Ahhhh, how are we doing with those resolutions. We are at the end of the month. Are we hanging in there, still driven or have we thrown in the towel already. I usually don't make resolutions (because I never keep them) but make general goals for things I want to accomplish during the year. For instance, my goal for this year was to run a half marathon. Step 1 was to truly wrap my brain around the idea. Step 2 was to actually sign up for one (April). Steps 3-10 are to actually train for the race. It has been a lot of work and a lot of discipline but fortunately, training programs ease you into it. I'm on week two of a twelve week plan. I am slowly working my way up from 3 miles. There are even rest days scheduled in which are important as well. I get very nervous when I think about the big day but when I look at all of the small parts that go into preparing for it, it doesn't seem as daunting.
Take a look at your goals. Do you have a plan for completing your own marathon whatever that might be? Have you broken it down into small tasks? Have you given yourself any rest days to recover? Are you taking it bite by bite or are you trying to bite off more than you can chew? Create a goal that you want to accomplish a few months from now. Make a plan. What is something I can do today to reach my goal? What are 2-3 things I can do this week towards reaching my goal. Make your goals specific and measurable. For instance, On Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. I will walk 2 miles on the treadmill. The specific day and time helps you get your brain into taking it seriously. It may also encourage you to put it in your planner where it can become a set appointment that you won't want to miss. Instead of just take a walk which could mean 5 minutes or 50 minutes, I set a specific distance that will be easy for me to track and accomplish. Write down your goals for the day or week and map it into your schedule. It then becomes a non negotiable. It's always tricky in the beginning, but once you get the ball rolling you are on your way. Honor setbacks, honor life (things happen) and listen to your body. When you are ready grab that fork and begin again. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time!!! Be Well.
