Focus and Discipline

Anyone who knows me knows that focus and discipline are not my strong suits. I set goals, sometimes I achieve them, other times I don't.

I like food that is "bad" and sometimes I don't train when I am supposed to. I have always been kind of a laid back gal...I have never reached my potential as a result.

I have, however, learned that there is a balance. I have never needed to be the winner at anything, and so my drive to succeed has always been tempered by my overwhelming desire to enjoy life and hang out with fun people.

Lately though, I am spending a little more time developing these two admirable qualities in order to grow as a person. Here is what I have learned so far...

Focus is about keeping your eye on the prize. It's so easy to get distracted by the bottles of wine, the doughnut holes, and the happy hours. Delaying the gratification has been tough the last month, but I have managed to stick with my plan and my body is changing quickly as a result. I keep my goal swim suit hanging where I can always see it, and I schedule my workouts as non negotiable time into my day.

Discipline is about planning and positive self talk. I am making sure that I allow myself some leniency with my diet because I know that all or nothing doesn't work for me. I am reading the labels and sticking to the serving sizes. I am opting for fresh fruit and vegetables as appetizers and desserts. I am allowing myself alcohol in moderation on weekends, but I have cut it out the other 5 days. I am running and going to the gym whether I feel like it or not because I know how much better I feel when I am done. I am patting myself on the back for a job well done and I am holding myself accountable with the scale and pictures.

Is it worth it? A resounding YES! I feel comfortable in my skin again. My clothes don't pull and bind, and my fitness level is rising quickly with very little pain. It's a gradual change, a healthy change, and one that I am willing to commit to until my goal is reached.

So for those of you who think us fitness people are perfect, think again. It's hard for us too!

Focus for the ADHD poster child and discipline for the quintessential party girl...yep, it's possible!

Coming back

Sometimes life just gets in the way.

An illness, and injury, a new job, a life change, a tragedy...something disrupts our health and fitness routine. Next thing you know, it's been months, years even, since a workout and/or clean eating was a part of your daily life.

The task of getting back on track always seems overwhelming, even for us seasoned fitness people! It is not impossible, however, if you know how to go about it...

First of all, decide it's time. Usually there is a defining moment: jeans don't fit, scale says something shocking, you see a picture of yourself, or you get some unwelcome news from the doctor. Once you have said "enough is enough!" Here are some tips to help you get pointed in the right direction:

1. Stop making excuses. There are 1000 reasons not to take the time and effort, but there is 1 very good reason why you should. You are important. Carve out time, even if it is just a few minutes a day, to make healthy decisions because you deserve to feel better.

2. Be consistent. The body will be confused at first. Don't confuse it more. Eat at regular intervals and get some activity every day. Once your body is in the groove, you will start noticing all the good stuff start to happen.

3. Be patient. It's a full 6 weeks for some people before the scale and inches drop. Focus on the positives in the meantime, such as sleeping better, improved mood and attitude, and more energy.

4. Under no circumstances should you compare yourself to where you used to be. This is a no win conversation with yourself. Take one workout at a time and enjoy it for what it is. A piece of your life that you have control over.

5. Do not start off to quickly! Ease into transition with workouts that leave you feeling great, not beat up. Start with smaller portions of foods you already eat instead of changing everything.

6. Keep going! Enlist support, you are going to need it for the days you want to give up!

7. Celebrate progress! Small improvements pay big dividends. Smile at your increase in strength and endurance. Remember if it was easy, everyone would do it!

With obesity rates and preventable disease at an all time high, you are the only one who can decide which course you will take. See a professional to help you get started and GET GOING!