Hi Gorgeous,
How many thousands of times have you told yourself or said to a friend “I want to lose weight”?

I find that for most of us, and me especially, the CONCEPT of weight loss is a very abstract, intangible, kind of concept. In fact, I liken it to trying to nail jello to a tree or finding a unicorn ;-P

So I’m going to say something that may ruffle some feathers, here:

I think that when it comes to nutrition, weight loss is the LAST goal that anybody should ever set.

Mama say whaaat?!? You heard me right–I don’t think it should be a goal that anybody ever sets.

Why?

Well, we know two things when it comes to weight loss:

1. Willpower doesn’t last. It’s short-lived at best. That’s why people easily lose weight on a “plan” built for the masses, only to regain it right back again when they go off. It’s not a change that feels authentic, or sustainable, in the long run.

2. Behavioral changes DO last. Especially when we own our choices, tune in to our own bodies, and choose a path that feels uniquely authentic to our hearts and own needs. When we follow our bliss, we are in sync with ourselves. The inner conflicts resolve and we can let go of what no longer serves us so we can step into our most powerful self.

So instead of focusing on the ever-abstract weight loss, I help people take the behavioral steps they need to take to move them toward weight loss.

So now, I ask you this: Would rather learn to set yourself up for success, or failure?

You can set yourself up for success by starting with one goal. Let’s say that that goal is exercise. You can start by choosing the amount of times per week that you would realistically exercise–something that feels totally achievable. Twice per week, you say? Okay, go with that. Then keep a log of your exercise goals so you can watch yourself hit the weekly milestones.

My exercise goals are always 4x per week. Some weeks I’m at 3 weekly sessions; other weeks I’m at 5. I don’t beat myself up if I only reach 3, but I resolve to make the next week better. And I remember that either way, I’m still on track when it comes to the big picture. And you should, too.

The same goes for weight loss (or fitting into your favorite dress or pair of skinny jeans); you have to start with specific, concrete goals that you can physically achieve.

 

Here’s what doesn’t work when it comes to setting goals:

“I’m going to lose 5 lbs.”

Hell to the no, my sweet–that is waaaaaay too abstract and has nothing to do with achieving a goal. #flirtingwithdisaster

Here’s what changing the conversation and setting goals looks like instead:

“I’m going to set 3 goals for the week:

a) eating 4-6 ounces of protein at meals

b) filling up on 2-4 cups of fibrous vegetables at every meal

c) drinking 12 glasses of water throughout the day”

See how specific I am here? In fact, the more specific you are with your goals, the more likely you are to achieve them. And the more tangible your goals become, the more likely you are to achieve them.

 

And to achieve your goals, you must do two things:

1. You just need to chunk them down into smaller steps that actually feel do-able to you.

2. You need to be accountable by keeping a food log of what you’re eating and drinking, or by hiring a professional to help you with your accountability (some people need to pay someone to be accountable to stay on track) – do what works for you!

A quick story for you, here: About 20 years ago, I got a cold call from a complete stranger who has been my financial manager ever since. One of the first things he asked me was, “Esther–do you write down your goals?”

Me: Um, noooo…

Him: Did you know that there’s research that shows that people who write down their goals are 97% more likely to achieve them than people who don’t?

Me: Whoa! Count me in!

So pivotal was that brief conversation that I’ve been writing down my goals ever since. Long before self-help and marketing was a thing in my life. It was a total game-changer for me. In fact, I’ve not only achieved every goal I’ve truly set my heart on, but I’ve long surpassed them, too.

And it will be the same for you, too.

Writing down your goals not only makes you accountable, but it puts that energy of fire, desire, and intent out to the universe.

You see, a goal without a plan is just a wish.

If you don’t know what you truly want, how are you going to get it?

Now, how in the world does the concept of weight loss tie in with unicorns?? I lifted this definition from Urban Dictionary:

Unicorn
That girl that you can’t catch. Everything about her is so perfect (divine, if you will) getting with her is unfathomable. She is truly a blessing from God. Bumping into her on the sidewalk is a good day. Holding a conversation with her… you were probably dreaming. Anything beyond that – good luck. It takes time, effort, and a whole lot of persistency. But never give up; unicorns are said to be “uncatchable,” but nothing is impossible. Impossible is nothing. Under no circumstances, never ever, not ever, at no time, should you ever marry a girl who is not your unicorn… Unless you have some super square wheels, then you should look up the word “Swamp Donkey.” Everyone has a unicorn; it’s just a matter of spotting her and tracking her down. Give it time, it will happen. “For destiny grants us our wishes, but in its own way, in order to give us something beyond our wishes.” Good will hunting boiiis.

So you see, weight loss is EXACTLY like a unicorn–it takes time, effort, and persistency to catch. But it also takes strategic planning and learning the art of setting–and achieving–goals by breaking them down into tangible, achievable steps.

And THAT’S the secret to permanent weight loss, folks–how do ya like me now??

So before you set your goals, I’d like you to check in with yourself and ask yourself the following questions:

Are my goals…

1. Tangible?

2. Do-able?

3. Simple?

4. In a space where you can set yourself up for success?

If so, you’re going to catch that unicorn sooner than you know it.

Peace Out,

Esther

PSSST! I have created some game-changing content to help you understand EXACTLY what you need to do to change your life— so my KISS Program will be going live March 30th.

Get on the wait list to receive priority access and exclusive deals not available to the public—> http://bit.ly/1w623pO

This does not involve any strict diet plans, calorie counting, 30-day detoxes, or any other unsustainable nonsense. In fact, you will come away with 3 sets of tools that will give you RESULTS when it comes to creating an eating lifestyle that is custom-tailored to your unique needs. #easypeasy

KISS includes a 4-week curriculum delivered by voice messages via email. I will walk you through my most successful techniques to help you know EXACTLY what you need to do for yourself each day so that eating becomes a non-event. Buh-bye stress, hello happiness!
Looking forward to hanging with you soon!

RIGHT NOW: Get on the wait list to receive priority access and exclusive deals not available to the public–> http://bit.ly/1w623pO