One of the easiest commitments to break is the one I make to myself to workout. I've done it often. So this time, in order to keep my word to myself, I'm also telling someone else and making a definitive plan. I've created a workout calendar so I'll know what I'm supposed to do each day and can mark off the days I've accomplished my goal. I'm adding my workouts to my electronic calendar that syncs with every device I own. Now it will be an official appointment with myself, instead of just a vague idea of something I mean to do. I've told Steven my plan, so now I'm accountable to someone other than myself. I also have a friend at work who is going to help me by pushing me beyond what I believe are my physical limits.
We all have good intentions when it comes to working out or losing weight. We think we can do it on our own and often without a clear plan, but it takes more than just good intentions and hope that we can make it to the end. We have to know how we're going to get there, and we have to have people who can help us along the way.
S.E.L.F. R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
It's fairly simple. Set goals. Exercise. Love yourself. Focus on fitness. Rest and relax. Eat right. Smile. Portray positive. Enjoy life. Care for others. Tell yourself you can do this.
I can follow those guidelines, and I've started by setting my workout goals and making them concrete, for the first time in my life. I have a plan.
I see you've lost 16 pounds @Christy! Good for you girl! I'm going to celebrate you because it doesn't look like anybody else is. Where is your man @Steven? He should be singing your praises! Come on @Steven! Your girl is doing good! Give her some props! LOL! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a good post. I like the Nike thing. I kind of think that says it all doesn't it? I'm going to try to write down some of my goals too. I'm bad with the exercise too. I don't like it and I don't want to do it. I know I need to but golly it isn't fun. I think you're onto something by making yourself accountable to somebody. I'll do that with a friend of mine. She'll keep me on track. I think the plan about putting it on a calendar is good. I like scheduling an "official appointment" with yourself. Good one!
Keep up the good work and keep the tips coming!
I'll keep reading! :)
Thank you Sarah! It was 2 lbs over 2 weeks, so that wasn't a huge loss, but thank you for celebrating me. :-) I think Steven is busy today.
DeleteWriting down goals helps me, and if I'm accountable to someone, I'm definitely more likely to keep going. I need the encouragement and accountability.
Yes, congratulations on the 16 pounds @Christy! Even if it was 2 pounds over 2 weeks. That's still worth celebrating! I'm sure @Steven has told you how phenomenal you're doing. That's what our other halves are for.
DeleteThanks, @Michelle! Every pound is worth celebrating, isn't it? :-)
DeleteGood for you. I started out doing 10 minutes at a time throughout the day. I know, I know, that's a "little old lady" workout (I'm 74) but I think it's a good starting point. I wish you well!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alma! 10 minutes at a time is good advice. It's better to begin slowly and keep going than to start fast and burnout quickly.
DeleteGood advice @AJB! I think I can do 10 minutes at a time throughout the day even though I work. I mean if we think about it, I'll bet we can all find ways to fit in 10 minutes here and there.
DeleteTrue, @Michelle. I'm going to find 10 minutes here and there this afternoon while I'm at work to get in some walks or other exercise. Every little bit counts!
DeleteAnother good one! This could apply to so many things, not just exercising. I have a goal I want to accomplish. I'm going to steal your calendar idea and use it then share it with my hubby to make me accountable.
ReplyDeleteThanks @Michelle! You're right. It could apply to others goals. In fact, I may use it at work for a project I'm trying to complete. :-)
DeleteYou're lucky to have a supportive partner. I think it would make it easier. I put my exercise on a calendar when I do it, but I don't have anybody to share it with. To me it isn't just the accountability part, but it's also the hug and "well done" the other person gives you when you stick with it. I think that part of this tip is important.
ReplyDeleteI like the Nike respect pic. I'm going to make it my desktop wallpaper.
Thanks, @Christy!
@Kirani it doesn't have to be a "significant other" if you want to share it to keep you on track and get a few awesome kudos along the way. Enlist the help of a friend or family member. I've found that people love to encourage and give those supportive hugs when they know what you're doing and the progress you're making.
DeleteCheers to you @Christy! Where is @Steven? Haven't seen him post here yet.
ReplyDeleteThanks @Denise!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post, baby! One could apply all these principles to life in general.
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you!
Have you tried yoga? It is a very good and soothing workout. It tones and strengthens all the muscles. If done correctly, also can provide heart conditioning. I highly recommend it. I like the self respect motto. Very good!
ReplyDeleteI've practiced yoga off and on since I was a teenager. Sadly, I'm not as limber as I was back then, but I know if I applied myself, I could get there again. It's great for relaxing and flexibility. I've been combining it with walking, Zumba, Tai Chi, and other things.
DeleteMy only memory of yoga is...pain. :-P
DeleteAh, you have not been taught correctly. Yoga should never cause pain. Only relaxation and mental calmness.
DeleteI was in a play a few years ago and the director had us all warm up with yoga before rehearsal. I think maybe she had us doing some things we weren't ready for yet. 'Cause it really hurt! Eventually I stopped doing it. I just sat in the theater seats and watched my cast mates suffer. lol!
DeleteOh no, Mr. Steven! I am happy you stopped. You should try it again with a qualified person teaching you the basics. You will go slowly and never go beyond what your body tells you is good. If it hurts, you go no more. You listen to your body. Positions should never hurt. Over time you begin to do more.
DeleteSomeday I do hope to try it again. I really like what Christy's been telling me about Tai Chi also. It sounds peaceful and centered. And I can always use a little peace. I practiced a form of karate when I was in college and it was wonderful. It was an intense physical workout, but the katas (series of movements) were very relaxing and even spiritual.
DeleteYoga is very different than the martial arts. It focuses on mind, body, and spirit. Breathing is essential. You would probably like it.
Delete