Goal Setting 101

How to Set Healthy Goals

1. Set an optimal goal, an ambitious goal and a minimum goal.
Many people follow the SMART goal setting approach. The "S" means specific. But it doesn't mean just one unchangeable inflexiable goal. This gives you some room in defining success. Otherwise, you're corned yourself to Yes-or-No, All-or-Nothing goal. Not everything will go smoothly as planned. You need to give yourself some latitude to adjust and get yourself back on track.

2. Stop thinking or visualizing you're shrunk overnight.
Setting a big goal for the whole year is great. But the time frame could be too long for you to focus on weekly and daily planning. So you should also set smaller incremental goals over a week and a month. Review your progress at the end of the week and month. Adjust your exercise and nutrition plan accordingly.

3. Ignore the "Before" and "After" advertisements.
I know, the picutres in these ads are very enticing and empowering. But these comparison ads also raise unrealistic expectations. Read the fine print at the bottom. It always reads "xxx's resutls are NOT typical." or "Results will vary."

4. Don't focus exclusively on one goal.
There are times when you just want to be yourself.

5. Lose just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight.
That may be enough to reduce your risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and sleep apnea.

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9 Lessons from the new U.S. President-Elect

As appeared in Men's Health magazine as one of the heroes of health and fitness, the U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama is busier than anyone else.

He makes a difference by showing how health and fitness can drive your success. You can learn from him for his 9 lessons in balance, love and leadershp.

Here are the lesson highlights:

Lesson 1: Learn from your father, even if he wasn't a good one

Lesson 2: Be there for your family, even if you're not around

Lesson 3: Make the future your focus

Lesson 4: Turn early lessons into big successes

Lesson 5: The government isn't your nursemaid

Lesson 6: Quit smoking (as often as you need to)

Lesson 7: Show others the way to common ground

Lesson 8: If you want to avoid disappointing others, don't disappoint yourself

Lesson 9: Don't let 'em see you sweat