My father always kept a list of personal goals, and he always stressed the importance of goals, writing them down, and reviewing them often. Unfortunately, I embraced his enthusiasm for goals to the point of what I call "future tripping," or living for that elusive point in the distance where I would attain my perfectionistic and often unrealistic goal. Despite being physically in great shape and obtaining two advanced degrees, I often viewed myself as a failure because I had "not yet" reached a desired goal. I couldn't see where I was now for always pushing myself toward the future.
After the birth of my son, life has forced me to consider things in a different light. For example, I know I can't make it to the gym every day. I know I can't run a half-marathon next April. But I don't need to in order to improve my health and fitness. I just need to start small and keep moving forward, and enjoy the time I'm taking to exercise in process. Here's my plan:
1. Start where I am NOW. If I haven't been running consistently for over a year and a half, running a 10k is probably not the best starting point as a goal. Maybe walking a 5k is a better fit.
2. Break the goal into SMALL steps. I know I can't make it to the gym 5 days a week like I used to. My goals is 3 days a week. If I have time for an extra workout, I'll sneak in a short 4th workout at home.
3. Enlist ENCOURAGEMENT and committment, not competition. My friend Laurie always asks me if I've been making it to the gym. She's not asking because we're in a fitness contest. She's asking because I enlisted her help to remind me to make time for myself to get to the gym, and she always encourages my efforts.
4. REWARD and re-asses. It's a big effort for me to even make it to the gym on a given day. So getting through my workout is a cause for a little celebration in my book. After a good workout, I always take time to relax with some stretches. After losing a few points, I bought myself some new "skinny jeans." In fact, I think it may be time for another new pair!
I'm going to give it a try. I may not run a 10K, but hopefully I'll improve my fitness, relieve stress, and have some enjoyable workouts indoors and outside. And I plan to take cookie breaks--esp. during the holidays!
Are you a fan of goals? How do you make change enjoyable in the "here and now," or do you struggle with "future tripping" like I do? How do you reward yourself for a job well done?
