Why is it that when we want to lose weight, we pick an arbitrary number out of the air?

You know, like, "I want to lose 10 pounds," or "If only I could take off 20." The problem with this approach is that we don't succeed until we've lost all the weight -- and maybe we never will. Maybe it's just not possible to reach that magical number.

Here's a better approach: Hang on not to a number, but to a handful of short and long-term goals you can actually reach. Strive to run a 5K or even a marathon. Aim to eat only fruits and veggies in the evenings instead of chips and dips. Try to take those 10,000 recommended steps per day. Pick any of these goals, and you're likely to realize them. Pick a random number, and you're setting yourself up for failure.

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