Another friend on Facebook started a neat “21 Day Challenge” a little while ago. The basic premise being 21 goals in 21 days – and… they don’t all have to be large goals, they should be all sizes and all themes – but things which can realistically be accomplished in the 21 days. Needless to say I got in on this immediately, as I had been making some itemized (don’t ask…) to-do lists, which more often than not are goal-based, or are to-do lists of goals.
My 21 goals span a variety of topics and themes, but just clicking in on this challenge, interacting with others online who are also participating, etc. has made sticking to the plan that much easier. This concept is extremely effective – its part of the reason why programs like Weight Watchers, AA, and just having a workout buddy make it easier to stick to a plan – it requires accountability. Others are watching – they saw you publically sign up – and may even ask for an update (or weigh in, etc) on your progress – best of all – they will be there to help encourage when/if you stumble or become discouraged. Its also extremely motivating to urge your fellow challenge participants on when you’re fired up – its so important to share that energy with others, it just builds and builds when you do. And you never know – that one little word or phrase that you share may be the tipping point that helps someone to make dramatic and lasting changes that will improve their life in a big way. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?!
Lately I have also been thinking about self-discipline… some of my local friends have recently remarked on my self-discipline and occasionally joke that they think I’m not entirely human (HEY GUYS, did you see the Bacon Recipes? I’m human!). I’m going to let you in on a little secret, whenever I am unsure if a choice is the best one for me to make on a given food item, activity, purchase, situation I think to myself:
Will this action take me closer or further away from my goal(s)? If Closer, at what cost? If Further, is it worth it?
For instance, you are at the mall with a friend – they want to go get one of those giant calorie-zilla drinks from a certain popular coffee chain… and well you’re having a good time, you’re “doing a lot of walking” (baah!), etc. and for a second you think… OH HECK, I’ll have one too! STOP, think… you don’t have to order the same, or even at all – what else can you choose? The large sugar/fat laden, possibly expensive (in terms of value) drink will cost you in the long run – by taking you further from a fitness goal (weight loss or simply in terms of nutrition – that sugar’s gonna make you CRASH!), a financial savings goal (uh oh, seal has been broken, its spend-binge time, even on a bunch of small items, this can add up QUICK), and most importantly, puts a dint in your self-discipline. So… choose a water, a black coffee, or one of my favorite addictions, a straight up espresso. OR… a small bar of dark chocolate (half an ounce of dark chocolate sometimes has only 100 or so calories – depending on the brand and % of cacao… with an immense amount of FLAVOR) instead. There are many different things you can choose that will keep you on your path to success – you just have to stop and think. Most importantly – this keeps YOU in control of YOUR situation.
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