, I'm giving myself two months, which is realistic in my world of slow and steady.

I've never participated in one of those online weight challenges we see all the time because I've been afraid to commit in case of failure.

I want to think in terms of "when I reach my goal" vs. "if I reach my goal". There's something happening to my mindset today that makes me feel a sense renewed commitment and I'm going to ride this wave as long as possible. And that, I celebrate (thanks for the reminder about behavioral changes).

Sending out those vibes to all who need them....