This February I Will....
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I have been pretty quiet this month and I wanted to finally explain why. I have made absolutely no progress on my goal this month to improve my posture. None. Whatsoever. And I’ve been feeling very bad about that. Some of it is understandable. I left February 2 for Jamaica and didn’t return until the 9th. But the real reason I haven’t made any progress is that posture just isn’t at the top of my to do list for me. Maybe it should be, but right now it isn’t. One of the cardinal rules of habit change is that you can’t force yourself to do something you don’t want to do. And I’ve learned personally this month and last that that’s indeed true.
My time is limited and so is my attention, focus, and motivation. I’m sure it’s the same for you. There’s an endless number of healthy habits we could pursue, and given these constraints, I want to focus on my biggest “bang for the buck” so to speak. Right now my biggest challenges health-wise are being sufficiently active over the long winter and not getting enough sleep. So I’m focusing on walking more this month and In March I’ll concentrate on getting more sleep. I learned a lot last summer during our “Summer of Sleep” and I know I can make it a priority again.
I think of these monthly challenges as a space to test out a healthy habit and give it the time and attention it needs to take root. Some of the habits we try out are good fits for us and sustainable and some are not. I’m done feeling bad about this. I’m walking more and next month I’ll be walking outside again. And getting more sleep! Its all good!
I’m really enjoying your updates!2 -
It’s always a challenge for me to get enough steps in in the wintertime when I can’t walk outdoors. I’m down about 2000 steps a day, which doesn’t sound like a lot but for me it’s the difference between feeling pretty good and really good. I have so much more energy when I consistently walk more.
I haven’t been too successful in nudging myself to walk more, so I tried a different approach. I joined StepBet and plunked down $40 to play a six week game where I have to meet daily step targets based on my past Fitbit steps. If I don’t make my daily targets, I’m eliminated from the competition and will lose the $40. The potential loss of $40 has been a big motivator in moving more. I refuse to lose this money! Because the step goals I need to reach are just a little higher than what I had been walking, it’s a nice little nudge rather than just another stressor. After 6 weeks of meeting my step goals, I’ll get my money back and a small share of the winners pot. For me, it’s been all I need to move a little more.
This is a chart of my progress this week. I have to meet my daily targets 6 out of 7 days. There’s one free day a week where the steps don’t count.
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themedalist wrote: »I have been pretty quiet this month and I wanted to finally explain why. I have made absolutely no progress on my goal this month to improve my posture. None. Whatsoever. And I’ve been feeling very bad about that. Some of it is understandable. I left February 2 for Jamaica and didn’t return until the 9th. But the real reason I haven’t made any progress is that posture just isn’t at the top of my to do list for me. Maybe it should be, but right now it isn’t. One of the cardinal rules of habit change is that you can’t force yourself to do something you don’t want to do. And I’ve learned personally this month and last that that’s indeed true.
My time is limited and so is my attention, focus, and motivation. I’m sure it’s the same for you. There’s an endless number of healthy habits we could pursue, and given these constraints, I want to focus on my biggest “bang for the buck” so to speak. Right now my biggest challenges health-wise are being sufficiently active over the long winter and not getting enough sleep. So I’m focusing on walking more this month and In March I’ll concentrate on getting more sleep. I learned a lot last summer during our “Summer of Sleep” and I know I can make it a priority again.
I think of these monthly challenges as a space to test out a healthy habit and give it the time and attention it needs to take root. Some of the habits we try out are good fits for us and sustainable and some are not. I’m done feeling bad about this. I’m walking more and next month I’ll be walking outside again. And getting more sleep! Its all good!
I’m really enjoying your updates!
I’m still doing the posture exercises some, but I actually pulled a muscle doing them, so I’ve scaled back (it was the typing stretch- floor push wrist opener). Of course, I was pushing too hard, but you need to be careful. I’m appreciating having gone through the videos and being more aware of my sleeping, walking and sitting posture. But a lot of the stretches are pretty intense.
@themedalist , I agree that sleep and activity should be priorities.
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It’s great reading everyone’s updates—so helpful!
For me February is a slog. January was mild and duped me into thinking spring was coming early, but this month has been wet and sleety. This would be ok if I could stay by the wood stove with a book and knitting and cats, but I’ve been busy. My choir has a concert today, which meant extra rehearsals this week; Monday I rode a freezing bus to the state capitol to demonstrate for education funding; work has been very busy. I’m doing well on sticking to the eating habits I set for this month’s goal, which I’m pleased with, but i think next month I’m going to have to aspire to something a little more fun!2 -
@themedalist It looks like you're doing really good on your StepBet challenge! Good for you, recognizing you're just not that into your habit goal set for this month. I change mine often. I don't think you should EVER feel bad about not doing well with something you set for yourself. I think, as you said, it's a learning curve also.
