I once had a director who was a frequent smoker. Even though she knew she should quit for her health, the main reason she "had to" quit was because the facility we worked in - including the grounds surrounding it - was going to become smoke free. The employees (and community) were given months and months to prepare for this and be aware of it, and I knew she would have to take steps to quit.
One way she did this was by setting a "quit" date. I can't remember what month it was that she told me this, but I remember her quit date was June 1. I have a feeling it may have been in April when she set it. That may seem like a long time to "mentally prepare"...but for her, it's what she needed.
And I'm not sure what it is about having a start date, but the same works for me when I'm trying to lose weight or make better choices (quit soda, quit fast food, etc...start working out...whatever it may be). It's not that I over indulge before the start date, but I guess there is just something to it for me...knowing I can have one last McD's cheeseburger or one last Pizza Hut trip.
For me, I have to start on a Monday OR the 1st of the month OR both. Since I've had a few rough weeks lately (added stressors from different things that have come up) I knew I needed to get back on track. So on Monday, March 1st, I set some new goals for myself. And that just happened to be the day that Kim and I ran 1.5 miles for the first time. May I add...we ran 2 miles this morning! Love ya, Kim!
So pick a date. Give yourself a week of "whatever" if you need to and then buckle down on a Monday and start anew.
4 comments:
It is good that you have the will power to set a date for starting something or quitting something. I am so the opposite, I have to quit on a dime or I will keep putting it off. Like drinking, when I stopped drinking last year I kept saying I will do it here and then, but I had to just eventually quit cold turkey. Nice work and get ready for that run. Is the husband running with you in the 5k?
Wow good for you! 2 miles? That is awesome! I think I would need a year to mentally prepare for that. :)
You've made a great start!
I also read a method for losing weight, which is to alternate days - one day you diet strictly, the next you don't have to. Apparently, most people are unwilling to undo all the good of the day before, so although they might have a small treat, they don't go too overboard. I've never tried it, though!
I'm the exact same way about having to start something on Monday. I was working out but haven't in a few weeks because of one thing after another. I can't start today bc it isn't Monday!
Post a Comment