In my search for productivity, self-fulfillment, joy and all that other good stuff I want to develop in my life, I have been setting goals. And I felt like they were good goals, and they are...as far as they go. But I'm starting to realize that my goal-setting skills themselves have been inadequate. They are specific goals in five distinct categories, but geared only toward the end of the year...end game. I haven't broken each goal down at all, so that I have something to strive for quarterly, monthly, weekly, daily. No wonder I've been floundering in the execution of these goals. (I would normally do some self-flagellation here, but I'm trying to stop that....I won't call myself an idiot, I'll just be happy that I figured out something new so early in the year and have lots of time to improve!) I have been waaaaay vague in my expectations, so I've been getting almost NOTHING accomplished. Time to change that!
Take, for example, my painting/drawing. This is my YEAR OF UNFINISHED BUSINESS, which I thought of because of all the started or at least thought-of projects that have been just hanging around on a list, and in my head, for a couple of years (well that, and the weight I planned on losing for seven years). So I was thinking about that the other day and decided to break that goal down into projects with projected timelines. Excluding the two or three things on the list that I no longer even want to pursue at the moment (hey, I can do that, it's my list), and separating the writing projects into their own category (because I want to try working on "art" and writing projects simultaneously, so to speak, that leaves 9 creative projects. And what do you know, 9 months in which to work through the list! I know that some projects will take much more time devoted to them than others (e.g. a drawing that I've already started that should reasonably take less than two weeks if I work on it a little daily and a children's book that I want to write that would have at least a dozen watercolors in it, each one taking at least a week to complete). You get the idea.
Anyway, I won't bore you with all the planning out that must be done, but I wanted to share my excitement at figuring out how to make some concrete and realistic goals (thanks, in part, to my friend and fellow "self-improver" Debbie, who graciously shared her Passion Planner with me...we may have to have several more of these discussions!). Now, to keep reading Split Second Choice so I can keep my excitement phase going!
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Sunday, March 26, 2017
I Have Found A Direction (at least temporarily)
I have been wanting to use this blog that I have had for SEVERAL years --- I'll bet most of you didn't know that; not surprising since I have been extremely sporadic in keeping up with it --- anyway, I've been wanting to use it THIS time to chronicle my journey from an apathetic, unmotivated, fat and tired life to an excited, motivated, healthy, joyful, productive and fulfilled life. Does that sound lofty? Improbable? Maybe. But I've been drifting along, depressed and apathetic for far too long. Listen to me, people. If you're not growing, improving, moving forward, then you are NOT sitting still, you are sliding back and down. That's the truth.
Now growing and improving is different for everyone. We all have different personalities, different goals, different abilities. And that's just fine, that's what makes the world so interesting! Some people want to be President (and we've seen the proof over and over that anyone can accomplish that!), some people want to be a best-selling author, or the best kindergarten teacher that ever lived. Many people don't want to be the best at anything, just a perfectly adequate version of themselves. And that's great too. But we all need to set goals and stretch and strive to attain them. That's part of being human. The Lord made us to be growing our whole lives, learning, experiencing, making the most of the one and only life he has given us. That's the way to be grateful for this life and to find your joy.
And the truth is, I've wasted much much time in my one and only life. I'm not trying to belittle my accomplishments, I'm being honest about the fact that I'm a time waster. I assume (perhaps wrongly, I don't know) that the majority of people out there are big time-wasters. I don't want to be part of that majority any more. No more just sitting, no more vegging out in front of one screen or other, shutting out the world and "escaping" from my own inadequacies (as I see them).
So here we are. And I had a bright idea. I'm seeking ways to improve my life, to improve my productivity (also studying to teach a short class in the fall on time management --- kills two birds --- I'm my own guinea pig!). One of the ways I'm doing that is to read several self-help books and a few blogs during the next five months. And you, my happy readers, will reap the benefit of these forays into the vast world of self-help. As I read each book, I will critique it right here, on my own little soap box! Doesn't that sound like fun? I knew you'd be thrilled. I know I am, just to be having bright ideas again --- thank you Lord, for that.
