I have tried to set goals for myself before, and I just never seem to reach them. The problem was if I didn’t tell anyone about them it was easier to not follow through. If I did tell people about them I would feel overwhelmed and pressured to perform which usually ends with my giving up. So far, this year is different. I have already reached a couple of goals:
- I haven’t picked up a cigarette since the day after Christmas!
- I lost 4% of my body weight (and then some!) on Roni’s Diet Bet
- I lost over 11 pounds in the month of January
- My workouts are more consistent than they have been in months
Some of these accomplishments I had talked about previously, some I had not. But even though the month of January was long and hard, I succeeded. I want my whole year February to go like that. I have to focus on small attainable goals. Seems easy enough, but sometimes I get too wrapped up in what my goals are that I forget why I set them in the first place. So here are a couple things I wish to attain in the month of February:
- Continue my #Whole30 to the end of the month, which will make it more than 30 days, but I’m thinking I need that
- Tough Mudder training 2 days a week
- Continue running 3 days a week
- Lose another 4% for Roni’s second DietBet
These are all attainable goals. My goal for this second DietBet is about 7 pounds in 28 days and I am already down 2 of them. So totally doable. I am loving my running again. I am working on getting more miles in instead of stopping at 3. I am also working toward being able to run a 5k without any walking breaks. I am sure I can do it, I just have to break through my mental block. My hubby and I did the Tough Mudder training over the weekend, and it was tough but doable. They recommend 3 days a week, but I know I’m not ready for that yet. So twice a week will be sufficient for the month of February. At that point I can re-evaluate where I am at. I should really take some pictures today to show my progress at the end of the month….
I am getting through each day strong by knowing that all I need to do is put my best effort in today. I don’t have to worry about what I will do tomorrow, as long as today in this moment I give my all. Today I am making homemade chicken stock (or bone broth) and my eating is on point. After lunch I will do my Tough Mudder training so I don’t have to worry about it tonight. The hubby is sick, so he won’t be joining me today, but in the future it’s something we are doing together. Makes it a little easier.
I got the idea to make monthly goals when a friend of mine on My Fitness Pal commented on my weight loss for the month: “Wouldn’t it be awesome if every month was like that?!?”. It got me thinking…if I lost 11 pounds every month I would hit my goal by the end of the year! Now I know I will not lose that amount that steadily every month, but it is something to shoot for. It gave me hope. It gave me inspiration. With this way of thinking, I could be close to my ultimate goal weight by the time I get to Fitbloggin. Um, freaking sweet! So rather than getting too caught up in that and being upset if I don’t reach that I am going to use that excitement and motivation to reach my small monthly goals. These small monthly goals will help me reach that ultimate goal. And I am determined to get there. It’s okay if it takes me longer than this year, but I will reach my goals. And with all the support from my friends on Twitter, I am sure to succeed!
February 1st, 2013 at 12:07 pm
We're here for you dear! Keep your eyes on the "carrot" and you'll do it!
February 1st, 2013 at 12:09 pm
Thank you so much! I love the community on Twitter for support and advice. I don't know how I would manage without it! I seriously can't wait to see you in June!
February 1st, 2013 at 9:56 pm
It's a good thing to have goals. I know it certainly helps me to have both immediate, mid-term, and long-term goals. There is always something to work towards, but you can still have the immediate gratification of reaching those short-term goals and seeing results.
Good job on January! Now let's tackle February! You know where to find me if you need some support.
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:02 pm
I am so proud of you for sticking with all this! You are more than capable of crushing any goal you set for yourself & I love seeing it happen!!
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:16 pm
Thank you so much for being there for me already! It's really hard for me to set goals for myself because once I do, I set myself up for failure. Not this time! February is going to be awesome!
February 2nd, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Thanks Sharla! I am excited to see what I can accomplish this month. And that means I have to do something every day to get there. Taking it day by day I am sure to succeed!