So, at this point, (11:45 on new year's eve) I'll admit it. I'm heading into 2015 with mixed emotions. I'm not particularly happy with the progress I've made during 2014; as I feel like I'm ending the year where I started in many ways (or in some cases, behind). I'm also not as energized for 2015 as I'd like to be, and I'm anticipating a very tough month at work to start the year.
A tough month means early days, late nights, weekends, and very little time for family, community work, or personal priorities. I've got my goals for 2015, but without a lot of really careful planning and persistence, I won't accomplish them. Getting a fast start is going to be really important, but I'm just not confident that's going to happen, and I'm concerned about the effect that's going to have on my overall year.
This may just be my learned pessimism showing through (I'm actually a natural optimist, I think). Or maybe it's fear, or advance excuses for when I don't hit my 2015 goals. It's been the way I've felt for three or four months now, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NO REASON TO FEEL THIS WAY! The last quarter of 2014 resulted in a lot of personal successes for me, and I can head into the new year with a few successes.
Maybe I just need to adjust my perspective and get the new year started with a bang. Perhaps in a few days I'll have some more recent successes to point to.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
New Year coming - the blank slate returns
Well, I'll admit it; I was a victim of the holidays and of vacation this year. It's not the first time, and it won't be the last.
But tomorrow is New Year's Eve, which brings with it the promise of resolutions and new starts. I don't make resolutions, though - I set goals. And I've set my goals for the new year already, in areas of personal fitness, professional success, and social engagement with my family and my community. These are all aligned with my personal mission statement, although some of my goals which should be 'maintains' are actually 'improves'.
I'm actually okay with that, as I had a banner year this year (2014). While I did not fully accomplish all of my goals, I did really well on them, and I believe I made more progress than I would have otherwise. I got a new job in my company, finished a religious education program, worked as an Assistant Scoutmaster, and met many of my fitness challenges. This last category, though, is where I fell the most short, as a few of my longer-term objectives (being able to do pull-ups, for example) just didn't happen. In the big picture, these were less-important to me, and when time became crunched, they were eliminated.
For 2015, I need to keep my goals realistic. Time is my most limited resource, so that's going to be the constraint I have to address the whole year. Having been on vacation for a few days, I am already falling into the trap of thinking I can do more than I really can once work and other engagements creep back into my daily life. What I need to do better in this year, more than anything else, is to manage my time and my priorities better. Especially at work, I need to focus on the important, not just the urgent, and really discriminate the things that only I can do, versus those that others can do (especially if they can do them better). That's always been hard for me, as I tend to think that I'm the only one who can do many things the 'right' way, when really, it's just 'my' way. There are more right ways than I usually think of, and I need to accept that 90% of 'my way' may actually be better, especially if it trains someone else to think about how to do things differently.
That's a lot to think about, but my other objective for 2015 is to be more engaged. I've spent the last six months sleepwalking, it seems, and I need to be done with that. If I focus my time on the task at hand, it will probably get done better than if I'm constantly multitasking. And the only way to stop trying to do everything is to distribute authority with responsibility more often, and to the right, talented people I work with. How to do that best - I haven't figured out yet, but with some changes coming, and some quiet time scheduled every day to just think, I will figure it out.
On to 2015, a year of new engagement, new ideals, and hopefully, a better me.
But tomorrow is New Year's Eve, which brings with it the promise of resolutions and new starts. I don't make resolutions, though - I set goals. And I've set my goals for the new year already, in areas of personal fitness, professional success, and social engagement with my family and my community. These are all aligned with my personal mission statement, although some of my goals which should be 'maintains' are actually 'improves'.
I'm actually okay with that, as I had a banner year this year (2014). While I did not fully accomplish all of my goals, I did really well on them, and I believe I made more progress than I would have otherwise. I got a new job in my company, finished a religious education program, worked as an Assistant Scoutmaster, and met many of my fitness challenges. This last category, though, is where I fell the most short, as a few of my longer-term objectives (being able to do pull-ups, for example) just didn't happen. In the big picture, these were less-important to me, and when time became crunched, they were eliminated.
For 2015, I need to keep my goals realistic. Time is my most limited resource, so that's going to be the constraint I have to address the whole year. Having been on vacation for a few days, I am already falling into the trap of thinking I can do more than I really can once work and other engagements creep back into my daily life. What I need to do better in this year, more than anything else, is to manage my time and my priorities better. Especially at work, I need to focus on the important, not just the urgent, and really discriminate the things that only I can do, versus those that others can do (especially if they can do them better). That's always been hard for me, as I tend to think that I'm the only one who can do many things the 'right' way, when really, it's just 'my' way. There are more right ways than I usually think of, and I need to accept that 90% of 'my way' may actually be better, especially if it trains someone else to think about how to do things differently.
That's a lot to think about, but my other objective for 2015 is to be more engaged. I've spent the last six months sleepwalking, it seems, and I need to be done with that. If I focus my time on the task at hand, it will probably get done better than if I'm constantly multitasking. And the only way to stop trying to do everything is to distribute authority with responsibility more often, and to the right, talented people I work with. How to do that best - I haven't figured out yet, but with some changes coming, and some quiet time scheduled every day to just think, I will figure it out.
On to 2015, a year of new engagement, new ideals, and hopefully, a better me.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Christmas, Overdone.
Well, it's Christmas day, and I've just finished the last of three (food-centric) celebrations of the holiday. Boy, am I finished, too.
I'm not where I wanted to be at the end of the year, in a lot of ways. Frankly, I'm not surprised, nor am I too upset. There's another year coming, and another opportunity to set my life on the course that I want it to be on.
I'll spend the next week focused on setting my objectives for the new year. If you've been reading, clearly one of these is weight loss. But there's more to it than that - a lot more. I have career objectives, personal fitness objectives, and goals for my relationships both socially and pseudo-professionally.
I'll also spend the next week relaxing. I'm on vacation next week, and going skiing / snowboarding with my family. This will be followed by an all-out, every day full day at work for about six weeks. As with every year, the first six weeks of the year equates to a lot of work closing the books for my company and locking in our company plans for the coming year. Add to this a round of transformation and reorganization (some of which happens every year, it seems), and it's shaping up to be a tough beginning to the year.
I'm going to continue to blog, and in 2015, I plan to actually blog on relevant stuff, and write these as if they would be interesting to read. I'm working on habits, starting and stopping, good and bad. Hope to see you here next year.
