Check-In

It seems like just yesterday that I decided to give up some of my favorite things: sweets and baked goods. Even writing the words are hard because I miss my cookies, cakes, and strawberry cream pies oh so much. Its been difficult at times, especially when everyone else (read: Paige) drinking sodas, juices and eating the things that I love. But, eating “clean” has proven to me that its not impossible. I’ve slipped a few times and caved into the temptation of the Mr. Softee truck but for the most part I’ve kept up that part of the bargain.

 I’ve learned that complete deprivation is worse than overindulging at times because when you refuse to cut yourself some slack you spend each and every second of the day obsessing over what you can and cannot eat, which is no fun at all. Going forward, I will stick to my thirty day no-sugar commitment and when my thirty days are up, I will make the decision to give myself one dessert each week.

 On the other hand, the working out consistently part of the challenge has fizzled out. I’ve decided to suck it up and join a gym before I restart this part next month. The short-term investment is nothing compared to the progress. I hope to make in a more structured and professional environment. Spending the money each month will encourage me to take advantage of all the gym has to offer and the fact that its barely a block away from my house will make my commitment even more possible.

I read something or another online that mentioned a system of goal making that is both useful and fun. It used the acronym

 SMART: 

 Significant 

Meaningful 

Attainable 

Relevant 

Time Constrained 

By adjusting my goals to fit this model, I feel that I will actually be able to accomplish something positive and long-lasting.

 -Penn