Tips | All Things Gwen

Posts Tagged ‘Tips’

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.

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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!

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Challenge: Sticking to a Diet with a Major Schedule Change

March 16, 2011

Day 29 on Four Hour Body and down 12 pounds!

I started a new job this week and was totally paranoid that they’d think I was some weirdo freak eating every four hours. Well, I survived Day One and Day Two and have been able to stick to my diet. The first day was interesting. We had a team lunch (cafeteria pizza). I ended up getting baked fish — some kind of florentine … although I didn’t SEE any spinach? — and mixed veggies. Someone else on the team got soup and a sandwich so I didn’t feel so high maintenance. And, another co-worker eats healthy and has even heard of the Paleo diet. That works in my favor! I also figured out that they serve fish every day in the cafeteria. So, that’s a relief — although I don’t know how it’s cooked and whatnot. It’s a good fall-back meal though in case I don’t pack.

The results are in
I am happy that I finally lost two more pounds! Last week I was at a total weight-loss halt. I think a lot of it has to do with me eating within the first half hour of waking, rather than the first hour. Granted, I am absolutely half asleep eating eggs, but I think it makes a big difference. I also barely ate beans last week; I am totally sick of them. This week, I’m giving it a go again. Still not enjoying them!

Last week, I also cut my activity out almost completely while my ankle heals. It will be two solid weeks of rest on Saturday. I’m feeling strong and eager now and actually have a 5K planned for Sunday with my cousin and the Phillies 5K the following week with hubs. I talked to my other cousin and he told me I could run Broad Street with my heart alone — like, just because I’m dedicated and strong minded. That made me feel good!

New and exciting
With this new job that’s 40 minutes North, I am in a whole new territory, exploring land like Christopher Columbus! There’s a whole bunch of new gyms, studios, etc. Can’t wait to dive into new classes/workouts and learn more stuff that I can bring to my classes.

More good news is that one my job responsibilities will be wellness for the hospital — my new job in healthcare. (Sorry, I’m not supposed to disclose the company name or location here because of their social media policy.) I was at our wellness center today and it was phenomenal. During my tour, I was smiling, glowing and feeling “in love.” Three aerobics rooms, a spin room, Pilates reformer room, TRX and heavy weight bag room, Olympic-sized pool … full-service salon with threading and even a hot shave for men! It was awesome.
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