Current weight: 195.2 lbs. In essence, no progress this quarter, other than quitting soda (which has REALLY taken hold - it doesn't even smell good to me now). My immediate goal: get below 192 lbs by the end of January.
Thought of the day: I may be the product of my past, but I am the framer of my future.
I'm not where I wanted to be at the end of the year, in a lot of ways. Frankly, I'm not surprised, nor am I too upset. There's another year coming, and another opportunity to set my life on the course that I want it to be on.
I'll spend the next week focused on setting my objectives for the new year. If you've been reading, clearly one of these is weight loss. But there's more to it than that - a lot more. I have career objectives, personal fitness objectives, and goals for my relationships both socially and pseudo-professionally.
I'll also spend the next week relaxing. I'm on vacation next week, and going skiing / snowboarding with my family. This will be followed by an all-out, every day full day at work for about six weeks. As with every year, the first six weeks of the year equates to a lot of work closing the books for my company and locking in our company plans for the coming year. Add to this a round of transformation and reorganization (some of which happens every year, it seems), and it's shaping up to be a tough beginning to the year.
I'm going to continue to blog, and in 2015, I plan to actually blog on relevant stuff, and write these as if they would be interesting to read. I'm working on habits, starting and stopping, good and bad. Hope to see you here next year.
Current weight: 195.2 lbs. In essence, no progress this quarter, other than quitting soda (which has REALLY taken hold - it doesn't even smell good to me now). My immediate goal: get below 192 lbs by the end of January.
Thought of the day: I may be the product of my past, but I am the framer of my future.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Rough Week Over
Ah. the Christmas party. The antithesis of what people look for when they are trying to lose weight and maintain fitness. It's been that kind of week for me, with four Christmas parties to attend, due to my participation in work, Scouts, and my church. I realize that I have control over what I eat at these events, but at the same time, it's good to cut loose once in a while.
Of course, it's also better to save up some room before you cut loose, which didn't happen much this week.. A rough schedule at work prevented both decently-long morning workouts and evening workouts until Friday, and the parties didn't help on the intake end. That said, I did drop about a half pound this week, and feel like I've got some momentum.
Why, you ask? Well, for one thing, I gave up soda and have been substituting water, and frankly, it hasn't been hard. Also, my running is still improving, and although I'm only getting in a few miles of running or biking a day, I am still getting it done.
Now that I've kicked soda, my next target is sugar, mainly in the form of desserts and sweets. This one is going to be a bit harder, for a lot of reasons. For one thing, I'm a cookie monster - I just love them, and even started a blog last year centered on cookies. For another, I find that there aren't many substitutes for sweets, especially in the first few days of forming a new habit. The last time I tried this, I switched to nuts, but they're high in fat, which isn't much better.
But hey - now I'm off for Christmas vacation, including a trip down to my mother's house (the source of another food fiesta) and then up to Vermont for a week of skiing, snowshoeing, At the end of this, I may choose to run a 50K before I go into a month-long intense period at work. This period was the cause of a 10-pound gain in October, so my defenses need to be up and strong, and I need a good head start
Of course, it's also better to save up some room before you cut loose, which didn't happen much this week.. A rough schedule at work prevented both decently-long morning workouts and evening workouts until Friday, and the parties didn't help on the intake end. That said, I did drop about a half pound this week, and feel like I've got some momentum.
Why, you ask? Well, for one thing, I gave up soda and have been substituting water, and frankly, it hasn't been hard. Also, my running is still improving, and although I'm only getting in a few miles of running or biking a day, I am still getting it done.
Now that I've kicked soda, my next target is sugar, mainly in the form of desserts and sweets. This one is going to be a bit harder, for a lot of reasons. For one thing, I'm a cookie monster - I just love them, and even started a blog last year centered on cookies. For another, I find that there aren't many substitutes for sweets, especially in the first few days of forming a new habit. The last time I tried this, I switched to nuts, but they're high in fat, which isn't much better.
But hey - now I'm off for Christmas vacation, including a trip down to my mother's house (the source of another food fiesta) and then up to Vermont for a week of skiing, snowshoeing, At the end of this, I may choose to run a 50K before I go into a month-long intense period at work. This period was the cause of a 10-pound gain in October, so my defenses need to be up and strong, and I need a good head start
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Turning the Corner? No, into a circle
I was hopeful after my last post. I woke up Wednesday with the thought "Is this the day I turn it around?" By now, you likely know what 'it' is. It's my nutrition, my exercise plan, my attitude toward many things, notably work, which has been a constant source of stress for weeks months now.
And Wednesday was a good day, in so many ways. My nutrition was on, my diet soda consumption was low (believe me, I need to kick that habit too), and I got in a workout that helped reduce my stress levels a bit. I was really hopeful that I had turned that corner.
But Thursday came. After a VERY late night at work on Wednesday, Thursday was an early start, so I could only get a little under 5 hours of sleep. Fine to do once, but this was the third time in a few days for me to get less than 7. Cue the suspenseful horror music as I look at the day's plan.
Wednesday hadn't been a corner, it was a traffic circle. I had a tailwind for a day, but then turned again into the headwinds of stress and fatigue. Thursday didn't go well. Friday was worse, and at the end of the workday, I did something I really really shouldn't have with some Pepperidge Farm cookies that will not be spoken of again. I hit bottom right then, I think.
So today (Saturday), I woke up with that same feeling from Wednesday - "will this be the day?". Only this time, as I lay in bed to doze and catch up on some rest, I realized that it can't be a question. It needs to be a full-bodied, self-driven commitment that "This WILL be the day", or else I'm handing over my power to the whims of the universe (insert your own religious perspective here).
Today was a good day. An hour long run this morning, compounded by another hour in the cardio gym later in the day (which I had to drag myself to a bit, but out of dread, not tiredness). Found that they activated the wi-fi in the gym, so I got to listen to a podcast and watch a Netflix TV show while working out (The Killing, if you're interested). Nutrition was okay (the day isn't over yet), and I went soda-less, replacing my drinks with water successfully.
Moreover, I am pledging to cut out junk food from my diet for the next six weeks. (Please note that I use the word diet to mean my overalll nutrition regimen, not a temporary, reduced calorie eating plan). And to me, junk food isn't Mcdonalds or pizza or potato chips; I gave those up a long time ago for the most part. What I'm referring to is low-nutrition-density foods, including things like bagels and pretzels, as well as the candy and cookies that, frankly, I love. I am a cookie lover, but they really have to go, in favor of better foods. That's how I'm going to get myself out of this condition, and into a mode where I feel better, which I know I will.