The first book I'm reading is Split Second Choice - The Power of Attitude, by Jim Winner (his real name). Yes, attitude really is everything...that's why I'm working to improve mine. I'll let you know how this one goes. If you've read it before, no spoilers please!
Now growing and improving is different for everyone. We all have different personalities, different goals, different abilities. And that's just fine, that's what makes the world so interesting! Some people want to be President (and we've seen the proof over and over that anyone can accomplish that!), some people want to be a best-selling author, or the best kindergarten teacher that ever lived. Many people don't want to be the best at anything, just a perfectly adequate version of themselves. And that's great too. But we all need to set goals and stretch and strive to attain them. That's part of being human. The Lord made us to be growing our whole lives, learning, experiencing, making the most of the one and only life he has given us. That's the way to be grateful for this life and to find your joy.
And the truth is, I've wasted much much time in my one and only life. I'm not trying to belittle my accomplishments, I'm being honest about the fact that I'm a time waster. I assume (perhaps wrongly, I don't know) that the majority of people out there are big time-wasters. I don't want to be part of that majority any more. No more just sitting, no more vegging out in front of one screen or other, shutting out the world and "escaping" from my own inadequacies (as I see them).
So here we are. And I had a bright idea. I'm seeking ways to improve my life, to improve my productivity (also studying to teach a short class in the fall on time management --- kills two birds --- I'm my own guinea pig!). One of the ways I'm doing that is to read several self-help books and a few blogs during the next five months. And you, my happy readers, will reap the benefit of these forays into the vast world of self-help. As I read each book, I will critique it right here, on my own little soap box! Doesn't that sound like fun? I knew you'd be thrilled. I know I am, just to be having bright ideas again --- thank you Lord, for that.
The first book I'm reading is Split Second Choice - The Power of Attitude, by Jim Winner (his real name). Yes, attitude really is everything...that's why I'm working to improve mine. I'll let you know how this one goes. If you've read it before, no spoilers please!
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Today IS a Good Day
Things have not been going according to plan this year and yet, strangely, I feel determined and hopeful today. My unfinished business list is still there, just waiting for me to get busy on another item (the glory of having freshly painted walls has faded somewhat, time for a new challenge, one that I actually do myself this time...LOL).
My BIG goal that has taken up most of my concentration, dedication, and time, the thing that is constantly on my mind ---- getting healthy again, by eating great and exercising ---- has been hijacked partially by a very painful undiagnosed knee injury. But let me tell you about the new thing that's helping me with the healthy eating first.
My daughter came up with a very interesting calendar idea for keeping track of my (our) eating habits. You know, almost everyone who is successful in changing bad habits to good, whatever habit you want to change, has little tricks to help them form the new habit....a reward system (done that), journalling (when it comes to food I absolutely HATE having to write down every bite I put in my mouth, and I've tried it for several months, more than once, ick), joining some support group (yes, I've done that and paid good money to have complete strangers harass me AND cheer me on). For me, there is something immensely satisfying about coloring in little squares on a calendar. Don't ask me why, I have no idea, but it's working for me so far.
It's very simple (simple is always a winner with me). Using the healthy eating plan that my daughter is using for herself, basically paleo, we're using a color theme.
Green = Eat healthy all day with no "cheats"
Yellow = Eat healthy, with just one "cheat" item that day
Red = Eat mostly healthy, with only two "cheat" items that day
Black = Three or more "cheat" items in a day
Naturally, we want the month to look mostly green and yellow, with only one or two red days scattered throughout -- NO black days (those are reserved for a major holiday) If we can accomplish two or three green days in a row, we allow ourselves a "cheat meal" where there might be two items at the same meal, and it's still a yellow day. NO cheat DAYS. That would be black! The thing that has helped me so much is seeing day to day how much I was cheating before and thinking that was okay, then wondering why I wasn't seeing it on the scales. I'm thrilled to report that I'm feeling much less puffy, have stopped having frequent heartburn (which helps my sleep!), and I've lost about 4 pounds --- without being able to be active at all!
I don't feel deprived (mostly), and I'm feeling like I'm accomplishing something good for myself.