For me, I've been challenging myself to drink more water and do certain things for months and months. But the one goal that I've really struggled with and never really put in writing and planned for is something I've wanted to change for a few years now. I NEED and WANT to get my rearend out of bed at an early enough hour that I don't start every single day running around like a mad woman trying to get out the door to work on time.
So, even with only one week left in this month, that is now my focus. I think so many things would fall into place if I can just do this one thing. And yes, I really DO want to do it. My days are so much nicer and more productive when I succeed.
I have no doubt when you decide that posture is your priority, you will knock it out of the park! This group amazes me the way they attack their goals...
Happy Sunday everyone!1 -
Thursday, 2/21/2019: Up early; did not press Snooze. Had time to eat breakfast and log my daily entry on MFP and on here (BHH: February)
Smiley sticker on calendar.
Friday, 2/22/2019:
Was physically and mentally exhausted and did not get up right away. (Not an excuse, just thought it might help to keep track of how I'm feeling when I don't succeed.)
Saturday, 2/23/2019: I did not set an alarm since it's Saturday, but I did get up 1.5 hours earlier than I normally do on weekends. Smiley sticker on calendar.
Sunday, 2/24/2019: Like yesterday, I did not set an alarm because it is Sunday. I did get up an hour earlier than I normally do on Sunday, which might not sound like much to most people, but I am literally exhausted on weekends and struggle to get up, especially if I stay up watching Netflix with my DH later than normal. So I look at today as a win.
I do realize that as I continue this goal into March (before next weekend) that I need to put some thought into how I should approach weekends. I know they say to get up and go to bed at the same time on weekends as you do during the week. So maybe I need to do that? Or perhaps give myself a little bit of wiggle room since I am so wiped out by the weekend and set my alarm for an hour earlier than I usually wake up by myself. I'll have to think on that....
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Everyone seems to be on the right track. The Kenny Rogers song "You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em" instead of stubborn determination to do something that isn't working just because you said you would do it makes a lot of sense. Sometimes it's not the right goal. Sometimes it's the right goal, just not the right time. Gotta be flexible.
Yesterday I wrote out my Feb goal here and it just disappeared about the time I went to click "post reply" (sigh). I started working on this goal Feb 15th when I got home from vacation and haven't missed a day. So here's a summary.
My goal is to find FOCUS in order to feel like I've accomplished something every day. My focus is on learning how to use my new camera creatively...to get off that auto mode after 20 years of relying on it. And I want to learn my editing program that I bought a year ago and still has me scratching my head. I feel overwhelmed with the learning curve but I know I have it in me somewhere to learn this technical stuff. There might be a class in my future (April-June) but it's an hour and a half drive one way for 8 weeks so I'm not sure yet.
For almost 2 weeks I just decided that my afternoons are going to be a work session from 12:30-4 or later with a break or two. I'm excited that I am halfway through the Canon EOS 80D book for dummies and feel more excited about getting out in the field and trying out some new techniques. I've learned how to navigate a little bit better in my editing program. But most of it is guesswork since YouTube expects you to have more background info than I have so it makes learning even more frustrating. I'm treating this as a job (pretty laid back one) but with intense focus as times. I've been deleting photos and am have successfully put a few folders on an external hard drive (finally figured that out, I think)! I'm going slow and steady and accepting my current limitations.
Other members consistent efforts have inspired me to stay the course. Intentions are great but it's the small steps taken daily consistently that make the difference. Patience and persistence, people, with a big dose of compassion for your shortcomings (if you have any)! My dream of getting photos organized will become a reality if I believe I can do it and behave accordingly. Sorry I haven't been more supportive this month. I read all your posts and love hearing about your successes. I need to post more often...this has turned into a short book!2 -
@themedalist I love the monthly challenge format. It really lets me dig into one area that I want to improve. The real challenge is to keep improvement in that area going when I start another area but even small setbacks mean progress has been made so it's all good.
Congrats on the great stepping this week! 27 miles and Sunday hasn't even been counted!!1 -
PackerFanInGB wrote: »Thursday, 2/21/2019: Up early; did not press Snooze. Had time to eat breakfast and log my daily entry on MFP and on here (BHH: February) Smiley sticker on calendar.
