'New Day Resolve' versus 'New Years Resolutions'

Can you believe 6 weeks have already passed since 2010 first began?  Many people often make new goals, and set out to be more disciplined in exercise or eating when the New Year begins.  Often, the first week or two, or maybe three go o.k, but then somehow the momentum comes to halt.  The "good fuzzy feeling" you first get when you start out on the journey goes away, and the reality sets in that no matter what the goal, it takes determination and effort to make it a priority and stay with it.  Maybe you've got off track in 2010, or maybe as you read this, you think - I never got on track to begin with!   Well, here's a little note to hopefully encourage you to strive (yes that was a cheesy reference to the new blog name ;-)

In my years of training, I've learned a few secrets that help me accomplish goals and stay on track.  While these suggestions are geared towards physical / exercise type goals, the principals can be carried over to many things.  Here's a few thoughts to consider:

1.   Make your goal a priority.  While I am not a morning person, studies show that those who exercise first thing in the morning are far more likely to remain consistent with it. If you're like me and work shift work (or don't like early mornings), then you will need to be more flexible about when you workout, but you will also need to be that much more "set" on getting your workout done.  I do my workouts at varying times in the day and night, but no matter when it is, the day prior I try and have it set out ahead of time, with high priority, just like a doctors appointment you wouldn't miss. I will also share my plans with my wife in advance.... this brings me to my next point.

2.  Have a partner.  You don't have to physically train with someone, but it helps to share your goals with somebody. Accountability is a great motivator - this is why many people thrive under personal trainers/coaches.  If you can't afford that route (which isn't necessary), at least find someone who will support and encourage you.  I have a few people who I consider my support system, and it helps because they all know what I am up to, and help make training better in their own way.

3.  Have patience.  Don't make huge changes all at once.  Even after years of consistent training there are still times when life gets in the way, and I miss a workout.  I have learned though that 99% of the time, this can be avoided (by adhering to the first 2 points above).  However, when a "miss" happens I don't let it bug me (as much) as it used to.  Instead, I remember the big picture and get back on track asap!

Well, hopefully this gives someone out there a bit of encouragement. If you've been sticking with a goal since 2010 began - keep it going!  We are now in the middle of winter, and in 6 more weeks, it will hopefully start feeling a little warmer and spring will soon be on its way. If you've been discouraged by the winter weather or your own lack of discipline, don't be - let it go and move on - its never too late start!

People always get caught up in New Years Resolutions, but the truth is most of us don't have the ability to focus on anything for a whole year!  Instead, I suggest you adopt a new perspective - New Day Resolve.  Quite simply, it means accepting every day as a new one, with a chance to accomplish your goal that day.  If today was a "flop" and you missed that workout, then guess what - your year is not wrecked; neither is your week for that matter - it was just one day.  Tomorrow is a new day.  Wake up, regain your focus and resolve to accomplish what you intend.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Gotta Strive,
Jon

A New Name!

Wow, has it really been almost 2 months since I last wrote!?  Thats crazy.  I apologize for the lack of updates recently, but the holiday season was a busy one for me and my family.  I had also delayed writing, because I had been trying to think of a new name for my blog, as I felt that "My Quest for Kona" was to narrow of a title.

Well, with a bit of help from some friends, I was finally able to come up with "Gotta Strive."  I liked it, because it captures a big part of who I am (and its got "tri" right in the middle :-)  I can't imagine living without having goals to pursue and pushing myself to my best.  There is just something in me that wants to get out there, give my best and see what I can become.  I love the process of working towards something and seeing the change it can bring.  Do I still want to get to Kona? I sure do, but that can't be the main focus.  There are many things that I can't control that could affect that becoming a reality.  If I do make it there it will only be because I focused on the important things each day that I can control (and of course some good 'race day' execution and fortune).  In the meantime, I must focus on what I can control - executing the workouts every day, eating well, resting well and maintaing that attitude to get the workouts done.  Its pretty simple really - I gotta strive.

It is my hope that with the new name, people who come across this page will be able to connect better with my writings, even if they don't know what Kona is all about, or even triathlon for that matter.  That being said, if you visit often, you'll get to know what its all about, because its what I love to do!

Gotta Strive,
Jon