Keeping it moving

On the road to getting fit, it's very easy to get down and out on yourself for not doing enough, not being good enough, and making mistakes. My last post was super negative, which is fine, because that's how I was feeling at the time. Nothing of high value comes easy, and I do not doubt the amount of work, sacrifice, and time it will take me to achieve my goals. There will be things I need to say "no" to in order to say "yes" to the actions required to achieve my goals. That's just the nature of hard work. You can't have your cake and eat it too (no cake here though, cake is very carby)!

This got me thinking about my goals. I had defined some broad ones at the beginning of my journey, in my first post:

1. Find beauty in physical strength
2. Be in the best health possible
3. Actually feel 25 with my body
4. Improve perception of self, both inside and out
5. Explore what other areas are affected by these changes

But let's be honest - none of these are very concrete. Don't get me wrong, they're quite inspirational. But they are not a tangible way to measure progress.

I drew some inspiration from an old friend, actually one of the first people I ever really worked-out with when I was 14-15. He's an amazing example of setting goals, hard work, and dedication, and I am very proud of what he has accomplished. A recent article he wrote helped set me straight. He talks about how getting down on yourself for only giving 60% instead of 100% is not under-performing. It's something to expect time to time. This helped me understand that being hard on myself will not move progress forward, but probably get into my head and make me feel worse.

He also mentions writing down your goals and what you’re willing to lose to achieve them. It's something to reference when the going gets tough and to keep yourself in check if you become consumed by your goal.

This got me to brainstorming some measurable goals:

• Participating in the Tough Mudder on August 15th (possibly finishing?)
• Being able to run a mile unbroken by September 2015
• CrossFit: being able to deadlift 150 lbs and being able to successfully pull myself up on gymnast rings by the end of the year 
• Breaking a gender stereotype / shocking someone (this one is not as tangible, but when it happens, I'll know)

What I'm willing to give up to achieve these:

• Time: 1-2 hours a day
• Partying / Excessive Drinking
• Social events (within reason, when they prevent my work-out / healthy living)
• Extra sleep: getting up early when necessary, mostly a weekend thing
• Indulgence: extra servings, cravings, poor diet choices 

I'm ready to stay committed to these goals and continue this journey. But I wish I had something more to show for myself. I know I said weight wasn't important to me in the beginning (and it's still not), but I do not understand how someone goes from a sedentary lifestyle to exercising 6+ times a week over 4 months, and does not lose a single pound. It baffles me. Is my diet really that bad? I think I eat so much better than the average person. 

Mystery left to be solved...

(Enjoying vegetables and fruits from my local CSA crop-share!)