Goal setting software In search for the best goal setting systems

The power of measuring goal progress

Last month I've realized that I've been setting goals on weight loss for 2 years. The measurable result of these was at most temporary. I've realized that somewhere along the way there was a flaw in my process. I lacked two things:

• Knowledge - I knew enough about exercise but lacked the essential knowledge regarding energy balance and nutrition. This made my plan effective in terms of increasing overall health (which was quite satisfying), but did not lead to weight loss.
• A plan with (easily) measurable daily actions.

Improving the plan goal achievement process involved the following:

• Reading somewhat about it. Since weight loss is a limitless sesspool in desinformation, I skimmed throught a few books and sticked to those that made sense and did not promise to make me lose 5 kgs overnight. I stuck with "The body fat solution", by Tim Venuto. Also - I got some great mantra type articles from ZenHabits: example.
• I've already had a measurable goal, but I did not set up a plan for the measurements and alas - they failed. Armed with that knowledge I framed the simplest measurement schedule I could think of:
  • Phase 1 (first 21 days). Using a pocket notepad and pen.
    • Write down everything I eat with the amounts
    • Weight myself in the evening.
    • If doing any exercises, write them down.
  • Phase 2. All the data went into a database for progress measurement.
    • Count daily calorie intake and protein percentages of the foods
    • Weight myself at least once a day (preferably in the morning and in the evening)
    • Make an exercise plan and follow it.

I started simple and a month later am still building my way up. This is the natural progress of the goal measuring process. Begin with lo-tech low maintenance logging tools. This may even be all you need. I am currently on my way of building my own custom weight and calorie tracker (built for my specific needs), but mainly as a means to improving my programming skills.

The effect is that the goal of losing 1kg/week is steadily coming along, and I have full control over all of the variables, which is very gratifying.

Because I have some spare time and some goals, I'm going to resume testing goal setting software suites for those of you that do not have the luxury or the ability to write your own app Stay tuned.

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