The end of 2014 is fast approaching and I am determined to finish the year strong! As far as my weight loss journey is concerned, this year has been full of ups and downs (mostly ups as it relates to the scale). But I am not discouraged. As a matter of fact I am even more determined to do what I gotta do so that I can finally, I say finally, reach my weight loss goals. Quite honestly, I’m tired of struggling and falling off track, and revving myself back up only to take one step forward and two steps back. Let me be clear…those days are over! I am ready to take the bull by the horns and see this thing to completion.
And so, with that, I have set my goals for November. Nothing earth shattering. Nothing to write home about. Simply going back to basics by doing what works for me. I don’t have a number in mind in terms of how much I’d like to lose this month. I simply want to focus on my behaviors and habits, knowing that when I do that, there will be a decrease in the number on the scale.
I have decided to take all the pressure off by not getting caught up on numbers or time frames. Patience and consistency is the name of the game for me. Instead of obsessing over the scale I am going to weigh my success this month as follows:
- I am going to give myself a gold star for every day I stay true to my daily goals
- I am going to measure my endurance, strength and stamina by taking notice of and giving myself credit for the days I’m able to walk/run longer, faster or lift heavier weights
- I am going to give myself a big public cheer when I push myself to do what needs to be done in spite of not “feeling” like it
I believe these forms of measurement far outweigh and definitely support my goal of changing my behaviors/habits. This is my recipe for making this a lifestyle. Thinking about this plan excites me. Thinking about this plan makes me want to move forward.
Although my goals for this month are super basic and not too exciting, the ways in which I will measure my success are definitely something to get excited about as far as I’m concerned. My focus this month is really quite simple: feel better and remain consistent!
Carrie Ann Tripp (@CarrieAnnTripp) says
Good luck this month! I need to get back on the wagon. I have gained back most of what I lost this time last year. :-/
Carrie Ann Tripp (@CarrieAnnTripp) recently posted…Bitterness or Blessings?
Stacey Strickler says
Hey Carrie Ann! I just had a conversation with a friend about how hard it has been to get back into the swing of things. We are in the same boat as it relates to gaining the weight back…but here’s what I know for sure…if we’ve been successful in the past with losing it…we will be successful moving forward! Let’s make 2015 our year…WE CAN DO IT!
Lisa Scott says
My fitness pal app is brilliant for tracking your food, nutrition and goals ….. I will be waiting to hear those cheers you give yourself remember when we do something consistently we can make new habits that are good, then we automatically do them…. I don’t even think about all the water I drink every day now…it’s a habit!!! Good luck (y)
Lisa Scott recently posted…Special offer for November
Stacey Strickler says
Lisa, consistency is definitely my goal…I want these new habits to become my lifestyle so that I no longer have to try so hard…that it’s just what I do. I want to follow in your footsteps in creating healthy habits such as drinking more water without thinking and “planning” to do so. I will get there! You know I’ll keep you posted
Diane Corriette says
I am on a very similar journey to you so it is great to find your blog. I too am sick of the lose it eat it back on cycle and am now doing my journey for health and for life. My habits are the biggest factor I have to get over, especially my “watching a late night movie means its time to eat at 11pm” habit!
I wish you the best of luck. I will definitely register to stay in touch.
Diane
Diane Corriette recently posted…Could I be a banana girl?
Stacey Strickler says
Hi Diane!! Thanks for stopping by and subscribing to my blog! We are in the same boat. What I’m finding about my habits is that they are so deeply ingrained, I have to work on changing them one or two at a time. Once I get those under my belt, then I move on to the next two. It really is a process and a learning project…learning about me and how to be a better version of me. I am rooting for you. I know you will be successful in your journey. I hope you will keep me posted. Let’s make 2015 our year! We can and will do this! I’m on my way to check out your blog now