In the last three weeks, I had major projects I was working on between work and church. And true to the person I'm trying to transform from, I let those projects become priority over me. So, in the last three weeks, I have only been to the gym twice. I didn't overeat but I sure had some things that I had previously given up (chocolate cookies from Zoe's).
What has this taught me? I HAVE A WHOLE LOT MORE WORK TO DO. I haven't stepped on the scale because I'm too scared to see if my setback has carried over into my numbers. I can say this though, I haven't become discouraged or lost my motivation, which says a lot for where I have come from.
One thing that has sparked me to get back on my routine this week is a book I'm reading, "Successful Women Think Differently" by Valorie Burton. Instead of chapters, the book is broken down by habits. This week, I was reading Habit 4: Build Your Muscle of Self-Control.
In reading this chapter, I learned two things about myself or maybe I should say I accepted two things about myself (because I was aware of these things but hadn't accepted them enough to make a change) I lack discipline and self-control when it comes to my journey of healthy living.
Are you asking, "LaWanda, aren't those the same thing?" Let's see....
According to the author, Discipline is consistency in addition to perseverance. It is about setting a goal and sticking with it repeatedly through obstacles and setbacks, disappointments and frustrations. It is the ability to take specific action day in and day out- and it ultimately leads to the results you are hoping for.
Self-Control is the ability in the heat of the moment to resist temptation or embrace that which will move you in the right direction.
In the last three weeks, I lacked both. I didn't persevere through the obstacles I faced to make myself get up and go to the gym and I didn't practice self-control when I ate high carb items and sweets when I'm trying to fight having diabetes. This is just me being HONEST with myself.
OK, now that I'm being honest with myself, how do I fix it? MORE ACCOUNTABILITY I'm asking all of you, my family, friends and strangers to HOLD ME ACCOUNTABLE. When you haven't seen a blog post from me in a week, CALL ME OUT! If you see me eating or drinking something I shouldn't, CALL ME OUT! And if you're curious if I've been working out like I should, CALL ME OUT!
The purpose of this blog is for me to be held to a higher accountability than I can hold myself. As much as I would like to say, "I did this on my own", I CAN'T. I NEED YOUR HELP....
The below key points out of Burton's book spoke tons to me, so I'm going to share them with you:
- Success is a harmony of service, happiness, and achievement. Goal setting falls in the achievement category. Happily successful women set inspired goals and move toward them. Happily successful women don't set goals, write them down, and then stuff them in a drawer. They get busy taking action that will bring the goals to pass.
- You'll know an inspired goal by whether you feel led by it rather than dragged by it.
- Without purpose or passion, it is difficult to persevere.
- When you are inspired, your motivation comes from within. You see the purpose behind your goal and that purpose fuels perseverance and passion.
- Be proactive about partnering with others. Not only does it give you accountability, but you learn from one another, encourage one another, and celebrate together.
- Expect a challenge and determine to keep pressing forward.
- Remember there is often more to learn from failure than success, so when your journey to the goal line meets a hurdle, don't stop. JUMP! Keep pressing on. The finish line lies just ahead.
