Ironically, I've been putting off writing about our collective journey toward self-improvement, marking June 1st as our half-way point. Despite the fact that I'm the one writing about it, I find myself overwhelmed that the first week of May is already over. The second week of four starts today. That means that June 1st, the deadline that was once months away, is now a mere three weeks from being a reality. Which begs the question, are the goals you set for yourself in January three weeks from being real, too???
You're not alone if the answer to that question is "no." While I have been consistently working toward all of my goals, there are a few areas I wish I had progressed in further. And, that's ultimately why I'm writing this today.
Three weeks isn't a long time, it's true, but in three weeks, you can shave two inches off your middle and permanently lose five pounds, if not a few more. You can improve your strength, your stamina and your muscle tone. You can write a book. You can paint a canvas. You can tile a bathroom. You can learn (and cook!) a new recipe, then, make it all over again and share it with neighbors. You can binge watch Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Luke Cage, AND The Iron Fist to prep for the August 18th premiere of The Defenders on Netflix. You can also volunteer and raise money for a good cause...or, simply write a check. You can make plans to travel, or, actually go somewhere. Get in your car, truck, or on your motorcycle, and just start driving. You can also meet a new person in three weeks--someone you never expected but who comes with the promise of joy (yes, please!). You can get a new job. Or, complete three-to-six job applications for a new position in maybe a new city or state or both. In other words, three weeks, or 21 days, may not be forever, but it is enough time to make positive, permanent change in your world, and everyone else's, too.
So, instead of getting overwhelmed at the prospect that June 1st is 21 days away, we must embrace our deadline--and all the possibilities therein. Rather than talk ourselves out of losing those two inches because "there's not enough time," get up and start moving your body...today, and every day for the next 21 days! You will see noticeable changes in the first five days alone. To make the most impact, use both cardio and lifting weights every single day. Use the machines at the gym and rotate your arms and back with your legs and core. Get on a bike or treadmill (or whatever your favorite piece of equipment is) and really get your heart rate in the fat burning zone for at least an hour...yes, every single day. If you don't want to go to the gym every day, find ways of getting that cardio outside or at home. Use ankle and wrist weights and dance your ass off for an hour (I like Pitbull for serious booty-shaking...) or find a local trail and hike using hiking poles to burn more calories or use hand weights and get your heart rate going with some power walking. As a writer, I'm sedentary for long periods of time, so I use common household things, like a kitchen chair, or the bathroom sink, to help me do deep squats, deadlift bends, modified crunches, and push ups. We forget sometimes that moving our body is free and can be done anywhere, anytime. If you combine consistent movement with reducing processed foods and high sugar/fat in your diet, you'll look wholly different in just three whole weeks.
I was traveling for three weeks in May 2014, but still went to the gym every day and found a partner for extra sessions at night and, guess what? I lost more than two inches...try two pant-sizes! I couldn't believe it. I'd eat a bowl of Kashi cereal in the morning, grab a Lara bar and a liter of water and head to the gym. I'd bike for an hour (or more) and use some of the weight machines each day, stretching in between. I'd go back to my hotel, make calls, do emails, go to meetings, and write (of course), incorporating extra cardio sessions with a partner at night. I never ate out for dinner and stuck to simple meals like whole wheat baguette with cheese, fresh fruit and nuts. And, dayum, did I look good after three weeks away from home! Not only that, but I got a new job, too. A great deal of the time spent in those three weeks changed my life, and, my future. It's all about perseverance, also known as not giving up. The mind will always give up long before your body...a good thing to remember in not just health-pursuits, but in any area of your life you wish to change in the next three weeks.
Ask yourself what the one goal you really want to achieve by June 1st is. Begin working toward that goal today. Spend time each day for the next 21 days making that goal a reality, and, you WILL succeed. I guarantee you will be closer to your goal by June 1st and ready to take on the next big thing you want to achieve. For me, my goals center around the same things--book projects, financial security, staying healthy, and, the one thing I want more than anything else in the world, love. If you can break down your top priorities into four categories, you'll feel less overwhelmed and will be more likely to work a little more on each one, each day.
No matter what your day job is, your "real" job is making your own life better. When you do that, you improve the lives of everyone else around you. That's a big deal. Like Anchorman, but without the 70's stache or polyester suit (milk wasn't the only bad choice in that movie...).
