Even with some states beginning their opening process, it’s become very evident that us DC-area folks aren’t going anywhere for a while. I’ve gone through all the stages of grief for my old life, and am now (finally) in the stages of acceptance for the current reality, still excited for things to go back to normal-ish, but also realizing that that probably won’t be happening for a while and there’s nothing I can do about it.
For a while, I used pandemic life as an excuse to be painfully lazy.
I still did my job but working out, eating healthy and just general self-discipline went completely out the window. I thought it was all going to be over much sooner than it is, and my little retreat of sorts was going to go back to my type-a life with morning OTF, working, writing, tutoring, smoothie making, and healthy dinners that made me feel like a million bucks.
Even though I’ve come to a place of acceptance, that does not mean that I don’t want my old life back.
Today is a list of ways to still be goal-oriented. I know these times are hard, but we (I) can’t keep living like the lazy slug I’ve become!
Tell your friends what goals you’re striving for.
I would be lying if I didn’t admit that this was part of the reason for this post. I need the accountability, friends, so I’m telling you that I’m turning over a new leaf this week and hope you’ll join me!
I’m also in a “squat challenge” with two friends and our group texts have been soooo motivating. If you’re working toward something, tell people about it and ask if they’ll be your accountability partner.
Write. It. Down. (and make your goals measurable)
You’ve seen my trusty little white board before, and I thought it was definitely time to dust her off. As you can see, my goals this week focus on my blog and fitness. Also, if you don’t know what Side Hustle Spotlight is, you will soon. If anyone wants to be interviewed for it, please send me an email!
Writing down goals is SO important. Not only does the act of writing it down help you to commit to it, but seeing it daily is key.
One important aspect of goal-setting, though, is making goals measurable. You can have a goal of “be more healthy this week,” but what does that really mean? OK, you had quinoa instead of a Snickers bar one time.. Is that healthy? Yes. If you only do that, is it really going to make a difference in your health journey? Nope! Make your goals things that you can count and/or measure :).
Plan ahead!
One thing I did not include on my white board was anything food related because that goes in the My Fitness Pal app. I’ve been doing FASTer Way to Fat Loss on and off since November and am going to go strong this week. (Psst, if you are curious, I wrote a whole post about it here.) Anyway, another goal for me is eating healthfully this week, so I planned all of my meals for Monday-Wednesday. Since I have a friend who just started Optavia and her “lean and green” meal is similar to a low carb meal I have for FASTer Way, I invited her over for a socially-distanced dinner. Not only did I enjoy my meal with a friend, but I also stuck to my plan because it worked with hers too.
Get creative.
Not going to lie–I’m still lamenting over the fact that I can’t go to Orangetheory. I’m not a fan of running outside and haven’t been able to get that big rush I get after an OTF class since I left back in early March. So, rather than complaining about it any more, I decided to dust off my old P90X DVDs, put on my OTF heart rate monitor and give it a whirl. Spoiler alert- P90X is NO JOKE. Phewwww.
Reward yourself when you meet your goals.
It is super motivating to give yourself something to work toward. Last weekend, we went horseback riding out in the Shenandoah Valley. This weekend if I stick to everything I promised myself, we’re going to hit up some wineries (THIS is my favorite) that are open for outdoor wine drinking. If I miss my goals, that’s OK, but I won’t treat myself to some outdoor vino.. And Lord knows I want some outdoor vino.
Are you having a tough time sticking to goals and staying motivated? Did I miss any tips? I would love to know what you’re doing to stay in the game! Have a great Tuesday, friends!
