Step up and commit or live in mediocrity, it’s your choice!
Every year we get to this time and start setting goals because we want to change our lives for the better. It makes sense. We want to stop drinking, stop eating crappy, or lose weight, blah blah blah! I’m all for it, but the truth is that all it takes is real commitment on your part. I’m leading a group through a 30 day challenge beginning on January 1. We’ll be setting goals, encouraging each other to stay on the wagon and ultimately making it easy to make these changes.
But the bottom line is, that if you want to change something in your life it’s simple: make the change. Don’t take shit from anyone, especially yourself and start acting like the person you say you want to be. Don’t make excuses, simply take action. Even half of a step in the right direction is better than no step at all.
Here is the best way I know how to set goals and if you’re so inclined, do it. But if you understand your life a little more deeply, you can skip the goal setting and do what you say you’re going to do. It’s that simple.
By June 1, 2016 I will run the entire Backbone trail from Will Rogers State Park to Oxnard. Those of you that are here in Malibu might know that trail is 65 miles with about 15,000 feet of cumulative elevation. It’s going to take me about 12-15 hours. Sounds crazy right? It is. But I love it, it motivates me. That one simple idea gets me out of bed in the morning. It keeps me eating well, practicing my yoga, meditating, and of course, running. Find your Backbone trail and run it!
One simple goal takes care of the rest. Can I sit on my ass, drink a ton, eat lots of dessert and go out for the same run? Probably, but I want this little adventure to go well. I’m going to suffer no matter what, but I will limit my suffering because I’ll prepare. And in my preparation I’ll fine tune my eating, stretching, meditation, etc. So that when the time comes, I not only do it, but I knock it out of the park!
Now it’s your turn! Be SMART about your goals:
S – specific – What do you want to achieve?
M – measurable – Set markers to track your progress!
A – actionable – What steps will you take to accomplish your goal?
R – realistic – Make sure you are challenged, but not deflated.
T – timely – By when do you expect to achieve your goal?
All it takes is commitment and discipline. I know life gets in the way and we make excuse after excuse. It’s your life, so feel free to live it as you please. If you’re happy living the way you are, then great, no need to take action. If you believe that there is more potential for you to fulfill then it’s time to activate the side of yourself that knows. Get out there and start living the way you know how! I’m here to help if you need. On twitter @teddymcdonald
Source: 30dB.com – New Year’s Resolutions