Where to start with reaching my goals?

KeshiaBeard
KeshiaBeard Posts: 63
in Getting Started
Having just got back from a month long holiday I've been having a difficult time getting back into some kind of routine. Currently, my only focus is on making exercise a habit again, and learning to log every day (I constantly miss out on weekends as I don't go online much then!).

I have a few goals that I want to reach in the next year or so. However, I'm not sure on how/when to set target dates, and how to break down these goals into smaller goals (i.e.start with the most basic aspects of each goal and add to it from there until I acheive that goal)...

My goals in no particular order are:
- Drop 5kg by February 2015
- Incorprate yoga and meditation into every day
- Exercise every single day for 30+ minutes, moderate intensity 5 days a week
- Include a weight training workout 3 days a week
- Come off (and stay off) my anti-depressants
- Take up a new sport this summer (either swimming or rowing at this stage, also I'm in Aus so summer is Dec-Feb)

Ideally I'd be doing all these things now. I'm incredibly impatient and tend to put myself down if I feel like I'm failing at something. Any tips for a self-punishing, perfectionist, depressed but ambitious neat freak?

Replies

  • tweetiejovi
    tweetiejovi Posts: 62 Member
    Tiny steps don't be to hard on yourself, it u do slip don't think that's it for today get back on the horse straight away and remember it takes at least 2months for something to become a habit and u can't change a lifetime overnight.
  • mcpostelle
    mcpostelle Posts: 418 Member
    I am like you. I become impatient and discouraged when I don't see my larger goals become successful. I'm my worst enemy and my biggest stressor. What I've learned is to break down my long term goals. I.e you want to lose 11 lbs (sorry! I'm an American and metric system still confuses me even it is ridiculously simple); so, I would break that down by months. There are 6 months until February so I would divide 11lbs/6=~2 lbs or 5kg/6=~1kg you need to lose per month. That would be my short term goal for each month. I used to set detailed long term goals similar to yours, but I found that I become too discouraged and lack the motivation for it; therefor, the longest term goal I'll set is a month. Otherwise, I stick to weeks and daily goals. This shorter term and higher pressure has helps me immensely. I try not to plan to much and just do it. Don't let your brain or your emotions rule you too much. You need to shut your negative thoughts out and say today is the day I'm going to go to that yoga class. Or instead of sleeping in that extra hour kick yourself out of bed to go lift weights or do that 30 minute exercise. Coming off the antidepressants will come as you work out.

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