You may live more than one lifetime over the course of your existence, but one thing is absolutely certain: You will never live this one lifetime again. Don't just plug into social ideas of "normalcy," take risks. Be brave! This is your shot. Make it count.
I believe in you...isn't it about time you did the same???
#ThreeWeekWin
You're not alone if the answer to that question is "no." While I have been consistently working toward all of my goals, there are a few areas I wish I had progressed in further. And, that's ultimately why I'm writing this today.
Three weeks isn't a long time, it's true, but in three weeks, you can shave two inches off your middle and permanently lose five pounds, if not a few more. You can improve your strength, your stamina and your muscle tone. You can write a book. You can paint a canvas. You can tile a bathroom. You can learn (and cook!) a new recipe, then, make it all over again and share it with neighbors. You can binge watch Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Luke Cage, AND The Iron Fist to prep for the August 18th premiere of The Defenders on Netflix. You can also volunteer and raise money for a good cause...or, simply write a check. You can make plans to travel, or, actually go somewhere. Get in your car, truck, or on your motorcycle, and just start driving. You can also meet a new person in three weeks--someone you never expected but who comes with the promise of joy (yes, please!). You can get a new job. Or, complete three-to-six job applications for a new position in maybe a new city or state or both. In other words, three weeks, or 21 days, may not be forever, but it is enough time to make positive, permanent change in your world, and everyone else's, too.
So, instead of getting overwhelmed at the prospect that June 1st is 21 days away, we must embrace our deadline--and all the possibilities therein. Rather than talk ourselves out of losing those two inches because "there's not enough time," get up and start moving your body...today, and every day for the next 21 days! You will see noticeable changes in the first five days alone. To make the most impact, use both cardio and lifting weights every single day. Use the machines at the gym and rotate your arms and back with your legs and core. Get on a bike or treadmill (or whatever your favorite piece of equipment is) and really get your heart rate in the fat burning zone for at least an hour...yes, every single day. If you don't want to go to the gym every day, find ways of getting that cardio outside or at home. Use ankle and wrist weights and dance your ass off for an hour (I like Pitbull for serious booty-shaking...) or find a local trail and hike using hiking poles to burn more calories or use hand weights and get your heart rate going with some power walking. As a writer, I'm sedentary for long periods of time, so I use common household things, like a kitchen chair, or the bathroom sink, to help me do deep squats, deadlift bends, modified crunches, and push ups. We forget sometimes that moving our body is free and can be done anywhere, anytime. If you combine consistent movement with reducing processed foods and high sugar/fat in your diet, you'll look wholly different in just three whole weeks.
I was traveling for three weeks in May 2014, but still went to the gym every day and found a partner for extra sessions at night and, guess what? I lost more than two inches...try two pant-sizes! I couldn't believe it. I'd eat a bowl of Kashi cereal in the morning, grab a Lara bar and a liter of water and head to the gym. I'd bike for an hour (or more) and use some of the weight machines each day, stretching in between. I'd go back to my hotel, make calls, do emails, go to meetings, and write (of course), incorporating extra cardio sessions with a partner at night. I never ate out for dinner and stuck to simple meals like whole wheat baguette with cheese, fresh fruit and nuts. And, dayum, did I look good after three weeks away from home! Not only that, but I got a new job, too. A great deal of the time spent in those three weeks changed my life, and, my future. It's all about perseverance, also known as not giving up. The mind will always give up long before your body...a good thing to remember in not just health-pursuits, but in any area of your life you wish to change in the next three weeks.
Ask yourself what the one goal you really want to achieve by June 1st is. Begin working toward that goal today. Spend time each day for the next 21 days making that goal a reality, and, you WILL succeed. I guarantee you will be closer to your goal by June 1st and ready to take on the next big thing you want to achieve. For me, my goals center around the same things--book projects, financial security, staying healthy, and, the one thing I want more than anything else in the world, love. If you can break down your top priorities into four categories, you'll feel less overwhelmed and will be more likely to work a little more on each one, each day.
No matter what your day job is, your "real" job is making your own life better. When you do that, you improve the lives of everyone else around you. That's a big deal. Like Anchorman, but without the 70's stache or polyester suit (milk wasn't the only bad choice in that movie...).
You may live more than one lifetime over the course of your existence, but one thing is absolutely certain: You will never live this one lifetime again. Don't just plug into social ideas of "normalcy," take risks. Be brave! This is your shot. Make it count.
I believe in you...isn't it about time you did the same???
#ThreeWeekWin
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