How many excuses have you used to let yourself off the hook?
No time today to exercise; too busy with work.
If I only would have studied harder in school, I could have landed that job.
If I didn't drink that last glass of wine, I could have made it to bootcamp this morning. (I just used this one!)
If I would have gotten my bills paid yesterday, I could go out with my girlfriends.
If I would have started my diet in January, these shorts would fit now.
It's time to face the truth - we need to get out of our own way.
I often hear clients berate themselves about the decisions they made over the weekend: what they ate, what they drank. The guilt comes in waves...or buckets...and it drowns out their ability to move forward. So many of us set ourselves up to fail, allowing the small transgression to be our excuse not to move forward. And most of it was our own fault.
But what if we set ourselves up to succeed next time? What if we made exercise the first thing on the to-do list? What if we sought out additional training to earn that next job? What if we said no to that last glass of wine? What if we got our bills paid and went out with our friends? What if we started and stuck to that diet in January? Let's find out.
Let's not allow ourselves to find an excuse any longer to put off the things we want to achieve. Instead, let's set ourselves up to succeed - to reach the next level, to make it to class, to enjoy our friends, to fit into those shorts.
We already know what if feels like NOT to succeed; let's get out of our own way and succeed.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Create an Intention
Do you know why you work out? Is it to get healthy, to lose a few pounds, to get ready for a reunion or wedding? All of these are great reasons. But are you thinking about these reasons while you are actually working out? Not likely.
More often then goals, we think about our weekend plans, work, kids, anything but why we are working out. The time we dedicate to our training is often time that we work through other issues. Our long runs become strategy sessions; our lifting routines become...routine; our Spin class becomes social hour. Without realizing it, we've lifted the weights, done the cardio and arrived at the end of the workout. Getting in the routine of working out is great; getting a routine workout is not.
Before your next workout, set an intention and pay attention to it. For example: 'today I'm going to push myself to lift heavier'; 'today I'm going to turn my resistance a notch higher '; 'today I'm going to focus on lengthening my stride.' During your workout, keep your attention on your intention. This simple mental strategy will make your reasons for working out a reality.
More often then goals, we think about our weekend plans, work, kids, anything but why we are working out. The time we dedicate to our training is often time that we work through other issues. Our long runs become strategy sessions; our lifting routines become...routine; our Spin class becomes social hour. Without realizing it, we've lifted the weights, done the cardio and arrived at the end of the workout. Getting in the routine of working out is great; getting a routine workout is not.
Before your next workout, set an intention and pay attention to it. For example: 'today I'm going to push myself to lift heavier'; 'today I'm going to turn my resistance a notch higher '; 'today I'm going to focus on lengthening my stride.' During your workout, keep your attention on your intention. This simple mental strategy will make your reasons for working out a reality.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Lessons from our Fathers
On this Father's Day I've been reflecting on the importance of my dad, step-dad, and husband in my life and the things they've taught me. While it's hard to sum up all the lessons we learn from our parents, a few things really stand out.
The Lesson: Try Something New and Take a Lesson.
While my dad and I didn't spend a lot of time together while I was growing up, I remember with great fondness the time we did share. Baseball games at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, MD, skiing at Snowshoe and Mammoth Mountain, living on a sailboat in Daytona, and windsurfing in LA. My dad was the spirit of adventure in my life. He enjoyed challenging himself and learning new things. I was lucky and he took me along to learn new things as well. He never seemed to hesitate to sign up for something interesting. I remember him learning about photography, how to mountain bike, and to ride horses. Wether it's my personality or the lessons I learned from him, I, too, love to try new things and never hesitate to ask for a lesson.
The Lesson: Positive Reinforcement and a Cheering Section Make a Difference.
My step-father came into my life when I was 12. A great guy and welcome addition to the family, he was a great moderator in my house. My mom was very protective (thank goodness) and I tried to rebel. My step-dad did his best to support her, but always seemed to find a way for me to get a little bit of what I wanted. Throughout high school and into college, he encouraged me to do my best and showed up to support me just when I needed it. To this day he offers his praise and supports me with whatever I attempt, asking questions and showing interest.
The Lesson: There is a Time and a Place for Everything.
This lesson I get from my husband, father to my fabulous 7 year old daughter. I've always been one to try something new. And I've always been one to try something else new. I don't tend to sit still and I don't tend to have patience for those who do want to sit still. As we raise our daughter, my husband is the one who reminds me that she's just a kid. While we both want her to learn and do anything and everything she can, she's not ready to do it all this summer. My husband reminds me that there is a time to do the things on our list that is better than another time. It's best to do what works with our schedules than to try to do something that doesn't fit in and deal with the frustration.
So this week, take a few lessons from the dad's in my life - try something new, maybe take a lesson; surround yourself with positive reinforcement and a good cheering section; and find that new thing that works with your life and schedule.
The Lesson: Try Something New and Take a Lesson.
While my dad and I didn't spend a lot of time together while I was growing up, I remember with great fondness the time we did share. Baseball games at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, MD, skiing at Snowshoe and Mammoth Mountain, living on a sailboat in Daytona, and windsurfing in LA. My dad was the spirit of adventure in my life. He enjoyed challenging himself and learning new things. I was lucky and he took me along to learn new things as well. He never seemed to hesitate to sign up for something interesting. I remember him learning about photography, how to mountain bike, and to ride horses. Wether it's my personality or the lessons I learned from him, I, too, love to try new things and never hesitate to ask for a lesson.
The Lesson: Positive Reinforcement and a Cheering Section Make a Difference.
My step-father came into my life when I was 12. A great guy and welcome addition to the family, he was a great moderator in my house. My mom was very protective (thank goodness) and I tried to rebel. My step-dad did his best to support her, but always seemed to find a way for me to get a little bit of what I wanted. Throughout high school and into college, he encouraged me to do my best and showed up to support me just when I needed it. To this day he offers his praise and supports me with whatever I attempt, asking questions and showing interest.
The Lesson: There is a Time and a Place for Everything.
This lesson I get from my husband, father to my fabulous 7 year old daughter. I've always been one to try something new. And I've always been one to try something else new. I don't tend to sit still and I don't tend to have patience for those who do want to sit still. As we raise our daughter, my husband is the one who reminds me that she's just a kid. While we both want her to learn and do anything and everything she can, she's not ready to do it all this summer. My husband reminds me that there is a time to do the things on our list that is better than another time. It's best to do what works with our schedules than to try to do something that doesn't fit in and deal with the frustration.
So this week, take a few lessons from the dad's in my life - try something new, maybe take a lesson; surround yourself with positive reinforcement and a good cheering section; and find that new thing that works with your life and schedule.
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