The start of a new year is full of optimism. Many people resolve to make big changes, such as losing weight. I was one of them. In January 2023, I was overweight and determined to make a change—for about the third time in three years.
For the first two months, I tried to lose weight on my own. I cut back on snacks, ate less, exercised sporadically, and hoped for the best. By March, I was down about 8 pounds, but my motivation had waned. Frustrated and discouraged, I realized I needed a better approach.
That’s when I hired a fitness and nutrition coach. Over the next nine months, I lost 35 pounds and developed a new lifestyle. The difference? I had clear goals, accountability partners, and a system to keep me on track. Looking back, my experience mirrored the principles of SMART goals and the discipline of a system like EOS.
Why Resolutions Like “Lose Weight” Often Fail
When I started, my resolution was vague: “I want to lose weight.” Like most resolutions, it lacked structure, direction, and accountability. I tried cutting calories and exercising more, but without a plan, my efforts were inconsistent.
Here’s why resolutions like mine fail:
Vagueness: “Lose weight” doesn’t define how much, how fast, or how to achieve it.
No Plan: I had no clear steps to follow.
No Accountability: Without anyone checking in, it was easy to lose focus..
The Power of SMART Goals
When I started working with my coach, everything changed. We set SMART goals together:
SMART Goal: “Get down to 160 pounds by December 31 by following a structured nutrition plan, exercising 4 times a week, and tracking my progress weekly.”
Why this approach worked:
Specific: I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve.
Measurable: Weekly weigh-ins and progress photos made my results tangible.
Achievable: My coach ensured the plan fit my lifestyle.
Relevant: The goal aligned with my desire for better health and energy.
Time-bound: A deadline created urgency and focus.
How a System Like the Entrepreneurial Operating System Helped Me Succeed
Most of you know that I’m a Certified EOS Implementer, so it won’t surprise you to hear that in addition to setting SMART goals, I used a system with principles similar to EOS to keep me on track. This truly transformed my efforts.
Quarterly Milestones: I broke my goal into losing 10 pounds every three months.
Weekly Check-Ins: My coach reviewed my progress and adjusted my plan, when needed.
Scorecard: I tracked my workouts, meals, and weight consistently.
Accountability: My coach and fitness partners celebrated wins and supported me during challenges.
In hindsight, my initial resolution failed because I had no system or direction and relied on willpower and vague intentions alone.
Whether your goal is to lose weight, save money, advance your career, or grow your business, the lesson is the same: resolutions aren’t enough. By setting SMART goals and using a system like EOS, you create a sustainable path to success.
In January 2023, I was 40 lbs overweight, frustrated, and stuck. Twelve months later, I had achieved my goal and developed a healthier lifestyle—thanks to SMART goals, a clear system, and strong accountability.
This year, don’t just hope for change. Plan for it. With the right tools and support, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.