Posts Tagged ‘challenge’
100 Days on Four Hour Body
May 25, 2011
Today marks 100 days of conscious eating. I can’t believe it.
I USED to be able to eat whatever, whenever and never have to worry about it. People used to be amazed at my appetite. Life was good, especially since I’m a total foodie … until I turned 28. I hurt my foot and my activity slowed down a lot. Then, I got wrapped up in drama and stress at work — and gave up on working out. For two years, I was an emotional eater, and had no energy or desire to cook. I ate to make myself happy, and I gained about 25 + pounds. UGH! Eventually I got let go from that job (as did 13+ others), but I still was wrapped up with the uncertainty of my next career move. Plus, we were engaged and I was really bugging out about finances.
When I look back, I kick myself for not being able to get in phenomenal shape for my wedding. Why couldn’t I do it then? But, I was so stressed out with being unemployed. There was always something in my head holding me back.
I finally had an “aha” moment and decided I needed to stop eating garbage. I realized life was always going to be challenging and needed to stop making excuses! I stopped accepting how unhappy I was with my body — and decided to do something — watch my diet.
Nevermind the Naysayers
April 13, 2011
Wise words on a Starbucks cup: “The world burst at the seams with people ready to tell you you’re not good enough. On occasion, some may be correct. But do not do their work for them. Seek any job; ask anyone out; pursue any goal. Don’t take it personally when they say “no” — they may not be smart enough to say “yes.” – Keith Olbermann
Without a doubt, there will be people that:
… talk behind your back.
… one-up your latest accomplishment.
… have a comment for everything.
… don’t want you to succeed.
Why? Because people:
… are jerks.
… are jealous.
… don’t want you to have more than them.
… don’t want to be left behind.
Unfortunately, that’s just life. But, you have to be strong, determined and really push to get whatever you want. Maybe you want to lose weight, change careers or move out of state. Whatever it is, don’t let the naysayers talk you out of it. Of course, people will offer their opinion — and it’s great to take it, especially if they are experienced in whatever you’re trying to achieve … but, as with anything in life, you might just have to learn by doing.
Here are my tips:
1. Set a goal.
2. Research.
3. Plan.
4. Complete steps to meet your goal.
5. Regroup.
6. Start over if necessary.
And:
1. Stay positive.
2. Be consistent.
3. Give it your best effort.
4. Don’t give up too easy.
5. Forget the naysayers.
6. Go with your gut.
7. Celebrate your successes.
8. Take note of who’s on your team.
That’s all. Just go for it. If you want it, you can have it.
Photo by Wonderlane.
Being Healthy Can Make You RICH
March 22, 2011
I had dinner with a close girl friend last week. We tell each other EVERYTHING. We talk about fitness, healthy eating, relationships, work stress, holistic practices, etc. We like to explore the unconventional stuff.
She told me about her friend Courtney* that has relationship issues and is always disappointed, even when the situation is not “make-or-break.” For example, Courtney will get really bent out-of-shape and take it personally if her boyfriend, Mark* doesn’t call at the exact time he said he would. Courtney’s therapist suggested that she create a “checkbook” to record and monitor Mark’s positive and negative behavior. So, when Mark calls on time, she writes down +$50. When he takes her out to a nice dinner, +$75. When Mark is late, -$25. Courtney determines the worth/dollar amount for everything. And, the list is a way for her to determine what’s meaningful and focus on the positive things Mark does. Instead of flipping out, she’s programming herself to “check herself before she wrecks herself.”
I’m not endorsing or putting down this concept. I do feel bad for Courtney and her negative associations, but I’m happy that she’s working it out by getting help and using techniques that work. My thought though, is how to apply this idea to exercise and healthy living. Why not keep a checkbook of the things you do each day to get to your health and fitness goals? Assign the amount you’ve “earned” based on what you think you deserve.
My list would look like this:
Drank a full glass of water to start the day = $10
Packed my lunch(es) = $15
Avoided eating the coconut patties at work = + $15
Taught kickboxing at 30% exertion (injury) = + $20
Jogged for three miles and sprinted the last quarter mile = + $35
Ate consistently, four small meals, four hours apart = $30
Got to sleep before 10:30 pm = $40
With time, hopefully, your “bank” account will be exactly where you want it to be, you’ve “saved up” the “amount” you want and you have reprogrammed yoursef to have positive, happy associations with being healthy. Now, feel free to send me a real check in the mail! 
Please share your list! I’d love to see what you think things are worth.
Photo by jridgewayphotography.
*Names changed!
AllThingsGwen.com is my unofficial guide to health and happiness. It's a chronical of me finding my way.
I encourage you to think about “AllThings[YOUR NAME HERE]” and what’s really, truly important to you. Hope you enjoy my recipes, fitness tips, motivational posts and aha moments.
- Will work for sneakers. http://t.co/fyLwM3Ug
- RT @motivationlive: People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it. - Anonymous
- Oh man. Gotta teach 7 am and 9 am kbox after crazy Meise wedding.
- I was part of Facebook's IPO! Bought many a share. Hope it makes some bacon. I will tell my grandkids about this historical moment.
- Planning our First Annual Meise Summer Jam. There will be a big roasted pig.
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