So my official weigh in today was 194.7 lbs. which was up slightly from last week. Not a surprise, nor a disaster. And if I don't make my "under 190" goal by 1/1/15, so be it. I'll work hard for the next three weeks, but I don't believe in miracles. I am realistic about this, and know the direction in which I need to head - speed is not that important.
And Wednesday was a good day, in so many ways. My nutrition was on, my diet soda consumption was low (believe me, I need to kick that habit too), and I got in a workout that helped reduce my stress levels a bit. I was really hopeful that I had turned that corner.
But Thursday came. After a VERY late night at work on Wednesday, Thursday was an early start, so I could only get a little under 5 hours of sleep. Fine to do once, but this was the third time in a few days for me to get less than 7. Cue the suspenseful horror music as I look at the day's plan.
Wednesday hadn't been a corner, it was a traffic circle. I had a tailwind for a day, but then turned again into the headwinds of stress and fatigue. Thursday didn't go well. Friday was worse, and at the end of the workday, I did something I really really shouldn't have with some Pepperidge Farm cookies that will not be spoken of again. I hit bottom right then, I think.
So today (Saturday), I woke up with that same feeling from Wednesday - "will this be the day?". Only this time, as I lay in bed to doze and catch up on some rest, I realized that it can't be a question. It needs to be a full-bodied, self-driven commitment that "This WILL be the day", or else I'm handing over my power to the whims of the universe (insert your own religious perspective here).
Today was a good day. An hour long run this morning, compounded by another hour in the cardio gym later in the day (which I had to drag myself to a bit, but out of dread, not tiredness). Found that they activated the wi-fi in the gym, so I got to listen to a podcast and watch a Netflix TV show while working out (The Killing, if you're interested). Nutrition was okay (the day isn't over yet), and I went soda-less, replacing my drinks with water successfully.
Moreover, I am pledging to cut out junk food from my diet for the next six weeks. (Please note that I use the word diet to mean my overalll nutrition regimen, not a temporary, reduced calorie eating plan). And to me, junk food isn't Mcdonalds or pizza or potato chips; I gave those up a long time ago for the most part. What I'm referring to is low-nutrition-density foods, including things like bagels and pretzels, as well as the candy and cookies that, frankly, I love. I am a cookie lover, but they really have to go, in favor of better foods. That's how I'm going to get myself out of this condition, and into a mode where I feel better, which I know I will.
So my official weigh in today was 194.7 lbs. which was up slightly from last week. Not a surprise, nor a disaster. And if I don't make my "under 190" goal by 1/1/15, so be it. I'll work hard for the next three weeks, but I don't believe in miracles. I am realistic about this, and know the direction in which I need to head - speed is not that important.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Mid-week doldrums
Not the best couple of days for diet and exercise this week. Yesterday, a football banquet for my older son ended in a bad cookie fest, and tonight, a party for the Parish Council on which I serve. Don't get me wrong - I didn't go crazy, and indeed I expect I ate fewer calories than most people do in a typical day (certainly any day involving McDonald's), but it's still more than I want to indulge in, given my goals.
And there's the rub. I know what to do and how to do it, but getting myself to actually do it (or not do it, in the case of eating large cookie volumes) is the hard bit. I expect it has something to do with poor self-control, or maybe emotional eating, or even that I really don't care for my goal as much as I want to. I'm not sure just yet, but that's part of the process of self-psychoanalysis. The reality is that reasons and psychology change over time, and what was the answer in a previous instance is not the same as the current one.
So the bad news was that I weighed in at 195.2 lbs this morning. There was naturally a brief moment of panic, but as I mentioned earlier, my weight fluctuates a few pounds in either direction, so I'm not freaking out. That said, my progress for the last week may not have been as good as I was hoping. Bummer for now.
I also know that I have a two week cycle - changes in behavior take about two weeks to show up in my physique. My problem now is that my behavior has not radically changed. I'm sure that once I see progress, I will get motivated again; it's the first few weeks without seeing the scale budge that gets me demotivated. Once it starts, though, it happens fast, so I just need to hold on. Which I will.
Thought of the day: We are often too bound by our own histories, and letting go of the past is a very hard thing to do. I'm not saying that we should reject the past - in fact, our pasts were the only path to who we are today. I am saying, though, that our past defines only our present, not our future. While there is only one path that led us to where we are today, the paths ahead of us are multiple and infinite. There is only one path to the person we will be tomorrow, but who that person is, we get to decide.
And there's the rub. I know what to do and how to do it, but getting myself to actually do it (or not do it, in the case of eating large cookie volumes) is the hard bit. I expect it has something to do with poor self-control, or maybe emotional eating, or even that I really don't care for my goal as much as I want to. I'm not sure just yet, but that's part of the process of self-psychoanalysis. The reality is that reasons and psychology change over time, and what was the answer in a previous instance is not the same as the current one.
So the bad news was that I weighed in at 195.2 lbs this morning. There was naturally a brief moment of panic, but as I mentioned earlier, my weight fluctuates a few pounds in either direction, so I'm not freaking out. That said, my progress for the last week may not have been as good as I was hoping. Bummer for now.
I also know that I have a two week cycle - changes in behavior take about two weeks to show up in my physique. My problem now is that my behavior has not radically changed. I'm sure that once I see progress, I will get motivated again; it's the first few weeks without seeing the scale budge that gets me demotivated. Once it starts, though, it happens fast, so I just need to hold on. Which I will.
Thought of the day: We are often too bound by our own histories, and letting go of the past is a very hard thing to do. I'm not saying that we should reject the past - in fact, our pasts were the only path to who we are today. I am saying, though, that our past defines only our present, not our future. While there is only one path that led us to where we are today, the paths ahead of us are multiple and infinite. There is only one path to the person we will be tomorrow, but who that person is, we get to decide.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Long Run cut short - for good reason
As week one of this short endeavor comes to a close, my official weigh-in turned up......ZERO movement from last week. Now you might think that would make me upset, but NO! No weight loss this week isn't a tragedy - no weight gain is a success. Why, you ask? Because this was the result of Thanksgiving week, and for sure, this could have gone quite badly. It didn't, which gives me a lot of hope for next week and beyond.
