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| photo by DB |
I have been trying to hit that particular dart board for two years now. I even had a fitness challenge for all the world to see in TrikkeWorld Magazine last year. I squeezed off twenty pounds. Still not bad. And for about five minutes last month, I was able to make my twenty pound reserve goal for this year as well. Yes, you read right, about five minutes, but a very important five minutes because I had a witness, my doctor. So that counts, right?
About five minutes later my pants were a bit tighter. And they've gotten even tighter since that moment. It was just last month... how elusive. How sweet. How attainable once again. Even though I have put on some pounds giving thanks for all I have, I'll go back down again. There is not much hope for this month but I have high resolutions for 2013.
Will I still shoot for 50 pounds? I doubt it. After all, I learned that is unrealistic for my particular eating style and age. And the 20 pounds I did drop occurred because of my 3CV since I am such a lousy dieter.
My resolution for 2013 is therefore to carve more. And that's an easy resolution to keep. Yet, is it a resolution or a goal? What is the difference between resolutions and goals or are they one and the same?
Actually, a resolution is a way of stating intent, as in "I will do this..." whereas a goal is not only more specific, but it has actual steps associated with it to achieve said resolution. The SMART system for setting goals sets the bar as to what qualifies as a goal, and SMART stands for:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic and
Timely
So maybe my resolution of losing 50 pounds was neither realistic, timely or attainable. It did hit the high notes of specific and measurable though. Resolutions are good, but goals are action plans waiting for us to put intention into them. Resolutions are wishful thinking while goals have power.
What will you include in your goals for 2013? Will they be actual goals or just a retread of resolutions that you will never reach yet still hold onto in hopes you can will it to be? Put some weight behind your resolutions, change them to goals, then reach for the stars -- the ones just beyond your grasp.You'll be surprised at the length of your arms.
Although you did not meet your goal of losing 50 pounds, I admire the way you are taking a step back at re-evaluating it and re-defining it instead of just giving up like so many people do.
ReplyDeleteAt the start of 2012 I set a goal of biking 1000 miles. It seemed like a lofty goal, yet was very attainable when I did the math. The key was being consistent and riding every week.
If I just look at the numbers, I did not come close to meeting that goal. As of today, I have biked 305 miles this year. What got in the way of attaining that goal was this odd little vehicle called a Trikke (have you ever heard of them, lol?). I have Trikked 227 miles for the year, and also did other exercises like kettlebells and walking.
So while I didn't bike my 1000 miles, I consider my goal fully met. Why? Because the purpose of the goal was to get me to exercise regularly and live a healthier lifestyle. The 1000 miles was just a measurable way for me to work towards what would otherwise be a vague goal. I didn't bike 1000 miles, yet everything I did met my goal of exercising. And thanks to the Trikke I have enjoyed that a whole lot more than expected. So my goal is met and then some, because I have made some wonderful new friends along the way, which I never expected.
I have not yet decided my 2013 goals, but will be doing that soon. I just finished a grueling year of college, so now is a good time to catch my breath, reflect on the year that's ending, and decide what form I'd like 2013 to take. Surely I'll continue on with the exercise programs, and probably set some more mileage goals, just because that's the kind of motivation my brain is wired to respond to.
As for weight loss, although I did not set a numerical goal, I have carved off 40 pounds this year and couldn't be happier. I have an odd feeling if I had set a goal of "losing 40 pounds" it would have never happened. Instead I set goals for behaviors that led to the weight loss. It's something of a back door approach, but for me that's probably the only way it'll ever work.
So best of luck to you with your 2013 goals whatever they end up being, and know that I'll be here to cheer you on every step (and carve) of the way.
Very good point! At least I accomplished something and that is everything. Thank you wise woman! I'm glad you've got my back!
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