Goal Setting and Achieving

We all have ideas on what we want, what we desire, what we dream of achieving.  The question is, how do we turn those dreams into goals?  I have a six-step plan I use for goal setting/achieving and I am going to share it with you!

*  A goal must be well defined.  It makes them more attainable.
*  A goal must be stated in writing.  We are all super busy and without a written goal, placed somewhere (say, the fridge) to be see on a daily basis, it is easy to push aside or forget what we are working towards.
*  A goal must be stated in the positive.  Stating a goal in a positive way makes it an affirmation.  Our minds don't understand negatives.  Saying…"I am not going to eat chocolate computes as, I will eat chocolate."  Instead, try, I will make healthy choices when snacking.
*  A goal must have a deadline for its completion.  In order to stay focused on want we want to accomplish, we need a deadline to keep a sense of urgency, to push us to stay on track.
*  A goal must have sincere emotional appeal.  An emotional appeal adds to the motivation and sense of urgency.  Goals must be prioritized and distinction must be made between a wish and an important objective.
*  A goal must be difficult, yet realistic.  Set goals in a sustained concentrated effort that way the confidence will be there that it can be achieved.

That's it!  That is the list to start reaching your goals.  Try it out and let me know what you think!

Why Be Healthy?

We decided to take the kids on a special weekend!  For Christmas we purchased tickets for "Frozen on Ice".  Well, the weekend finally has come and gone and it was fabulous!  A little Christmas fun in March!  Frozen On Ice was a hit.  Fabulous!  It was amazing to watch the performers with their grace and power on the ice.  But what came after the performance is what I am most pleased with.  We found a facility that is full of trampolines!  Wow, what fun can a family have and what better was to encourage active children than to participate in healthy activities with them.  We spent an hour and a half jumping!  What a wonderful workout.  Giggles, laughs, falls and tricks, we did it all.  All four of us were a fun sweaty mess by time we finished.

This brings me to what I truly want to share.  Exercise to many feels like work and can be motivated by so many vain reasons and sometimes, those motivators can make it easy to waiver from our commitment to health.  I think it is important to really reflect on the true meaning of a healthy lifestyle and the benefits that it allows us.  At just shy of 40 years old, I was toe to toe with my girls.  Jump for jump.  I attribute this to my everyday choices.  It feels wonderful to be strong and fit.  I love having the stamina to run, play a game of tag, soccer or whatever activity I choose.  I want everyone to experience this feeling!

What is best about beginning a fitness regime or deciding to commit to a healthier, more active lifestyle?  You can start small!!  Everyone comes from a different beginning.  Decide to take the plunge.  Go for a walk…you don't have to get out there a kill yourself.  Progress is still progress.  This week, schedule 20 -30 minutes of a healthy activity.  Walk, ride a bike, swim, Yoga, Pilates, whatever you have available. You don't need a gym membership to get fit, you can do it right in your own house, no equipment needed!


A quick example of an in-house beginning cardio workout.  Walk in place, change it up a bit by stepping side to side, or big high-knee steps.  It is something everyone can do.  I want everyone to try it and post with (or without) a picture to my blog and share with us what your motivation was this week and what made you successful!  I can't wait to hear from you!!

Of course, if you are unsure of where or what is a healthy place for you to start, talk to your doctor before beginning anything new.