The good thing is that my nutrition seems to be more under control than it has been in a long time, which will help, given that my exercise is a little below normal. My long run this week was 8 miles on a treadmill due to heavy rain that hit our area on Saturday. Eight miles isn't really long for me, but I was unusually tired (and for a treadmill, usually bored). It wasn't until after I finished the entire run (and a two mile walk) that I got undressed and noticed the venipunture site from where I gave blood on Thursday. For some reason, I always forget that my first long run after donation is just terrible. This one, comparatively, wasn't actually so bad. And this morning's run (sunday) was 3 miles at a sub-9:00 pace, which for me, is pretty speedy. All in all, I'll take what I can get.
So, my official weight is 194.3 pounds as of yesterday (down 0.1 from last week), so about 4 1/2 pounds to go in the next three and a half weeks. I can do this.
Thought of the day: I went to see the movie Fury last night - the latest in what seems to be a string of books and movies that I've watched about WW II. It's not intentional, but I just keep tripping across these items. It's a period in our lives that I never studied much, as we always ran out of time in history class to get into the near-modern times other than current events, so the 50s and 60s are also a bit lost to me. I'm reading a book about Eisenhower which has been eye-opening, and has connected elements of recent history that have always seemed disjointed to me. I think it's a good project to understand from where we have most recently come, not just where we are.
The good thing is that my nutrition seems to be more under control than it has been in a long time, which will help, given that my exercise is a little below normal. My long run this week was 8 miles on a treadmill due to heavy rain that hit our area on Saturday. Eight miles isn't really long for me, but I was unusually tired (and for a treadmill, usually bored). It wasn't until after I finished the entire run (and a two mile walk) that I got undressed and noticed the venipunture site from where I gave blood on Thursday. For some reason, I always forget that my first long run after donation is just terrible. This one, comparatively, wasn't actually so bad. And this morning's run (sunday) was 3 miles at a sub-9:00 pace, which for me, is pretty speedy. All in all, I'll take what I can get.
So, my official weight is 194.3 pounds as of yesterday (down 0.1 from last week), so about 4 1/2 pounds to go in the next three and a half weeks. I can do this.
Thought of the day: I went to see the movie Fury last night - the latest in what seems to be a string of books and movies that I've watched about WW II. It's not intentional, but I just keep tripping across these items. It's a period in our lives that I never studied much, as we always ran out of time in history class to get into the near-modern times other than current events, so the 50s and 60s are also a bit lost to me. I'm reading a book about Eisenhower which has been eye-opening, and has connected elements of recent history that have always seemed disjointed to me. I think it's a good project to understand from where we have most recently come, not just where we are.
Friday, December 5, 2014
Poor start, but a decent day
Not a terribly interesting day today (as if the last few days had been). Did a quick run and a walk on Thursday, and gave blood, so I let myself go a bit on my diet (but really, only a bit).
Friday started with a very bad night's sleep, and then a surprise run - what was meant to be a mile turned into 3, and they were fast; really fast. I welcome those days when they come, 'cause they don't often stay. I am, though, thinking that good sleep is the biggest impediment to fast running - yet another example of how my life seems to work a bit backwards from normal.
Today's weigh-in was 193.4 pounds, but tomorrow is the day that matters, and I'm not feeling terribly optimistic. Yes, the last few days have been good for diet, but exercise was a bit light, and I don't have the energy on this Friday night to do a 'last chance' workout like they do on TV. It may come to that to get myself below 190 by new year's, but we'll have to wait and see.
Thought of the day: Not much. I've got goals to achieve this month, and I'm determined to achieve them, but my heart doesn't seem to be in it as much as I would like. That seems to have been my deal for the last few months, as it doesn't seem to be that I'm working on my passions. Hopefully achieving a few of the smaller goals that are necessary 'base' goals will set up a cascade reaction - when I don't have to spend time and energy achieving these, I'll redirect those energies toward activities I'm more emotionally connected with.
Friday started with a very bad night's sleep, and then a surprise run - what was meant to be a mile turned into 3, and they were fast; really fast. I welcome those days when they come, 'cause they don't often stay. I am, though, thinking that good sleep is the biggest impediment to fast running - yet another example of how my life seems to work a bit backwards from normal.
Today's weigh-in was 193.4 pounds, but tomorrow is the day that matters, and I'm not feeling terribly optimistic. Yes, the last few days have been good for diet, but exercise was a bit light, and I don't have the energy on this Friday night to do a 'last chance' workout like they do on TV. It may come to that to get myself below 190 by new year's, but we'll have to wait and see.
Thought of the day: Not much. I've got goals to achieve this month, and I'm determined to achieve them, but my heart doesn't seem to be in it as much as I would like. That seems to have been my deal for the last few months, as it doesn't seem to be that I'm working on my passions. Hopefully achieving a few of the smaller goals that are necessary 'base' goals will set up a cascade reaction - when I don't have to spend time and energy achieving these, I'll redirect those energies toward activities I'm more emotionally connected with.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Day 3 - the Journey continues
Day 3 behind me, and the first day that I made my calorie plan. Hopefully the first of many in a row, because consistency is the real key to weight loss - both on the diet and the exercise sides. At least that is the way it is for me, if not for everyone. The longer I stick to my plans, the easier it is to stick to my plans, 'cause who wants to give up when they have a good streak going?
I also got to run a bit more, although an early morning and late night at work put the kibosh on my 2nd workout for the day. That's just the way it goes with a job like mine, though.
Today's weigh-in - 193.9 lbs. Again, it fluctuates a good bit, so I'm neither excited or upset about this number. My target is 190 by the end of this month, and I will work my butt off to get there.
Thought of the day: Today is a blood drive at my company, and since I'm not running my scheduled marathon this weekend, i'm going to participate. I don't know a lot of people who do - some can't due to illness or other conditions, some can't because they are just too freaked out by the needles. I am neither of those things, I'm healthy, I'm strong, and I bleed well (phlebotomists love me - how many people can say that?), so I kinda think it's my duty. If you can donate, you should - your body will replenish. If you want to, but can't - find someone who can and get them to donate. I did that a few years ago when I was banned from donating, and got three people who are now regular donors. It costs you almost nothing, and could save someone else's life.
I also got to run a bit more, although an early morning and late night at work put the kibosh on my 2nd workout for the day. That's just the way it goes with a job like mine, though.
Today's weigh-in - 193.9 lbs. Again, it fluctuates a good bit, so I'm neither excited or upset about this number. My target is 190 by the end of this month, and I will work my butt off to get there.
