You know when you start a new workout program and there's that "Honeymoon Phase" at the beginning? When you're all JACKED-UP to be there...to put in the HARD work...to see your results?
That's where I'm at, four days into Farrell's! I feel totally committed to this. I've been tracking every meal...and hey...I know it's only been four days...but 6 meals per day...that's a lot of tracking!
The only problem is, I still have that nagging doubt in the back of my head. I've been here before. I'm totally dedicated, until I'm just not. Then I fall, and fall hard ya'll.
So why is this time different? I read a quote the other day that really stuck with me:
"It's not about perfect. It's about effort.
And when you bring that effort every single day, that's where
transformation happens. That's how change occurs."
I really think that this is a BIG part of my problem. The idea of being "perfect". Clearly...I'm not...who is? The issue is that I always seem to turn any little mistake into a snowball of bad choices. Why? If I'm being honest, it's because I never really BELIEVE that I can stick with it, that I can make lasting change, that I can be that person...the one I want to be, the one I get little glimpses of sometimes.
I've let self-doubt rule my life for FAR too long. So now, instead of focusing on being perfect, I'm going to concentrate on putting ALL my effort in...every day...to every workout...every meal preparation...to the 8 million other things I do in the course of a day. Effort and attitude. I know I have complete control over those two things.
Here are a few things I'm going to do to help keep me motivated:
1. I'm going to listen to Eye of the Tiger once...every single day. I'm serious - lol! This song seriously gets me PUMPED...it doesn't matter what I'm doing when I hear it...I do it better...with more intensity when that song comes on (that includes folding laundry or just driving the car). It also makes me laugh...and who doesn't need MORE laughter in their life?
2. I'm going to start involving the kids more! My 2 and 4 year old have seemingly limitless stores of energy and they can get unreasonably excited about anything. My plan is to harness some of that unbridled JOY and happiness and use it to propel me forward!
3. I've committed to a 10wk Bootcamp...and my goal is to go to each and every class. I want perfect attendance...partly because my husband had perfect attendance during his 10wk session (and if I don't I'll never hear the end of it!) I know this directly conflicts with the whole not focusing on perfection thing...but part of really putting in the effort IS just going! Showing up...and making my workout matter.
4. I'll continue to improve my nutrition...AND bring my ENTIRE family along with me! I've been bad this week about letting the kiddos eat something different, just because it's easier. They have a lot of really great eating habits...but there are also some not-so-great ones that we need to deal with...pronto.
5. I'm going to be as forgiving with myself as I am with others. I don't expect anyone else to be perfect...so why do I hold a grudge against myself when I don't "measure up" or if I make a less than stellar call? I'm going to just be NICER to myself.
I feel really optimistic! I'm proud of the work I'm putting in. Even if I look like I'm going to croak any minute during my workouts...I'm still there...and my ATTITUDE and EFFORT are going to push me through!
Now...let's see how long this honeymoon lasts :)
~Audrey
Self doubt... that's my problem too! I fell off the wagon for many weeks (like, from Thanksgiving to a week ago!) and found the wagon again and when I went to weigh in I had lost 4 lbs! Instead of being thrilled by this, I just keep wondering when I'm going to fall off the wagon again. Attitude and Effort should be my motto as well!
ReplyDeleteShelley! That's about the same time I went AWOL too :) At least we keep trying right???
DeleteJust keep swimming my friend - lol!
Number 5 is interesting: not holding a grudge with yourself even though you claim you don't with others? Hmmm. Forgiving yourself because you forgive others? Right. And not expecting others to be perfect? Uh huh. Time for a self check.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...this sounds personal. I will say (again) that I don't claim to be perfect, and forgiveness is definitely NOT one of my strong suits. Not expecting others to be flawless isn't the same as allowing myself to be a doormat and overlooking continuous BAD behavior. As an adult I have made the choice to surround myself with people who lift me up, not bring me down.
DeleteI understand that putting this all "out there" leaves me open for criticism and I welcome that. Open discussions often lead to breakthroughs. That being said, I don't really plan on engaging with nameless faces who hide behind posting anonymous comments. If you stand behind what you say, own it.
That's called being a grown-up. Thanks for stopping by :)
Unfortunately having a blog, website and local business will open yourself up to criticism and sometimes obnoxious and insensitive people. Some criticism can be productive~ but when it goes no where~ what's the point? I love this blog entry Audrey, self doubt and forgiving ourselves is a sometimes hard for us women and mothers especially. We put everyone first and take care of us last. Time to take charge and take care of Mama Bear. Thank you for putting in the time with sharing your journey~ you inspire me and I am sure many others! This girl is back to Farrell's tomorrow. And I have said that everyday since December 10th. SMH. Now that I have put it out there~ I have to go right? :P
ReplyDeleteThanks Char! You were a HUGE part of the reason I joined Farrell's so I'm glad that we can work to inspire each other this go-round!
DeleteI know this all comes with the territory and I'm used to criticism...trust me...no one is harder on me than I am on myself! Constructive criticism and someone with a personal issue are two very different things though..clearly :) You always handle these situations so well...I'll be taking a page from your book going forward!
Don't let any negative comments bring you down! You are better than that. Just keep on being the best you. I think that putting it out there for the world, or in our cases our few readers, really helps is hold accountable to our actions. On January 1st I started a challenge for myself, 365 days to a better me, you should join me. Check out my blog www.craftyworkinmommy.com, it is a few posts back! Lets do this!
ReplyDeleteTerri! I love your posts...such an inspiring challenge you've taken on! I'll be following along :)
DeleteI think you're absolutely right...sharing and documenting this has definitely held me more accountable. Plus, it really forces me to look at things and try to figure out WHY I do certain things. It's not always comfortable...but my goal here is to be BETTER...so it's necessary! I'm IN! Thanks lady!