Wow, let’s just put it out there, shall we??? I’m really glad we have this assignment this week. It really does fit into my personal plans quite well. This class was really an eye opener to me and has really helped me reach a turning point in my life in regards to my overall health. So where do I rate myself?
Physically I give would say that I am a 3. I am tired, fatigued and in general, I lack energy. I am approximately 50 pounds over weight and just feel bad. I don’t know how much of that is due to it being 4 am at the time I’m writing this, but regardless, I don’t feel good physically. My spiritual well-being is also in the lower half of the scale, 4. My psychological life is higher, but not much, 5. That is the bad news.
So here is the good news. As my blog is so accurately named, I have committed to action this morning. Honestly, I was going to do this anyway, even before I knew about the blogging assignment:) I woke up early this morning in order to get a jump start on my working day. By the time my kids get up and I take them to school, I should have the majority of my work done for the day. Which means, today is the day I start training for my marathon. Not a 5K or 10K, but my full 26.2 miles. Now I do plan on running in shorter events along the way, but my focus and goal is the full marathon before the year ends. Cross training will be the key for me. I use to dread the thought of running every single day. After conducting some research, I have found that I can run 3 to 4 times a week and cross train the others. This will really break things up for me. I’m genuinely excited. Especially since there are still about 6 weeks left in this course and by then, I should see some tremendous changes in all aspects of my life. This really works as an accountability program as well.
Spiritually, I plan on spending some time alone each day praying and seeking wisdom. Everything I have I believe comes from above. I plan on taking daily walks in the morning and using that time to talk with God, but more importantly, listen to Him.
Psychologically, well, writing helps. Ironically, I have ambitions of being a writer and public speaker someday. By that, I mean actually getting paid for doing those things. By aligning the other two areas of my life, I strongly believe that this area of my life will fall into place. But to aid in the process, I plan on devoting particular times each week to writing. I am actually working on a book right now that deals with Commitment:) (Look for it in your local bookstores and on Amazon in 2012) :)
Well, enough talk, I need to go take some action! I only have about 3 hours till my training officially begins, so I need to get back to work!
George,
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Coming up with a goal and plan is the first step, sticking to it is always the hardest second part. Have you studied the "Stages of Change" in any of your classes yet?
Basically, there are four (or five, depending on how you look at it) stages to change.
1. Conteplation, in other words, thinking about change.
2. Preparation, researching activities and diets and such. Deciding on activities and setting goals.
3. Taking action, (the stage you are in now)implementing the plan.
3. Maintenance, continuing the new healthy behaviors, maybe even adding new ones as you go along.
The so-called "fourth" stage is backsliding, or relapsing. Basically that's when you don't follow the plan every day, or eat a food that's not on your diet plan. Everyone does it, even when they are in the maintenance stage. Stuff gets in the way, depression, illness, work, whatever.
The important point is to not get discouraged, just pick up at the point you left off (if that is feasible) and keep on going. This is not all or nothing, this is change over the long run.
You can do it!
Ellen,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your support and encouragement. I am a familiar with the stages of change, but like many things, it is easier said than done.
For me, I usually need to create a sense of urgency. In most cases, the sense of urgency is some made up emergency to push me over the edge into action. When I share that with others, I get mixed responses, but for some reason it works for me:)
Again, thanks so much for commenting.
Hi George and Ellen,
ReplyDeleteI agree it takes a lot or perseverance to accomplish things sometimes. But as they say, practice makes perfect. I am pretty much the way where there has to be some sense of urgency otherwise I won't get to it 'til the last minute. I can say I am a big procrastinator which I am trying to change since its taken a toll in all aspects of my well-being.