I think it all depends on how you are. That works better for me too. I keep myself on the track knowing that I have ONLY 6 pounds to lose for a WHOLE MONTH!

And what happens when that whole month goes by and you "only" lose 4 pounds? The first month is going gangbusters but what about that "plateau" you always hit at 15 pounds? (I'm willing to bet this isn't a plateau at all but the normal slowing and adjusting of weight loss rates that happens to nearly everyone.) How will sticking to this numerical goal help you through that time when it comes?

I am sure you do know yourself but you are also here asking for advice, so please don't dismiss it because it is somehow not what you wanted to hear.
You are here asking for ways to keep your focus after you lose a little weight. Listen to what the folks here are telling you. They are telling you that perhaps you have lost focus in the past by setting unrealistic goals based upon things that are not within your control.

You cannot control how much weight you lose in a month. Setting a goal of losing 6 pounds every month is like setting a goal of the sun shining next Thursday. Base your goals things that you do or do not do. That way whether you achieve them or not is entirely within your control. Please, reconsider that goal before it derails you again.

YES DADDY/MOMMY!!!

I'm going to be difficult and disagree. I'm good at it :)

I set goals for each week/month/wedding/friend having a baby etc. They're all a certain number of pounds. Do I always get there? Are you kidding me? I plateaued for 6 months! Am I still at it? Yes. Did I string myself up because I lost 11 pounds in January and not 15? No.

I totally agree that learning how to live and eat are HUGE accomplishments and should be targets. I have a lot of mini goals along these lines. But I think that as a human race, we've become so afraid to fail that we don't compete with ourselves or anyone else any more.

By all means, set a goal. You're a grown up, you know that weight fluctuates and it's not fully in your control. But you're working towards something. And as you learn your body, you'll learn what's an attainable goal and what isn't.

"A man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for".

:rolleyes:

Best of luck with your weight-loss efforts.