Conspiring For My Success? Phase IV Preparations ...

Hello, ex-Couch Potato here.  I'm fighting my natural tendency to shun all things exercise.  Part of preparing for my new year's resolution (embracing regular exercise), is getting my mind in its proper place.  Where the mind goes, the body follows.  So, I'm taking this last week of the Phase III challenge (SSDDDY) to also prepare properly for next week.  Part of that preparation is to take an objective look at my attitude, and make some healthy changes, and healthier choices.

It all comes down to choices, after all.  String enough good choices together, and we get improvement.  Don't, and we go nowhere - fast.

So, my self-assessment was not too pretty.  I've caught myself slipping into that self-destructive mindset of "enjoying this last week" of relaxation, before the real work begins.  That's lazy (or crazy) thought for "I don't want to change.  I just want the results without the effort."  Wah, wah, wah ....

That IS crazy-thought.  I can't have positive results without positive change, after all.  Yet, here I sit, thinking up a big-person's common excuse of "I'll do it later, better get in the good stuff while I can."  That is a losing mindset, and I won't have it anylonger.

Then, as if nature itself is conspiring for my success, this upcoming weekend is going to be GORGEOUS ... just perfect for outdoor exercise (aka, walking).  The "it is too cold" excuse door has been slammed shut for me.  Heck, it is even being slammed shut for the Northeasterners - because all that snowfall will be melted like magic over the next few days. 

No couch-potato-ways in the days leading up to the new year! 

I am going to end this year on a positive note, with healthy changes and increased efforts.  Why wait until next year?  The calendar flip excuse is only delaying health.  I can be reactive or proactive ... proactive gets to the goal line.  Reactive gets, at best, treading water.  Delaying things (diet, exercise, etc.) is a fat person's fall-back position.  I've used the "I'll start on Monday" tactic before.  It just doesn't get me to the results I want.

Which am I going to be?  Proactive in adapting changes to improve my health and well-being?  Or reactive, in putting forth partial effort for so-so results?  Please, the answer is obvious!  This is hard work, and I don't want to revisit territory twice.  Let's get it done already! 

THIS IS THE YEAR.  This is the week.  Today is the day! 

I bought new walking shoes, which I will break in this week, wearing them around the house, etc.  And I also bought a better all-weather jacket, for walking outdoors.  I'm taking away excuses, you see.  I am preparing myself for success.  How many people prepare themselves for failure?  Or put another way, fail to prepare for success?  I have, in the past. 

Now?  I'm eliminating those larger clothing sizes from my closet.  I used to be afraid to go there (because I may need them again) -- See?  That is preparing for failure. 

And just today, I found myself thinking (albeit, momenarily), "I better enjoy this week of doing nothing while I can.  I deserve it, after all."  Scary.  I deserve to respect myself enough to do what I need to, in order to get healthy.  Don't we all deserve a fit life?  A LONG fit life? 

So, the ice is melting, the roads are already mostly dry, and it is obvious that nature is conspiring for my success, and I need to get on board and conspire for my own success too.  I am still a very big gal, so I know not to expect athlete performances right out of the gate.  Slow and steady progress, a can-do (WILL-do) attitude, and a rock-solid committment to improving my health  will be the foundation of a wonderful 2011. 

Preparations are starting now.  I'm getting ready.  I'm excited, because I know I am taking another step closer to having one of my healthiest years ever!  I did well in the 5.5 months I worked it in 2010, so it will be FUN to see what I can do with 12 full months of the 2011 calendar.  Persistence, not perfection, but a solid and straightforward effort.  I'm all over this ...