Monday, January 10, 2011

Changes

Over the last 6 months I’ve come to a few realizations about myself.

I’ve realised that for me - simply WANTING to lose bodyfat is not enough

Going through the motions is not enough

Halfhearted planning is not enough

Having a vague general idea of what I want to achieve is not enough

Doing it SOME OF THE TIME is not enough

Over the last 6 months I’ve started and stopped my fitness endeavours a number of times, never quite getting anywhere. Or taking two steps forward, only to take two steps back a few weeks later. Getting frustrated, and making excuses, then feeling like a failure.

Not having a plan of attack doesn’t work for me. I’m no good at just “winging it”.

Actually that’s probably not quite true – when I was fit, when I was working out every day (and intensely) and keeping my nutrition pretty clean apart from a couple of free meals each week, I WAS good at just "winging it". I think I had my metabolism in a really good place for a few years there, I had a little muscle, and I was able to experiment with things here and there – enjoy a few glasses of wine each week, and be able to maintain and feel happy with myself.

The trouble is, for some reason I thought I could just start doing that again (after a year and a half of NOT doing that, during pregnancy and beyond). And unfortunately, the old bod isn’t what it used to be!

So I’ve decided I need to get right back to basics and do a 12 week challenge. I’ve been working on a few things – the first thing being my headspace. Like a lot of us, I have some self-sabotage issues that I am currently addressing. I have some negative self-talk that I am addressing.

I have started using a goal/inspiration workbook again, and I’m in the process of creating an inspiration poster (which will be situated on the wall right beside my computer in the study – seeing as I spend so much time here!). I have motivational quotes stuck around the house in key locations (on the fridge and inside the pantry door works for me!) I have my goals written down where I can read them every day. I have had hubby take some ‘before’ photos, and done my stats and measurements, and will be keeping track of them regularly in my inspiration workbook. I have a plan of attack, and it feels good.

This is what I did when I first started out on my fitness journey, and it’s the best way I know to keep me focused on my goals. Today is day 1 and I’m feeling positive and inspired! Here's to an awesome start to 2011!

11 comments:

Kristy said...

All the best Hilary... I still don't know what I should do to get to where I want to be... If I could find a vegetarian / vegan 12 week paid challenge I would do it... It would hopefully teach me how to cook and eat for one, whilst losing weight.

EML509 said...

Good luck Hilary, will be following your journey!

Nicole said...

OMG everything you have said sounds very similar to me. Stop, start, backwards, forwards and all that - very frustrating! Good luck with your challenge - I look forward to following your journey :) Nicole xx

Magda said...

Yep I agree. Its planning and consistent effort and some sacrifices that get results. Maintenance can be more relaxed as you have experienced. I'm with you Hilary. Its time to suck it up and do it :-)

XX Magda

Kerry W said...

Great to hear Hilary! You've been down this road before, and like yourself, I find that I tend to flounder without some definite plan of attack.

For some reason, 'quantifying' your goals and setting out specifics, motivates you to get and stay focused. I'm sure once you start, you'll easily get back into that frame of mind, which gave you your initial success when you did your very first program!

GO FOR IT! :)

Unknown said...

Good for you Hilary and good luck! Pregnancy and motherhood does strange things to the body and mind. I used to play lots of squash before I had kids. When I got back to it , it took me a whole year to find my mojo and fitness!! I'm looking at doing a challenge at my gym- just not sure I've got the staying power!!!

Judes said...

I love it! We're on program together :)

WOOO! You're gonna kick butt ox

Pip said...

Awesome post Hilary! You can and will do this, I will be checking up every now and then haha!

I need to do the same, - urgh, I have lots I need to do between now and triathlon on 3 April and Gold Coast half marathon on 3 July! If you are in Brisbane or nearby early July I'd love to catch up again if possible. I will talk closer to the time!

Hope you are surviving the horrendous sounding floods by the way :-)

Pip

Pip said...

Awesome post Hilary! You can and will do this, I will be checking up every now and then haha!

I need to do the same, - urgh, I have lots I need to do between now and triathlon on 3 April and Gold Coast half marathon on 3 July! If you are in Brisbane or nearby early July I'd love to catch up again if possible. I will talk closer to the time!

Hope you are surviving the horrendous sounding floods by the way :-)

Pip

Hilds said...

You'll do great Hilary! I know that it helps having a plan and I need structure if I want to achieve anything. I've started my 12 week post baby challenge today as well and am determined to get back to feeling amazing. Can't wait to follow your journey.

Miss Positive said...

Thanks Kristy - maybe there is something like that out there? Hope you find it!

Thanks Kelly!

Its very frustrating isn't it Nicole? I'm so sick of the merry-go-round, time to just do it this time!

Yep Magda - its silly isn't it, because we KNOW what to do! Its the sacrifices bit that causes me to come unstuck lately - but not this time :)

Thanks Kerry - you are so right, and I feel so much more focused now that I have these goals set out in front of me.

I totally agree Linda- motherhood suddenly changes your priorities and it can be hard to find that same motivation again. It seems to take a lot more work anyway!

Haha Jude - sure will!

Pip I'd love to catch up again when you're over this way - let me know when its closer to the time :)

Thanks Hilds - I'll be following your journey too, motherhood makes it a little more complicated but we will get there!