New Year Goals

Thought a lot about my New Years goals, seems that finishing the Ironman would be a pretty big goal especially considering where I started this time last year.

Last years goal was to:
2009 Live each day as if it was my last.
To accomplish this I will:
1. Eat better by tracking what I eat.
2. Exercise at least daily.
3. Challenge myself each day.
4. Have fun.
5. Make new friends that will support my efforts.

This year I intend to continue with this goal just modifying how I get there
2010 Live each day as if it is my last.
To accomplish this I will:
1. Focus on improving overall fitness, through diet, exercise and
spiritual wellness.
2. Challenge myself every day.
3. Work to improve relationships with family and friends.
4. Work to maintain a positive attitude and self image.
5. Have fun. Smile

These were and are my personal goals for the past and present year. I go through an exercise each year where I review goals in various aspects of my life. I think it is a nice way for me to road map where I am and where I am going.

As I made these life changes last year I was not prepared for some of the resistance that I got from some friends and family. Reflecting on that, I think now that it was unfortunate, and part of my problem is that I was not able to articulate why I found it necessary to change my whole life style at 48 years old. I changed many aspects from diet to regular exercise. While I consider these changes an improvement I still don’t know for sure what possessed me to get started on the adventure. I really cannot say that I was unhappy before my weight loss, twelve months later I can only say that I feel physically and emotionally better than I ever have before.

So my advise to anyone who is listening is focus on your goal. When you’re so tired and sore go ten minutes more. When you have a little left on your plate rather than eat it toss it. You won’t need to wait long to see results (give it eight weeks), if the numbers go in the wrong direction one day evaluate what you have been doing and ignore the numbers.

I have two mantras that have served me well:

Be fearless in the face of fear.

Courage does not alway roar, sometimes it's the voice that says I will try again tomorrow.