Step #3 - Toyota's Eight Steps to Problem-Solving Applied to Weight Loss

Set A Target

Once when I interviewed for a job, I was asked the question, “What’s one word that would describe you?” I have interviewed for many jobs over the years and this is one question that frequently comes up so I was prepared. I responded confidently, “resourceful.” The man interviewing me sat back with an audible, “Hum!”

It’s my belief that humans are all resourceful because what we truly desire, we achieve. If we don’t define what that is and establish a date to achieve it, we are rewarded with disorganization and discontentment.  Last year, I surveyed my life and that’s exactly what I had achieved.

I would say things like, “I wish I could lose weight.” If I was as resourceful as I proposed in my interview, why hadn’t I ever achieved sustained weight loss? Last year, I realized because a wish or goal is empty if not tied to a concrete target and completion date. As long as I didn’t set targets, then I didn’t fail because I could start tomorrow or next week or next month or next year.  That’s what I did year after year.

My 50^th birthday loomed and it was imperative to set a reasonable target and date to see lasting results. After much research, the consensus seemed to be losing one pound per week was the healthiest. It keeps your body from going into “starvation mode” that results when you drastically reduce calories and suddenly start high-intensity exercise. 

I kept reminding myself that I didn’t gain my extra 100 lbs. in a year or even in a decade. One pound per week is 52 pounds in a year.  When we set unrealistic goals, we are resourceful in that we will sabotage our health, mind and spirit to achieve them and that’s exactly what I had done in the past only to gain what I lost and more.

So, I settled on my target and completion day as:

Lose 50 lbs. by April 7, 2015, my 51^st birthday

What will your target and your completion date be? Remember, you didn’t get to where you are overnight.  Be realistic and you’ll see your resourcefulness emerge.  Write it down and post it where you can see it each morning and every evening.

Next Article - Step #4

Kerri Smith is a marketing professional by trade but dedicates her life to learning and challenging the status quo. Smith is a wife, mother, grandmother, businesswoman, professional speaker, teacher, student, author, survivor and lover of life. Learn more at www.cuexceed.com.