Let's talk about mini-goals. I'd like to hear what some other people have set as little goals along the way, and how you're going to reward yourself for hitting them. I thought it would be nice to start a thread for those of us who have a BIG amount to lose (100 or more) because it's very important to focus on short-term goals so we don't get overwhelmed by that number.

I split the 110 pounds I need to lose into 4 parts, so my first goal is 28 pounds, then 27, then 28, then 27. Obviously, I know this could change because I may hit a plateau and take a lot longer to hit one of those goals. I'm not worried about the time frame. I'm just focusing on each goal as it comes. I always envy those women who say "I need to lose 10 or 15 pounds" or even "I need to lose 30 pounds." If I just look at my mini-goal, I can say that too and it seems much more manageable.

I'm trying to come up with non-food rewards to give myself at each mini-goal and still stay within my budget! For the last one or the next to last one, I'm thinking of a full-body massage. I had one of those years ago and it was delightful, but I've always felt too embarrassed about my fat to go again (I also didn't want to spend the money on myself).

What rewards have you guys given yourselves for hitting mini-goals? Or what do you plan on doing to reward your hard work when you hit the next one?

Lisa I think you are reading my mind! I was going to post something on this very topic yesterday, but didnt have time!!

I have a lot to take off. Basically.. I'm looking to lose literally 50% of my weight!! So, I want to reward myself along the way when I meet my minigoals. I was trying to think of things the other day. I'm bad at rewarding myself with food, so I want to get away from that. So I started making a list of things I enjoy: books, CDs, bath and body products, new socks (I'm a sock lover), new shoes, magazines, jewelry.

Now, for the jewelry, I considered getting a charm bracelet and buying a new charm for every 10 pounds I lost. I thought it would be a nice reminder of my successes to focus on when it gets tough. They have the regular charm bracelets we think of, and those Italian charm bracelets that I had never heard of until I looked for stuff on amazon.com.... though I worry I'd have to get it adjusted once I lost weight lol. What do you think? The charms seemed inexpensive, from what I can tell.

I was planning on trying to give myself bigger rewards when I meet 25%, 50%, 75% and my final goal, but I'm not sure what to come up with for those. Your massage idea sounds like a great idea.

My mini goals are the next size down in jeans! Once I can wear comfortably the next size I have saved, I will go buy a pair in the next lower size. Every now and then I pull them out for motivation...it does me a world of good! Especially when I can zip them up by sucking in...means it won't be long until the new pair fit! It's kind of fun!

I plan on using the next ten like right now I am 222 so my goal is only three pounds to get into the teens ans so on. I have an ittalian charm braclet and liked the idea about buying a new charm, that would be good and you can always remove the links to make them smaller. whicj may mean in the end I will have two bracelets!!!!

I like what you are saying. I think for me to break it up like that is even to big to wrap my mind around. I currently weigh 246 and my goal is 200. I have a mini goal of 230 and 210. I don't want to even think beyond the first 50 lbs or so. I am only 5'4'' so I should be considerably less then what I am at now. I will set new mini goals etc after I reach my goal.

I actually just ordered the WW@home kit. I had followed SBD and got down to 230 from my high of 256, then revolted and gain most of it back. I think I need to follow a program where counting is involved. On SBD I think I was over eating the approved foods causing a stall. Hmmmmmm...... Anyway what are your expeirences with WW. I have never done the program before.

The mini goals that I set for myself are structured as "the next 10%". Each goal that I set will be 10% of my current body weight, therefore as I continue to achieve, my goals will be smaller and smaller, and hopefully the rewards will come quicker! I haven't decided what those rewards will be yet, but I'm thinking a whole new wardrobe, from undies on up, sounds good to me when I hit my final goal!