Thought of the day: Today is a blood drive at my company, and since I'm not running my scheduled marathon this weekend, i'm going to participate. I don't know a lot of people who do - some can't due to illness or other conditions, some can't because they are just too freaked out by the needles. I am neither of those things, I'm healthy, I'm strong, and I bleed well (phlebotomists love me - how many people can say that?), so I kinda think it's my duty. If you can donate, you should - your body will replenish. If you want to, but can't - find someone who can and get them to donate. I did that a few years ago when I was banned from donating, and got three people who are now regular donors. It costs you almost nothing, and could save someone else's life.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
Day 2 behind me
So day 2 (yesterday) was a marked improvement on Day 1, as I got in a half-decent run (4 miles) and kept my calorie intake to only slightly above my target. Didn't get a chance to do a night workout due to Boy Scouts, but hope to get one in today.
Today's Weight: 195.2 lbs, down 0.9 lbs. (but I fluctuate within a 2-3 pound range all the time, so I'm not taking this as real. Only my Saturday morning weigh-ins really count).
Thoughts of the day: Listened to Meet the Press this morning about race relations in light of the events in Ferguson, Missouri. Am painfully aware that we are looking at symptoms of problems, not root causes, so we're not talking about and addressing the right things. Also: history is history; we need to address the problems we have now, not constantly revisit the past. Racial discrimination exists, but the problems that our communities experience are socio-economic more than strictly racial/cultural. If minorities are disparately affected by socio-economic conditions, than addressing problems from that angle will disproportionately help racial/cultural minorities, and I think that's a better way to address the problem.
Today's Weight: 195.2 lbs, down 0.9 lbs. (but I fluctuate within a 2-3 pound range all the time, so I'm not taking this as real. Only my Saturday morning weigh-ins really count).
Thoughts of the day: Listened to Meet the Press this morning about race relations in light of the events in Ferguson, Missouri. Am painfully aware that we are looking at symptoms of problems, not root causes, so we're not talking about and addressing the right things. Also: history is history; we need to address the problems we have now, not constantly revisit the past. Racial discrimination exists, but the problems that our communities experience are socio-economic more than strictly racial/cultural. If minorities are disparately affected by socio-economic conditions, than addressing problems from that angle will disproportionately help racial/cultural minorities, and I think that's a better way to address the problem.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Fits and Starts
The one consistent thing about this blog is it's inconsistency. Frankly. I typically don't feel like I have a lot to say, or the ability (or willingness) to say it. Maybe that should be one of my new year's goals - to decide to have a voice.
So I'm writing now because I have a project. Specifically, to lose 10 pounds as fast as reasonable (and 6 pounds faster than is reasonable). Starting yesterday, I want to get below 190 pounds by the end of the year, and stay below that number through all of 2015; something I haven't done since 2009, when I was in China.
I was on a good tear in 2014, and was in the low 180's for much of the year, but a new job and a marathon threw all of that into disarray. I'm not blaming anyone else for that, and I'm accepting the facts as facts - there's no point in reliving the past today; my path is only forward. so I'm going to babble on this blog about whatever's on my mind, if nothing else to be an outlet for me.
Yesterday as Day one didn't go so well. Only about 15 minute workout due to an early work meeting, and not such a good food day; I wound up 200 calories above my target of 1500, again, no one's fault but my own, but it was a rough start after a not-so-healthy Thanksgiving week. Today will be better, and not as good as tomorrow.
So I'm writing now because I have a project. Specifically, to lose 10 pounds as fast as reasonable (and 6 pounds faster than is reasonable). Starting yesterday, I want to get below 190 pounds by the end of the year, and stay below that number through all of 2015; something I haven't done since 2009, when I was in China.
I was on a good tear in 2014, and was in the low 180's for much of the year, but a new job and a marathon threw all of that into disarray. I'm not blaming anyone else for that, and I'm accepting the facts as facts - there's no point in reliving the past today; my path is only forward. so I'm going to babble on this blog about whatever's on my mind, if nothing else to be an outlet for me.
Yesterday as Day one didn't go so well. Only about 15 minute workout due to an early work meeting, and not such a good food day; I wound up 200 calories above my target of 1500, again, no one's fault but my own, but it was a rough start after a not-so-healthy Thanksgiving week. Today will be better, and not as good as tomorrow.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
She bought a banana....
Quick update: I went on a new eating plan during Lent this year, taking out a bunch of habitual foods from my diet. Specifically, Almonds, Cookies, Ice cream, english muffins and toast, and all types of chocolate candy, in addition to bagels and doughnuts. I know - I should have been eating about half of those things in any case, but that's where we were. I also cut down by (diet) soda consumption significantly (to about 1/4 of my norm) and switched to water, and some teas.
It was a good plan - it made me think more about what I was eating, and therefore how much I was eating. In addition, it removed a bunch of mindless eating from my day, and therefore from my calorie intake. While I did this during Lent, that's not what it was about (or so I thought).
So I jump to Easter. That didn't go well. Over two days, I consumed most of those foods again, and felt myself slipping back into old habits in a few ways. Within the next two weeks, I was violating most of the food bans that I had been using, but that's not the important bit. The real key was that I was back to the mindless eating and the increased calorie count that came with it.
Cut to this morning. After some disappointing news from my dentist (really no big deal though) I stopped to get gas, and popped into the convenience store [Aside: having those at every gas station is a real problem for me. I just need to say no, but I often fail]. I got myself a bottle of diet soda (My favorite: Dr Pepper) and I searched for something else to gobble. I knew in my head that I was reacting emotionally, and shouldn't buy anything, but frankly, I didn't case.
I had my piece of pre-packaged baked good in my hand, and went to the counter, right behind an attractive woman of about my age. She was buying tea, and then I heard her say "Oh, great. I'll take a banana too". A banana. I'm standing there with probably 400 calories of an unnecessary food item, and she is excited about a banana. My eyes were opened, and as I saw what I was doing, that baked good went back on the shelf next to it's cloned brethren. I didn't need it. I really didn't want it. I took control and changed my day, for the better.
I need to do the same thing writ large. My weight seems to be a constant struggle for me mentally, and I need to change my thought process around it, and my exercise and my eating plans. I plan to live for a number of years yet, and I want to ensure those years see me active by choice, not by necessity.
It was a good plan - it made me think more about what I was eating, and therefore how much I was eating. In addition, it removed a bunch of mindless eating from my day, and therefore from my calorie intake. While I did this during Lent, that's not what it was about (or so I thought).
