Seeing is Believing – Goal Setting Part 2
In last month’s post (part 1), I focused on creating images in our mind of the goals we want to accomplish and then envisioning ourselves achieving them. My most recent goal has focused on weight loss that has proven more difficult than I initially imagined, yet, in some ways, it has progressed a bit easier than I expected.
Setbacks, Not Failure
After recently returning from a vacation with family, I have had to re-focus on my healthy eating patterns again. While on vacation I did ok for the first day or so but quickly realized the task would be more difficult than I thought. The problem with being on vacation and in an environment where cooking is not a possibility, you rely upon yourself to order healthy from each restaurant you visit. I got used to perusing the “lite side” portion of menus, ordering salads, and refraining from unnecessary calories in alcoholic drinks. This strategy went fairly well for the first few days, although I soon realized I may have been depriving myself of the joy of being on vacation and maybe splurging a little with my diet. I gave in with French fries at one meal, found myself ordering a couple of Piña Coladas and even indulged in a dessert or two.
Exercise is Key
While I knew I would be quite active on this trip with a lot of walking, some snorkeling, and more walking, I made it a point to visit this Marriott’s small “gym” with treadmill and elliptical machine. My son was a great encourager as he has been exercising daily through weight training and running. We went to the gym together several times, sometimes arguing, sometimes compromising on who would get the single treadmill first. (As I said, it was a teeny tiny exercise gym with about 3 or 4 pieces of equipment.) I was glad for the company and the participation from my son who is committed to getting into and staying in great shape for soccer.
Nutritionist Consultation
After my return from Key West, I returned to my doctor’s office for what I thought would be a definite weight gain from 6 days of frequent indulgence. Surprisingly, I lost another half a pound! I know it doesn’t seem like much but to me it was genuine success, especially after French fries, alcohol, and dessert. Fortunately, I believe the exercise saved me. Now I am re-grouping, re-focusing on my healthy eating again, and incorporating more intensive exercise into my daily routine.
The Power of Negative Messages
One of the statements I have frequently made to others about exercise is the fact that I have always hated running (jogging). I think I developed an aversion to the idea itself, let alone the actual running. After I had returned from my trip, I started some race walking and jogging in my neighborhood. It was not as bad as I had always thought or imagined it to be. I found myself waking up and feeling so much better after starting to jog. Shockingly, (and I cannot believe I am about to say this), I think I like it! Since I have always been a swimmer, not a jogger, I have avoided exercising in this way. It has always been more fun and exciting to attend group exercise classes or group weight training classes. But, now I think I may have found another exercise activity I enjoy. (We’ll see if it lasts).
I will end with some inspiring quotes from Norman Vincent Peale. Good luck with you goal setting and achieving your goals.
“Old unhealthy thoughts can block off inspiration and motivation. Dropping them releases a strong flow of power through the mind.”
“How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself-so always think positively.”
“Go at life with abandon; give it all you’ve got. And life will give all it has to you.”
“Remember Edison’s remark: “if we did all things we are capable of doing, we would literally astonish ourselves.” Astonish yourself!”
Happy Summer!
Linda Cook,
LMHC
Image courtesy of Vince Alongi under Creative Commons License.
