[ahimel]

New:

What's true is, the best goal-setting method is the one that causes you to improve. I happen to be almost the exact opposite of you: I choose outcome-based goals that I don't think I have a chance of reaching. For example, I set a goal to sell my computer-repair company for $1,000,000 by the end of 2006. It was a ridiculous goal, and I knew that when I started. But that set me free to work on the goal, without ever stopping to worry about whether I could achieve it. I knew I couldn't, so there was no point in worrying about it.

But that doesn't work for you; we're diffrent people. So try something else. If you set an action-based goal, it's possible that it won't create the outcome you want (losing weight), and it's possible that you won't even achieve your goal (exercising 20 times per month). But you'll almost certainly be better off by the end of 2006 than if you hadn't set the goal. So go for it, and see how it works out.

If that helps, but doesn't solve the problem, try a blended goal like Mycroft recomends. There are lots of options; see what works for you.