I don't make New Years Resolutions. Haven't for years. I learned long ago that I am crap at sticking to them. I am, however, rather fond of lists. I make them constantly. My lists at work are the only way I get anything done so I've actually made a hard copy of my favorite list and I photocopy it for each patient, each night. I wanted to make a list of goals and rewards for my healthy journey but I got stuck at the rewards! (Seriously! Who can't think of things to give themselves?!? I'm such a freak.) I know what my ultimate-end-of-the-line-uber gift will be. I will give myself the gift of a lower body lift and a brachioplasty (if necessary). I need some suggestions for mini goals. Maybe some of you out in cyberspace will help. Here's my goal list:
- Lose 20 lbs (293)
- Lose 40 lbs (273)
- Lose 60 lbs (253)
- Lose 80 lbs (233)
- Lose 100 lbs (213)
- Lose 110 lbs (203)
- Lose 120 lbs (193)
- Lose 130 lbs (183)
- Lose 140 lbs (173) - This is actually how much I weighed when I was last wearing a loose size 10 so I will treat myself with a shopping spree.
- Lose 150 lbs (163)
- Lose 160 lbs (153)
- Lose 170 lbs (143)
- Lose 180 lbs (133)
- Lose 185 lbs ( 128) - Ultimate-end-of-the-line-uber gift (tm)
I also have a fitness goals list, but I think reaching those goals is a reward in and of itself. Here's that list:
- Lose enough weight to get the okay from my orthopedic specialist to start running again (253 lb)
- Run 5K (this will be the first one I have RUN in ten years)
- Run 8K
- Run 10K
- Train for and finish half-marathon (walk/run combo is acceptable but running preferred)
- Train for and finish a marathon (preferably one of the Rock and Rolls, but if I haven't made it to California yet I 'd like to do the Cincinnati Flying Pig)
- Bench-press 140lb (I haven't been able to do this since I was in firefighting school)
- Dumbbell curl 25's
- Squat 250lb
- Do 25 military pushups
- Do 10 pull ups
- Get average mile pace to < 9min/mile (I'm not hung up on running super fast but this is what I was running when I ran cross country so I think it's a nice starter goal)
Okay so those are the goals. I've also decided to do the whole "weigh in and take a picture of the scale" bit that seems to be popular. It's a good idea, and really it keeps you honest. I'm not sure if I will do the picture part every week or bi-weekly but I will figure that out by next week.
Good for you in writing out your goals! So many people see 50, 100, 200 pounds to lose in front of them and they think it is insurmountable. Breaking it up into smaller chunks makes it look achievable. I'm a number fiend. I break down minutes or laps in my workouts when things get tough. Today I ran intervals and I was alternating between 6.5 and 7.0 mph. Every 7.0 lap was divided into fifths, quarters, thirds, halfs... It's the only way I get through it sometimes!
ReplyDeleteOh, I have no problem buying myself stuff! Clothes, exercise equipment, exercise clothes...Do you like jewelry? There's those bracelets made up of charms... Pandora makes the really expensive ones, but there are others out there. You can get a charm for every goal, like possibly a sneaker when you run that 5k or a dumbell when you curl that 25 lbs. I don't even know if they make them, but that would be so cool! Wearing that reminder of all the work you've done on your wrist each and every day. It'll be motivation to continue doing the right thing.
I didn't even THINK of starting a Pandora bracelet. Brilliant! That would definitely break up the goals.
ReplyDeleteYAY!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for your lists! I'm also a list girl! :) Can't wait to see your progress!
ReplyDeleteI totally called BS on New Year's resolutions a long time ago. It's better to set solid goals, in my opinion, that can be done whenever, not just at the beginning of the year.
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