Rewards

Last week I shared some of my goals for the new year. So far, so good. I’m doing more miles than planned, but could not get to my favorite strength training class (car troubles) more than once. I practiced my French twice but had to rush through, not fun. And, I am actually getting this post out before the end of the week. So, the next question is: How will you reward yourself?

As you can see, many things can get in the way of our plans. I suggest that you focus on rewarding your efforts, not just the comnpletion of a goal. For many of us, just seeing the results from having worked the steps can be enough reward. I still believe that having actual rewards makes the journey more interesting. So, how do you pick rewards?

First of all, I make a list of things that I enjoy that are not too expensive , must still be practical. If you feel guilty about the price of something, you are more likely to sabotage your own efforts so keep the price low. Some of my favorite items include: 1) fresh flowers from the grocery store; 2) new music on ipod for running; 3) a free hour roaming in the bookstore checking out new magazines; 4) a new item for workouts, like a top or socks.

It is most important that if your goal includes weight loss that you do NOT make food or treats your reward. Yes, we must use common sense and allow our rewards to keep us motivated, not cause a setback. So, are you planning to reward yourself with anything specific? Let me know.

Making Goals

Welcome to my first post of the new year! Everyone is thinkng about making changes and planning their new years goals, I’ve decided to share my goals with you. I’ve written about how to make SMART goals and I’m sure that you understand the how and why by now.

I love making lists because I get a thrill everytime I can check something off as DONE. Checking out some other blogs I have seen that many others share my passion for lists because they can be motivating and rewarding at the same time.

So, here is part of my plan for 2011: to complete a full marathon with improved time, start a small container garden for herbs and veggies, really improve my French skills. I’m breaking these down into smaller monthly goals that will help me succeed:

January 2011:

Exercise – to run 10 miles/wk, strength train 2x/wk, Yoga 2x/wk
Personal – Read 2 books, practice French for 2 hrs/wk, memorize one Bible verse/wk
Professional – Post on blog weekly, complete vision board, plan & advertise one workshop.

There, you have my plans. Let me know what you are doing to get your year started.

3,2,1…Happy New Year!

Just a couple more days and we will be in 2011 – seemes hard to believe that this year is practically over. If you are like me, you probably spent too much time with your head in a tizzy from all that was going on. Well, take a deep breath and let’s try to focus on a few of the highlights of this year before we say ‘bye-bye’ to 2010.

As you know, I’m not one for New Year’s resolutions. I believe they cause more stress than encouragement for most people. And, really, do you actually believe that this time will be different? Why start the new year feeling like a failure by mid-January?

Instead, I encourage people (and myself) to make clear specific goals, and to break them into small, achievable steps. For example, rather than promising to lose weight, focus on eating more vegetables and working out three times a week. This way your goal is proactive and you are being responsible.

But before you even make those goals, take some time before midnight on December 31st to look at your accomplishments from this year. It might be challenging to recall some of your successes but that is why we must do it, this is not bragging. We need to acknowledge our successes. We know that the mistakes are always fresh on our minds. So, make a list of what you did well this year and celebrate a little. Look at how that success may change your life.
I know for me getting my first book out and doing some public speaking events helped me identify some different goals, things that I would have said were not for me. Don’t count things out because they might be a little scary – you never know what is just around the corner.

Have you heard of “Half-Assed”?

Half-Assed by Jennette Fulda

I just finished reading this book, “Half-Assed” by Jennette Fulda about her weight loss journey. It is hilarious in places and quite contemplative in others. What I most enjoyed was that she did not offer any excuses for how she reached her top weight (nearly 380 pounds). Instead, her book focuses on making the hard choices that we all must do, to make our lives healthier and happier. That’s what I support – it may not just be an issue of weight for some people – their true need may lie in learning to love and appreciate themselves enough to take better care of themselves.

The book is a quick read but you will want to mark some pages to return to as her story progresses. For example, she was able to cut off her relationship with regular soda pop (several drinks a day) after realizing that it was like ‘liquid candy’. This may be true for many people – I know my husband drinks too much soda and when I used that description, he seemed to give it some thought. Many people who have no problem avoiding the candy dish or say they can skip desserts are consuming way more calories in those 2 liter bottles.

This is not a diet book – it is about one person’s experience with losing weight the old-fashioned way, through exercise and educated eating. Her goal was to save her own life, not just to be skinny. Health should always be the reason we make changes. It reminds you that while weight loss is not easy, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Check out her website.