So I jump to Easter. That didn't go well. Over two days, I consumed most of those foods again, and felt myself slipping back into old habits in a few ways. Within the next two weeks, I was violating most of the food bans that I had been using, but that's not the important bit. The real key was that I was back to the mindless eating and the increased calorie count that came with it.
Cut to this morning. After some disappointing news from my dentist (really no big deal though) I stopped to get gas, and popped into the convenience store [Aside: having those at every gas station is a real problem for me. I just need to say no, but I often fail]. I got myself a bottle of diet soda (My favorite: Dr Pepper) and I searched for something else to gobble. I knew in my head that I was reacting emotionally, and shouldn't buy anything, but frankly, I didn't case.
I had my piece of pre-packaged baked good in my hand, and went to the counter, right behind an attractive woman of about my age. She was buying tea, and then I heard her say "Oh, great. I'll take a banana too". A banana. I'm standing there with probably 400 calories of an unnecessary food item, and she is excited about a banana. My eyes were opened, and as I saw what I was doing, that baked good went back on the shelf next to it's cloned brethren. I didn't need it. I really didn't want it. I took control and changed my day, for the better.
I need to do the same thing writ large. My weight seems to be a constant struggle for me mentally, and I need to change my thought process around it, and my exercise and my eating plans. I plan to live for a number of years yet, and I want to ensure those years see me active by choice, not by necessity.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Perspective - "What I have done" vs. "What I have failed to do"
I've been reading a lot of books about leadership lately, and it's interesting that everyone has their list of what makes up a good leader, or a good person, or an effective person, etc. I think I've had my own list in my head, but candidly, it's been the list of characteristics that I lack, and that hold me back, rather than those that are benefits.
Lately, I've been noticing those self-negative thoughts more and more, and recognizing them for what they are. They're not necessarily accurate, and frankly, not really beneficial thoughts that make me want to do and be better. Rather, I think I use some of them as excuses for why I don't achieve as much as I think I should.
I mentioned earlier that I've taken this season of Lent to think about habits, and taking steps to try and recognize and change them. Just the fact that I've thought about my habits has changed my physical behaviors (e.g. eating and drinking), and made me more aware of my actions.
So, too, I'm affecting my mental state. Recognizing those negative thoughts was step 1. In the past few weeks, Step 2 - I've heard those types of thoughts, and quickly tried to reframe them into successes rather than failures. It's not "I didn't do all of the 200 pushups I wanted to do", it's "Hey, I did 150 pushups today". Or changing "my to-do list still has eight things on it" to recognizing that I got a lot done that needed doing, even if they weren't on my morning list.
It's more than just focusing on the positive, though - it's a momentum play. If I constantly beat myself up for what I have not done, that's the image that will be foremost in my brain - all my shortcomings, my failures, my "didn'ts". But if I take note of my successes, they can multiply. In the end, I can't see what I've torn down, but only the product of my building.
And when that final product is me, it matters.
Lately, I've been noticing those self-negative thoughts more and more, and recognizing them for what they are. They're not necessarily accurate, and frankly, not really beneficial thoughts that make me want to do and be better. Rather, I think I use some of them as excuses for why I don't achieve as much as I think I should.
I mentioned earlier that I've taken this season of Lent to think about habits, and taking steps to try and recognize and change them. Just the fact that I've thought about my habits has changed my physical behaviors (e.g. eating and drinking), and made me more aware of my actions.
So, too, I'm affecting my mental state. Recognizing those negative thoughts was step 1. In the past few weeks, Step 2 - I've heard those types of thoughts, and quickly tried to reframe them into successes rather than failures. It's not "I didn't do all of the 200 pushups I wanted to do", it's "Hey, I did 150 pushups today". Or changing "my to-do list still has eight things on it" to recognizing that I got a lot done that needed doing, even if they weren't on my morning list.
It's more than just focusing on the positive, though - it's a momentum play. If I constantly beat myself up for what I have not done, that's the image that will be foremost in my brain - all my shortcomings, my failures, my "didn'ts". But if I take note of my successes, they can multiply. In the end, I can't see what I've torn down, but only the product of my building.
And when that final product is me, it matters.
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Winter is gone - Long live Spring 2014!
So I stand by what I said in my last post about consistency, though I have to admit that I'm not the best at it. Take this blog. Consistency is now how anyone reading would describe it. I could explain all of the reasons, but I'm facing the fact that it's not my top priority.
That said, there are times that making radical changes are what's necessary. I think and talk a lot about the power of habit, and that power runs in both directions. Healthy habits create virtuous cycles, bad traits lead to vicious ones. Unfortunately for me lately, I've been caught on the wrong side of that equation.
And it's been a painful winter. Three months worth of snowy cold weather, limiting my ability to run outside, and sapping my energy levels in a bad way. Add to that an injury to my leg that wouldn't go away, followed by a dental issue that plagued me during the official start of spring, and this is one season I'm not sorry to say goodbye to.
I did, however, start to make changes. Recognizing that some of my habits were hurting me, I took an opportunity to replace a few items in my diet. I've eliminted cookies, ice cream, chocolate candy, most soda, lots of bread, and peanut butter. I know that many of these things are not as bad for me as you might think, but they became habits; mindless repetitions of behavior that added to my caloric intake.
My plan is twofold - first to reduce my caloric intake (and try to drop a few pounds - winter was not good, see above) and second to switch to healthier foods. I've moved to more fresh fruits and vegetables, more yogurt and less processed foods. My running streak continues (almost 500 days now), and I'm still doing my pushups. Now that spring has arrived, I'm going to try to build on this, and get some new changes underway.
That said, there are times that making radical changes are what's necessary. I think and talk a lot about the power of habit, and that power runs in both directions. Healthy habits create virtuous cycles, bad traits lead to vicious ones. Unfortunately for me lately, I've been caught on the wrong side of that equation.
And it's been a painful winter. Three months worth of snowy cold weather, limiting my ability to run outside, and sapping my energy levels in a bad way. Add to that an injury to my leg that wouldn't go away, followed by a dental issue that plagued me during the official start of spring, and this is one season I'm not sorry to say goodbye to.
I did, however, start to make changes. Recognizing that some of my habits were hurting me, I took an opportunity to replace a few items in my diet. I've eliminted cookies, ice cream, chocolate candy, most soda, lots of bread, and peanut butter. I know that many of these things are not as bad for me as you might think, but they became habits; mindless repetitions of behavior that added to my caloric intake.
