Sticktoitiveness

I have goals. I make lists. I have several New Year resolutions, my OneWord for the year, a couple of DoOvers, and a 30 day Hustle. I have lists, calendars, journals, post-it notes, and smart phone apps. I have friends, accountability partners, a great online network and all the physical things I need to start and maintain my goals (established blog sites, awesome new running shoes, P90 on order, and more time than l had last year).

Awesome new running shoes.

But I wonder, will I do this? Will I carry out even one of my realistic, needed, HAVE-TO goals?

I ask myself, because I’m not the best at follow-through. I’ve practically perfected the art of procrastination, hate early mornings, and find LOTS of reasons to put a thing off. I start strong and peter out when it doesn’t FEEL good, or gets boring, or something else more attractive catches my time and attention. My mom used to say that I have no “sticktoitiveness.” She’s right.

This year is different, though, and here is why:

1. I found an awesome group of motivating friends online, including a new workout coach and fellow writers who are challenging me to keep going.
2. I believe my goals are God-centered, realistic, achievable and much-needed.
3. I am changing the way I think about goals, not as an end but as systematic. (Check out this article for a good explanation of systems vs. goals.)

So if you are like me and have awesome and important goals but “sticktoitiveness” issues, get connected with motivating folks who will hold you accountable and put a system in place that will maximize your success.

Go for it and don’t quit!

WOW, That’s Amazing!

You know, I used to totally dismiss folks who spent time reading labels, counting calories, measuring ingredients, and being overly pedantic about the amount of fat in calories… AND NOW: I am one of ’em.

I really did think that my “guesstimation” of the nutritional value of the foods I consumed was pretty darned accurate. HA! Now that I have committed to measure everything I cook and count all the little details of everything I consume, it’s amazing what I see!

The best thing? With VERY LITTLE change, the meals I prepare have FAR fewer calories and fat (sodium, not so much, so sue me) and more fiber and other good stuff. The other benefit? I am consuming more water, taking my supplements regularly, and increasing my consistency with regard to walking and other healthy habits.

It really is amazing the change that can result from simple attention to the little things. I am glad I found SparkPeople.com — wish I would’ve checked into it four years ago!