Simple Goals

Flagging enthusiasm.

Let's admit it, we've all gone that "New Year's Resolution" route, promising ourselves up and down that THIS will be the year we really stick with our resolutions and finally reach those goals. And, year after year, the same thing happens: we go all out for the first few days, but then we get discouraged by the lack of (apparent) progress, the aching of our tired muscles gives us just one more excuse to not go for that run, push play on that workout program, or make that drive to the gym, and in a matter of days, weeks or perhaps a month or two, we're right back where we started.

Here's the trick, though:

DON'T focus on that great, big, weight-loss goal, those pre-pregnancy jeans, that scary deadline. (Not if you find yourself easily discouraged, that is - for some people, those are the best tools. ;)

Instead, put your attention on the smaller things, those little changes, subtle transitions, and tiny improvements you typically just blow over.

My last five weeks have been spent working out hard doing the Beta Phase of T25. But I was letting myself feel disappointed with what seemed to be little or no forward progress. After working out so hard five days a week, pushing myself through burpees, weight lifting, intensive cardio sessions, and the like, I was expecting to see some really major results.

I took my measurements today and, I'll be honest: I was disappointed. I had some predetermined idea in my head of where I "should" have been, and reality just didn't line up. My waist and arms measured the same as they had five weeks ago, my hips had only lost 1/2 inch...

And then I stopped myself. "Hold on a second," I thought. I just worked my way through the first day of the Gamma Phase (an optional, all-out, four week round with T25). There is NO way I could have managed this workout as well five or ten weeks ago! My waist may not be "smaller," but you can SEE muscle there, now! (No small feat for a mom of two-under-2 who were born just under 11 months between each other!) My arms aren't more slender but oh! my goodness, do I have impressive biceps, now. My shoulders are strong, now, and I feel incredible. Not only that, but I managed at 50 complex burpees (burpees coupled with spider lunges, jack push-ups, walking planks, pike-ups, etc.), something I could only have dreamed about at the beginning of this program.

So, when that New Year's Day rolls around in a few weeks, don't let yourself get discouraged so easily. Focus on those simple goals! If one week you can do 5 push-ups at one time, try and build up the strength to manage 7 at the end of the next week. Instead of focusing on a number on that scale, put your focus towards the fit of your favourite shirt, your little black dress, or some other motivator.

It'll make a world of difference, I promise.