I've been praying a lot about my attitude, and that the Lord would help me with my strength and determination. I prayed about my knee! I saw a doctor today --- long story short, he gave my knee a cortisone shot which has a good probability of helping to resume normal activity within a week! Yippee skippee!
Yep, feeling pretty good today.
My BIG goal that has taken up most of my concentration, dedication, and time, the thing that is constantly on my mind ---- getting healthy again, by eating great and exercising ---- has been hijacked partially by a very painful undiagnosed knee injury. But let me tell you about the new thing that's helping me with the healthy eating first.
My daughter came up with a very interesting calendar idea for keeping track of my (our) eating habits. You know, almost everyone who is successful in changing bad habits to good, whatever habit you want to change, has little tricks to help them form the new habit....a reward system (done that), journalling (when it comes to food I absolutely HATE having to write down every bite I put in my mouth, and I've tried it for several months, more than once, ick), joining some support group (yes, I've done that and paid good money to have complete strangers harass me AND cheer me on). For me, there is something immensely satisfying about coloring in little squares on a calendar. Don't ask me why, I have no idea, but it's working for me so far.
It's very simple (simple is always a winner with me). Using the healthy eating plan that my daughter is using for herself, basically paleo, we're using a color theme.
Green = Eat healthy all day with no "cheats"
Yellow = Eat healthy, with just one "cheat" item that day
Red = Eat mostly healthy, with only two "cheat" items that day
Black = Three or more "cheat" items in a day
Naturally, we want the month to look mostly green and yellow, with only one or two red days scattered throughout -- NO black days (those are reserved for a major holiday) If we can accomplish two or three green days in a row, we allow ourselves a "cheat meal" where there might be two items at the same meal, and it's still a yellow day. NO cheat DAYS. That would be black! The thing that has helped me so much is seeing day to day how much I was cheating before and thinking that was okay, then wondering why I wasn't seeing it on the scales. I'm thrilled to report that I'm feeling much less puffy, have stopped having frequent heartburn (which helps my sleep!), and I've lost about 4 pounds --- without being able to be active at all!
I don't feel deprived (mostly), and I'm feeling like I'm accomplishing something good for myself.
I've been praying a lot about my attitude, and that the Lord would help me with my strength and determination. I prayed about my knee! I saw a doctor today --- long story short, he gave my knee a cortisone shot which has a good probability of helping to resume normal activity within a week! Yippee skippee!
Yep, feeling pretty good today.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Share Your Secret With Me Please
Okay, I'm baffled here. I honestly want to know your secret. You people who spring from your bed, (I'll give you a minor pass in the dead of winter --- it's tough for anyone that's snuggled nicely under the covers to be excited to get up in a cold room) joyously excited to begin another day. I know you're out there. I just don't know how you do it.
Don't get me wrong, I am a morning person. I have the most energy, think the clearest and get the most accomplished before one or two o'clock. I fade quickly after that. I'm even the most cheerful in the morning. It's just that it is SOOOOO HARD to make myself get up, to drag my carcass out of that bed. And of course it's even harder in the winter. AND I usually have to get up while it is still dark, and go to work in the dark, so it feels like it's still night time.
Oh yes, I can manage it easier when there's something really fun brewing, like a vacation. I can even push harder when there's lots to do and I'm expecting company that day. But on regular days, especially work days, how can I convince myself to stop pressing that snooze button and get up? I WANT to spring joyously out of bed and be excited for a new day, I really do. But so far, I haven't found a way to feel that.
Help!
Don't get me wrong, I am a morning person. I have the most energy, think the clearest and get the most accomplished before one or two o'clock. I fade quickly after that. I'm even the most cheerful in the morning. It's just that it is SOOOOO HARD to make myself get up, to drag my carcass out of that bed. And of course it's even harder in the winter. AND I usually have to get up while it is still dark, and go to work in the dark, so it feels like it's still night time.
Oh yes, I can manage it easier when there's something really fun brewing, like a vacation. I can even push harder when there's lots to do and I'm expecting company that day. But on regular days, especially work days, how can I convince myself to stop pressing that snooze button and get up? I WANT to spring joyously out of bed and be excited for a new day, I really do. But so far, I haven't found a way to feel that.
Help!
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