In these last days of 2010, I’ve been reflecting on the year I’ve had, giving thanks for the blessings & accomplishments of the year & taking note of the things I’d like to improve on. The improvements are what I base my goals from for the New Year on. You see, ‘New Year Resolutions’ are not for me. I set goals. The term ‘New Year resolution’ has a negative connotation for me. It may not for you, but for me, calling ‘resolutions’ goals help me to not think of them as short-term changes.
Any who…. I’m proud of what I have accomplished personally & spiritually this year, but physically, I’m not where I want to be. The year started off well. I ended 2009 (November, December) working out consistently. But then around April, lost my momentum. Since then I’ve done enough here & there to not gain more than 2 lbs heavier than when this year started. I’ve been successful at that ---- at least. But I’m still far off from my ultimate goal & it’s gotten tougher to get motivated to do the minimum.
My expanding mid-section has motivated me to get back on the treadmill. Whenever I start thinking back to my days as an athlete, I get pumped b/c it reminds me that I can accomplish the physique I’ve always wanted.
So what’s kept me back in the past, or now, even? ME. I know what it takes to accomplish any goal. It starts with setting realistic goals, being consistent & charting your progress.
The reason my goals for physical fitness rarely have long lasting affects has to do with the goals I set. They’re usually not sound or realistic. And then there’s this really big elephant in the room that gets me time & time again. DISTRACTIONS. It’s like I’m the biggest magnet for them. Always looking for them. #EpicFail
It’s a tough habit to beat but I know I can. I just got to FOCUS on not allowing them, period.
I’ve always loved working out. From the pain of pushing myself to the soreness of knowing I am getting stronger to the results. Physical fitness is the best therapy. Not only does it give you confidence but it also helps you to focus, think clearly, feel accomplished, be ready for anything, and build stamina & discipline. Those are just some of the mental & spiritual benefits of it. There are health & physical benefits as well.
I’ve always associated physical discipline with successful people. Most CEOs & VPs of major companies I’ve met in my life have been physically active. Discipline. <<<<< I want that. And I can have it! So can YOU!
Let’s do this together! Set your goals for physical health. You may want to start gradual, depending on your physical history or lifestyle. Remember this includes a balanced diet & a physical regimen that includes cardio & muscle toning. (Ladies, unless you’re taking steroids or your body produces more testosterone than the average woman --- highly unlikely --- unless you used to be a man, then there’s a whole lot of science I cannot help you with --- you will NOT bulk up! Ask a physical science profession, i.e. fitness trainer. That’s what I did.)
Physical fitness is not something you want to jump into without a game plan. You won’t last long. Trust me, I know. You see, my history with fitness is checkered & fickle, on & off, a seesaw --- get my drift? In each fitness season of my life I can tell you what went wrong & what I needed to do differently. And I’ve tested those theories & know what worked & what didn’t. For me that is. What I took away to share with others, however, are rooted by the aforementioned set realistic goals, be consistent & chart your progress. Each time I fell off the wagon, it was because one of those three were not practiced.
I’ve encouraged so many friends & family over the years, helping them get motivated or hang in there. My challenge has been doing for myself what I’ve done for others. There’s a song that comes to mind every time I reflect on this --- ‘Encourage Yourself’ by Donald Lawrence & the Tri-City Singers (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbEaftzaFWA ) “Sometimes you have to encourage yourself, Sometimes you have to speak victory during your test….No matter how you feel….Speak over yourself, Encourage yourself in the Lord” --- I’m actually listening to it right now.
What’s important for us to remember during this journey we’re about to embark on is consistency. Consistency builds discipline & discipline spills over into other areas of your life.
Think about some of those bad habits you’ve picked up. If you can consistently do what is not good for you to do, then imagine what you can accomplish when you consistently do something that will improve your state of being! I’m excited! Hope you are as well.
Reflect on what I’ve said. Set your goals then come back to share them here. I’ll be sharing mine as well.
Smooches!
-S o L o
