Mission: The First

MAKE A GOAL & SET A REWARD

This is an essential step in the weight loss process, which is why we always start our challenges this way. It's so much easier to achieve something when you know exactly what it is that you are striving for. This is how you can earn all your bonus points this week..

1. SET A GOAL, DECIDE ON A REWARD & SHARE IT!! (20 pts)

THE GOAL - This should be a SHORT-TERM, REALISTIC and ATTAINABLE goal. You need to be more specific than just saying "I want to lose weight." You could set a goal to lose 8 pounds or to lower your body fat percentage by 3%. Be specific about what you want to achieve. And then make it something that can be done during the next 8 weeks (and it doesn't have to be weight loss related). For example, setting a goal to lose 50 pounds during the challenge is not realistic. However, you could set a goal to earn ALL of your weekly points or to be able to run 3 miles without walking, to lose a dress size, be able to bench press your own body weight or do 10 pull ups! You need to decide what you would like to achieve in the next 8 weeks that is specific, realistic and achievable.

THE REWARD - Now that you know what you are working towards, decide how you will reward yourself once you reach that goal. There are so many different ways to pat yourself on the back...new clothes, a pedicure, a day to call your own, a massage, new shoes, etc. This doesn't need to cost a lot of money, and it absolutely can NOT involve food. You don't want to sabotage all your hard work by "rewarding" yourself with something that takes away from what you worked so hard to achieve. Think of this part of the bonus as an opportunity to WIN even if your team doesn't win the overall prize.

SHARE IT - Tell your teammates (all of them) what you have decided on as a goal and as your reward. When you all understand each other's motives and goals, it will be easier to support and encourage one another.

2. DECIDE ON A TEAM GOAL (10 pts/team member) - This is something new that we hope will get you talking, brainstorming and working together right from the start. We'd love to see what you decide on, so feel free to comment on this post with your team goal!

3. TAKE A "BEFORE" PICTURE (5 pts) - If you are anything like me, the LAST thing you want to do is take a picture of yourself "as is." I like to avoid the camera at all times. However, we want you to be able to really SEE what you have accomplished after the challenge is over. Sometimes the weight/inches come off so gradually that we almost don't notice how drastic the change can be. **Be warned** there is a very GOOD chance that these pictures will be seen by others - so, I would recommend that you wear clothing that is fitted, but something you would be comfortable having other people see you in.**

WHEW...now that we have all the logistics out of the way, I just want to say that I am really looking forward to this challenge and am thrilled with your excitement and enthusiasm. I hope this will be our best challenge yet!!

GOOD LUCK, WORK HARD and LET THE CHALLENGE BEGIN...