Friday, 2/22/2019: Was physically and mentally exhausted and did not get up right away. (Not an excuse, just thought it might help to keep track of how I'm feeling when I don't succeed.)
Saturday, 2/23/2019: I did not set an alarm since it's Saturday, but I did get up 1.5 hours earlier than I normally do on weekends. Smiley sticker on calendar.
Sunday, 2/24/2019: Like yesterday, I did not set an alarm because it is Sunday. I did get up an hour earlier than I normally do on Sunday, which might not sound like much to most people, but I am literally exhausted on weekends and struggle to get up, especially if I stay up watching Netflix with my DH later than normal. So I look at today as a win.
I do realize that as I continue this goal into March (before next weekend) that I need to put some thought into how I should approach weekends. I know they say to get up and go to bed at the same time on weekends as you do during the week. So maybe I need to do that? Or perhaps give myself a little bit of wiggle room since I am so wiped out by the weekend and set my alarm for an hour earlier than I usually wake up by myself. I'll have to think on that....
I think you are doing great, @PackerFanInGB! I hear you on the constant wake up hour, but maybe experiment in March with it both ways and see if one works better for you?1 -
Everyone seems to be on the right track. The Kenny Rogers song "You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em" instead of stubborn determination to do something that isn't working just because you said you would do it makes a lot of sense. Sometimes it's not the right goal. Sometimes it's the right goal, just not the right time. Gotta be flexible.
Yesterday I wrote out my Feb goal here and it just disappeared about the time I went to click "post reply" (sigh). I started working on this goal Feb 15th when I got home from vacation and haven't missed a day. So here's a summary.
My goal is to find FOCUS in order to feel like I've accomplished something every day. My focus is on learning how to use my new camera creatively...to get off that auto mode after 20 years of relying on it. And I want to learn my editing program that I bought a year ago and still has me scratching my head. I feel overwhelmed with the learning curve but I know I have it in me somewhere to learn this technical stuff. There might be a class in my future (April-June) but it's an hour and a half drive one way for 8 weeks so I'm not sure yet.
For almost 2 weeks I just decided that my afternoons are going to be a work session from 12:30-4 or later with a break or two. I'm excited that I am halfway through the Canon EOS 80D book for dummies and feel more excited about getting out in the field and trying out some new techniques. I've learned how to navigate a little bit better in my editing program. But most of it is guesswork since YouTube expects you to have more background info than I have so it makes learning even more frustrating. I'm treating this as a job (pretty laid back one) but with intense focus as times. I've been deleting photos and am have successfully put a few folders on an external hard drive (finally figured that out, I think)! I'm going slow and steady and accepting my current limitations.
Other members consistent efforts have inspired me to stay the course. Intentions are great but it's the small steps taken daily consistently that make the difference. Patience and persistence, people, with a big dose of compassion for your shortcomings (if you have any)! My dream of getting photos organized will become a reality if I believe I can do it and behave accordingly. Sorry I haven't been more supportive this month. I read all your posts and love hearing about your successes. I need to post more often...this has turned into a short book!
This is so exciting, @nebslp! Learning to make better use of your camera and improve your photography skills is a fantastic goal! Imagine where you'll be a year from now?0 -
It’s great reading everyone’s updates—so helpful!
For me February is a slog. January was mild and duped me into thinking spring was coming early, but this month has been wet and sleety. This would be ok if I could stay by the wood stove with a book and knitting and cats, but I’ve been busy. My choir has a concert today, which meant extra rehearsals this week; Monday I rode a freezing bus to the state capitol to demonstrate for education funding; work has been very busy. I’m doing well on sticking to the eating habits I set for this month’s goal, which I’m pleased with, but i think next month I’m going to have to aspire to something a little more fun!
Sounds like it's been a busy month for you, @jroslyn. Good job sticking with your food plan. It gets easier doesn't it?
Monthly goals rooted in having more fun are a great idea! After I get my steps and sleeping back on track, I think I'll do the same!
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Congrats on the great stepping this week! 27 miles and Sunday hasn't even been counted!!
Well, @nebslp, Sunday won't count for much! I took full advantage of my one "free day" a week on StepBet today. Watched a great movie on Netflix and spent a lot of time with my guitar. I barely crested 3000 steps today and it was AWESOME! Back at it tomorrow on Move It Monday. Aiming for a power day tomorrow (more than 10,700 steps) 1 of 2 that I have to reach each week.