My plan is twofold - first to reduce my caloric intake (and try to drop a few pounds - winter was not good, see above) and second to switch to healthier foods. I've moved to more fresh fruits and vegetables, more yogurt and less processed foods. My running streak continues (almost 500 days now), and I'm still doing my pushups. Now that spring has arrived, I'm going to try to build on this, and get some new changes underway.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Emerging from the fog of war (or in my case, work)
One of the interesting elements of my job is that every 3 months or so, our daily work gets so intense that I lose all perspective and it becomes the only thing I think about for about two weeks. I don't tend to blog, do any social networking, or even call my family for these periods, as the days are just too intense, and too long, with each day (including weekends) ending between 10 and 12 p.m.
It's now late January, and after a longer-than-usual period of intensity at work, I can finally pull my head up, look around again, and try an establish a sense of normalcy in my life. I've reintroduced myself to my family, gotten a few decent night's sleep, and feel ready to start working on my January goals. Alas, I only have 5 days left in the month, so I better get cracking.
And that last sentence is one of my bigger problems. I finally have a few days to relax, but I won't. I'll work to get done a number of things that were on my list for the month, because they are there to be done, and at some point, I had decided that doing these things were in my best interest.
But intensity does not make up for consistency. There are lots of projects where dedicated intense time will get them completed - I can write a budget, build a first aid kit or read a novel in a short span when it's needed. Unfortunately, most of the goals I have are really about forming new habits, or developing myself physically and mentally, things which don't lend themselves to intensity.
These types of development goals require consistency. Doing 100 pushups a day will develop me well; doing 600 in one day to make up for the rest of the week will make me sore and injured. Reading the news each day makes me aware of what's going on; reading once a month will update me, but will take extra time to get 'caught up'. Spending every minute of two days with my boys is not as good as being home for dinner every night. Creative writing is an ongoing process; writing four blog posts in a weekend, not as interesting.
So now it's time to return to those daily habits I'm trying to build. Pushups, stretching, prayer, social networking, daily family dinner, and other habits that are good for my long-term health, success and happiness. Am I trying to do too much each day? Yeah, maybe. But all of it is good for me, and worth doing. If I spend an hour each day focused on these things, I'll be a better man for it, and maybe I can fit all of these in when the intensity ramps back up again.
It's now late January, and after a longer-than-usual period of intensity at work, I can finally pull my head up, look around again, and try an establish a sense of normalcy in my life. I've reintroduced myself to my family, gotten a few decent night's sleep, and feel ready to start working on my January goals. Alas, I only have 5 days left in the month, so I better get cracking.
And that last sentence is one of my bigger problems. I finally have a few days to relax, but I won't. I'll work to get done a number of things that were on my list for the month, because they are there to be done, and at some point, I had decided that doing these things were in my best interest.
But intensity does not make up for consistency. There are lots of projects where dedicated intense time will get them completed - I can write a budget, build a first aid kit or read a novel in a short span when it's needed. Unfortunately, most of the goals I have are really about forming new habits, or developing myself physically and mentally, things which don't lend themselves to intensity.
These types of development goals require consistency. Doing 100 pushups a day will develop me well; doing 600 in one day to make up for the rest of the week will make me sore and injured. Reading the news each day makes me aware of what's going on; reading once a month will update me, but will take extra time to get 'caught up'. Spending every minute of two days with my boys is not as good as being home for dinner every night. Creative writing is an ongoing process; writing four blog posts in a weekend, not as interesting.
So now it's time to return to those daily habits I'm trying to build. Pushups, stretching, prayer, social networking, daily family dinner, and other habits that are good for my long-term health, success and happiness. Am I trying to do too much each day? Yeah, maybe. But all of it is good for me, and worth doing. If I spend an hour each day focused on these things, I'll be a better man for it, and maybe I can fit all of these in when the intensity ramps back up again.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Dedication Matters
It's been a very snowy few days here in the Northeast US, and that 'vacation' feel I talked about earlier really hasn't changed.
We had one day of school and 'regular' work, but then a storm hit, and everything shut down again. Schools closed, roads covered and treacherous, even the superhighways closed. Frankly, though, I had had enough of working from home, and decided on Friday that I was going to get to the office, despite the obstacles. I'm not really sure why, but something drove me to be there.
The roads weren't great, but were passable. I was driving on a six-lane highway for a few miles with no other cars in sight, but I took it slow (30-40MPH) and I wasn't sliding around. I hit the NY border, and had asphalt under my tires. All good, right?
I was surprised that I was the first car in the parking lot.....but not that the parking lot wasn't fully plowed yet. What surprised me more was that by noon, there were only 11 cars on the site (normally probably about 1,000). My company promotes working from home, so we all have the infrastructure, and many people were doing just that. It seemed others had more sense than I did, 'cause everyone was working, just not at the office.
But then a knock on my office door. It was the woman who collects the garbage from all of the offices, and she was doing her normal rounds. Probably an easier day for her, I thought, as none of the offices were open or being used, but she was there when no one else was. So was the guy who vacuums the floors on Friday night. And the guy who made sandwiches in the cafeteria for the few people who were there. And as I left, the person who polishes the floors in the vestibule.
Yes, people in these jobs might not get paid unless they showed up for work, so they have a definite interest in being there. But I thought hard about the dedication to the job that each of them displayed, and the fact that every single one of them greeted me with a big smile and a "Hello" (really, "Hola" in most cases, but that's no big deal). Each of them had braved the snow / ice / bad roads to get to their job; they didn't wimp out, they didn't grumble through their day, begrudging the fact that they had to work when it appeared no one else was. They seemed happy to be there in service, and intent on doing their job to the same standard they had always maintained.
There's something to be said for that, but I haven't put it all together yet. There's a positive attitude, a willingness to serve others, a dedication to do a job and do it well, that I really respect. I hope to show more of those attitudes through this year myself.
Recent runs:
1/3: 10K on the treadmill.
1/4: 2 mile run, 1 mile walk, all treadmill
1/5: 8 miles running 6 laps around the parking lot of the local mall. Just glad there's no treadmill.
We had one day of school and 'regular' work, but then a storm hit, and everything shut down again. Schools closed, roads covered and treacherous, even the superhighways closed. Frankly, though, I had had enough of working from home, and decided on Friday that I was going to get to the office, despite the obstacles. I'm not really sure why, but something drove me to be there.
The roads weren't great, but were passable. I was driving on a six-lane highway for a few miles with no other cars in sight, but I took it slow (30-40MPH) and I wasn't sliding around. I hit the NY border, and had asphalt under my tires. All good, right?