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45 minutes on the Gazelle3
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63 minutes on the Gazelle
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Instead of the Gazelle today I golfed. 7.18 miles.
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@PinkyPan1 Golfing sounds wonderful! And wow! Over 7 miles in one outing is remarkable! Apparently you don’t live here in the Midwest where we’re struggling with what to do with the 20+ inches of snow we got in two weeks. Have fun in the sun🌞 I’m jealous 💚1
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Life got in the way of my goal this week. Another snow day on Monday meant I had Gkids here all day. Yesterday I had a drs appointment. Today I watched the M Cohen hearing on TV. Tomorrow is coffee ladies day and am going to meet my sister in the afternoon, and Friday I go in for a CTscan to figure out what’s causing recurring side pain. It’s so hard to get back on track when I get sidetracked. Since I’ve been sitting so much today I’m going to do a workout NOW and then study right after I clean up the kids’ Monday messes. I can commit to a goal until something comes along to upset the routine, then I struggle to get back into it. Guess that means the things I’ve been working on aren’t yet a habit and I have to try to find the internal/external reward that will keep me moving forward in spite of life’s happenings. It’s pretty frustrating and I know I’m making excuses. The mental struggle is real.4
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74 minutes on the Gazelle1
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@PinkyPan1 Golfing sounds wonderful! And wow! Over 7 miles in one outing is remarkable! Apparently you don’t live here in the Midwest where we’re struggling with what to do with the 20+ inches of snow we got in two weeks. Have fun in the sun🌞 I’m jealous 💚
It is snowing here as I type this. We had a rare day of 50 degrees yesterday and I took advantage of it. I am in Ohio where are you in the Midwest?
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@PinkyPan1 Golfing sounds wonderful! And wow! Over 7 miles in one outing is remarkable! Apparently you don’t live here in the Midwest where we’re struggling with what to do with the 20+ inches of snow we got in two weeks. Have fun in the sun🌞 I’m jealous 💚
It is snowing here as I type this. We had a rare day of 50 degrees yesterday and I took advantage of it. I am in Ohio where are you in the Midwest?
Those rare warm days are a real treasure! They make one hopeful that more will be coming soon. I’m in Nebraska and we’re having a long cold snowy month as are many other states. I’m ready for spring🌷🌞
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Life got in the way of my goal this week. Another snow day on Monday meant I had Gkids here all day. Yesterday I had a drs appointment. Today I watched the M Cohen hearing on TV. Tomorrow is coffee ladies day and am going to meet my sister in the afternoon, and Friday I go in for a CTscan to figure out what’s causing recurring side pain. It’s so hard to get back on track when I get sidetracked. Since I’ve been sitting so much today I’m going to do a workout NOW and then study right after I clean up the kids’ Monday messes. I can commit to a goal until something comes along to upset the routine, then I struggle to get back into it. Guess that means the things I’ve been working on aren’t yet a habit and I have to try to find the internal/external reward that will keep me moving forward in spite of life’s happenings. It’s pretty frustrating and I know I’m making excuses. The mental struggle is real.
@nebslp
Perhaps you’re being too hard on yourself? Hugs. Sometimes life happens & we need to remind ourselves that we are human!
Is your habit too ambitious? Could you cut it by 1/3?
We’re here to help brainstorm ideas with you! ♥️
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@MadisonMolly2017 Thank you for your kind words and support. You may be right. I tend to be a perfectionist and get discouraged when I don’t meet my expectations for myself. I will continue my Feb goal and set it at 3 days a week instead of every day. Thanks for the idea❣️3
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@MadisonMolly2017 Thank you for your kind words and support. You may be right. I tend to be a perfectionist and get discouraged when I don’t meet my expectations for myself. I will continue my Feb goal and set it at 3 days a week instead of every day. Thanks for the idea❣️
@nebslp
Oh GREAT❣️
(Thank you for being open to the suggestion.)
As a Recovering Perfectionist, I can relate!
I am proof that “ridiculously easy goals” with slight increments over time can get you to Amazing Places.
Also, slightly related, but it might be helpful. It was a life changer for me. We need rest, rejuvenation, and rejuvenation/fun, too. Just as much as diet/exercise/sleep.
What will you do to replenish yourself - even just a little bit
So, I’ll follow my own advice!
Today, I will watch a favorite TV show as I do my 1.5 hour PT routine.