I was surprised that I was the first car in the parking lot.....but not that the parking lot wasn't fully plowed yet. What surprised me more was that by noon, there were only 11 cars on the site (normally probably about 1,000). My company promotes working from home, so we all have the infrastructure, and many people were doing just that. It seemed others had more sense than I did, 'cause everyone was working, just not at the office.
But then a knock on my office door. It was the woman who collects the garbage from all of the offices, and she was doing her normal rounds. Probably an easier day for her, I thought, as none of the offices were open or being used, but she was there when no one else was. So was the guy who vacuums the floors on Friday night. And the guy who made sandwiches in the cafeteria for the few people who were there. And as I left, the person who polishes the floors in the vestibule.
Yes, people in these jobs might not get paid unless they showed up for work, so they have a definite interest in being there. But I thought hard about the dedication to the job that each of them displayed, and the fact that every single one of them greeted me with a big smile and a "Hello" (really, "Hola" in most cases, but that's no big deal). Each of them had braved the snow / ice / bad roads to get to their job; they didn't wimp out, they didn't grumble through their day, begrudging the fact that they had to work when it appeared no one else was. They seemed happy to be there in service, and intent on doing their job to the same standard they had always maintained.
There's something to be said for that, but I haven't put it all together yet. There's a positive attitude, a willingness to serve others, a dedication to do a job and do it well, that I really respect. I hope to show more of those attitudes through this year myself.
Recent runs:
1/3: 10K on the treadmill.
1/4: 2 mile run, 1 mile walk, all treadmill
1/5: 8 miles running 6 laps around the parking lot of the local mall. Just glad there's no treadmill.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
January 2nd
Remember what I said about habits, and being in the same place triggering old ones? That's a rule for a reason. First day back at work; first day resuming old habits. But this time, I caught myself, and made a change. A bit late to really say that I reformed, but at least I noticed the habits recurring when they came.
That's a start, and I took a few moments to reflect, and then to reorganize. If I can eliminate triggers by changing something up, then maybe one action doesn't snowball into a series of familiar ones. We'll see.
Run today: 1.5 miles in the snow. Lots of snow expected tonight. Still want to get to the office in the morning, though.
That's a start, and I took a few moments to reflect, and then to reorganize. If I can eliminate triggers by changing something up, then maybe one action doesn't snowball into a series of familiar ones. We'll see.
Run today: 1.5 miles in the snow. Lots of snow expected tonight. Still want to get to the office in the morning, though.
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
New Beginnings (2014 Edition)
This morning was a great morning! I was thinking: It's New Year's Day, and I've got a clean slate. This new year is fresh and full of possibility - there is nothing that is out of my reach! Now is a great time to effect changes in my environment, in my approach, and in my attitude. Opportunities and challenges will present themselves in the coming days, weeks, and months, and I'm looking forward to every single one!
Then I had to get out of bed.
Those thoughts stuck with me though, more than I remember in prior years. I've been thinking a lot about change recently, and some changes I'd like to make. I actually started making them last summer: I moved my family to a new time (not very far this time), became a Boy Scout leader, and began a religious education program (as a student, not a teacher) to join my church "officially". I did manage to lose some weight, though by New Year's Eve, I'd gained some of it back if only temporarily. And I made a change to be home for dinner with my family each night, which really did have an impact on me and them. I probably missed it at least once per week, but the other nights helped to strengthen our bonds.
There's more I need to do (but isn't there always?). This year, I'd like to change my attitude at work. 2013 was a bad year for my influence and impact, and a lot of that had to do with a chip I carried on my shoulder for most of the year. OK. actually maybe two; but I'm over that now, and accepting the changes that led to my attitude I plan to approach the year in a more systematic and less manic way, and try to calm the ripples that head my way, rather than amplify them.
I'd also like to change my nutrition habits - really more tweaking than wholesale change; I eat pretty well today with a healthy proportion of vegetables in my diet, and not much meat or fats. My two weaknesses of sugary snack and diet sodas have to be cut back though. They affect me in ways I don't fully appreciate, in in both mind and body, and I know I can do without them, or at least consume more moderately than I do today.
Big thoughts for a morning in January.
The next 10 days will set the tone for the year. I've been 'on vacation' for the last 10 days, so I haven't been to my office (but took Many Many calls every day). Getting back into the real grind will test my commitment to personal change. Habits are tough to break, and they are reinforced when we're put into familiar situations. They say it takes 28 days to change a habit; my personal history says two weeks to lock in change, and a lifetime of discipline to keep it from returning. That's true of both physical habits (like eating and exercise) and mental ones (like attitude and one's approach to interpersonal relations).
Here's to hope that my clean slate stays clean.
Then I had to get out of bed.
Those thoughts stuck with me though, more than I remember in prior years. I've been thinking a lot about change recently, and some changes I'd like to make. I actually started making them last summer: I moved my family to a new time (not very far this time), became a Boy Scout leader, and began a religious education program (as a student, not a teacher) to join my church "officially". I did manage to lose some weight, though by New Year's Eve, I'd gained some of it back if only temporarily. And I made a change to be home for dinner with my family each night, which really did have an impact on me and them. I probably missed it at least once per week, but the other nights helped to strengthen our bonds.
There's more I need to do (but isn't there always?). This year, I'd like to change my attitude at work. 2013 was a bad year for my influence and impact, and a lot of that had to do with a chip I carried on my shoulder for most of the year. OK. actually maybe two; but I'm over that now, and accepting the changes that led to my attitude I plan to approach the year in a more systematic and less manic way, and try to calm the ripples that head my way, rather than amplify them.
I'd also like to change my nutrition habits - really more tweaking than wholesale change; I eat pretty well today with a healthy proportion of vegetables in my diet, and not much meat or fats. My two weaknesses of sugary snack and diet sodas have to be cut back though. They affect me in ways I don't fully appreciate, in in both mind and body, and I know I can do without them, or at least consume more moderately than I do today.
Big thoughts for a morning in January.
The next 10 days will set the tone for the year. I've been 'on vacation' for the last 10 days, so I haven't been to my office (but took Many Many calls every day). Getting back into the real grind will test my commitment to personal change. Habits are tough to break, and they are reinforced when we're put into familiar situations. They say it takes 28 days to change a habit; my personal history says two weeks to lock in change, and a lifetime of discipline to keep it from returning. That's true of both physical habits (like eating and exercise) and mental ones (like attitude and one's approach to interpersonal relations).
Here's to hope that my clean slate stays clean.
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