This afternoon, I will walk 1/2 hour And go read/sketch/write at a coffee shop or the library (tea or nonfat latte) for 1 hour and then will commit to attending a 75?min restorative yoga class & then walk home for a total of 1 hr exercise/walking.2 -
MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »Life got in the way of my goal this week. Another snow day on Monday meant I had Gkids here all day. Yesterday I had a drs appointment. Today I watched the M Cohen hearing on TV. Tomorrow is coffee ladies day and am going to meet my sister in the afternoon, and Friday I go in for a CTscan to figure out what’s causing recurring side pain. It’s so hard to get back on track when I get sidetracked. Since I’ve been sitting so much today I’m going to do a workout NOW and then study right after I clean up the kids’ Monday messes. I can commit to a goal until something comes along to upset the routine, then I struggle to get back into it. Guess that means the things I’ve been working on aren’t yet a habit and I have to try to find the internal/external reward that will keep me moving forward in spite of life’s happenings. It’s pretty frustrating and I know I’m making excuses. The mental struggle is real.
@nebslp
Perhaps you’re being too hard on yourself? Hugs. Sometimes life happens & we need to remind ourselves that we are human!
Is your habit too ambitious? Could you cut it by 1/3?
We’re here to help brainstorm ideas with you! ♥️
I totally understand getting thrown off course and struggling to get back on. I have that same problem. I'm really finding that without accountability, it's even harder for me. I tell myself "I don't feel like it today because <fill in the blank>" and tell myself I'll do it tomorrow and pretty soon I don't even remember my goals. Life drags us in so many different directions and I think we forget how important WE ARE too!
Finding self-care time is hard, and for me, winter makes it even worse because I can't easily get outside.
I like @MadisonMolly2017 's thoughts of just cutting back. Once a small habit takes, it tends to grow all on it's own!
Hugs to you my friend.1 -
Well, February is a wrap and I didn't do so well, but I'm carrying my same goal into March and March WILL BE successful!
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MadisonMolly2017 wrote: »Life got in the way of my goal this week. Another snow day on Monday meant I had Gkids here all day. Yesterday I had a drs appointment. Today I watched the M Cohen hearing on TV. Tomorrow is coffee ladies day and am going to meet my sister in the afternoon, and Friday I go in for a CTscan to figure out what’s causing recurring side pain. It’s so hard to get back on track when I get sidetracked. Since I’ve been sitting so much today I’m going to do a workout NOW and then study right after I clean up the kids’ Monday messes. I can commit to a goal until something comes along to upset the routine, then I struggle to get back into it. Guess that means the things I’ve been working on aren’t yet a habit and I have to try to find the internal/external reward that will keep me moving forward in spite of life’s happenings. It’s pretty frustrating and I know I’m making excuses. The mental struggle is real.
@nebslp
Perhaps you’re being too hard on yourself? Hugs. Sometimes life happens & we need to remind ourselves that we are human!
Is your habit too ambitious? Could you cut it by 1/3?
We’re here to help brainstorm ideas with you! ♥️
I completely agree! My guess is it will be hard to carve out several hours a day to focus on your goal. Is there something you could do in 20 minutes or so everyday where you’d feel you’re making progress?
The year I spent trying to teach myself to play the guitar by practicing 15 minutes a day required a lot of cut corners. Specifically, I didn’t tune my guitar except maybe once every other week. Heresy I know to any guitarist and I’m a little sheepish about admitting this to you, @nebslp, because I know you play the guitar. But I didn’t have time. I knew if I wanted to keep playing long term, I had to ease into it with a modest time commitment. I felt chords and chords alone needed to fill those 15 minutes. I can tune it later. So that’s where I kept my focus and it helped me stay on track.
Every goal is different, but if there are specific tasks/mini projects in your photography goal that are good building blocks to larger tasks and can be done fairly quickly, that might be a good first focus. Success is a great launching pad for more ambitious targets.
And as @MadisonMolly2017 said, we are here to help and support you!
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PackerFanInGB wrote: »Well, February is a wrap and I didn't do so well, but I'm carrying my same goal into March and March WILL BE successful!
So true! We can always slide our monthly goal over into the next month!1 -
@MadisonMolly2017 Thank you for your kind words and support. You may be right. I tend to be a perfectionist and get discouraged when I don’t meet my expectations for myself. I will continue my Feb goal and set it at 3 days a week instead of every day. Thanks for the idea❣️
I think 3 days a week is a great idea!1 -
❤️ I love you all! Thank you for your support and encouragement ❤️2
