So, we have settled into February, how are you all doing with your New Year’s Resolutions? If you find it hard to stay motivated, know that it is OK to step back and regroup. Start again differently with a your unique motivator in your mind’s eye.
My eldest son came for dinner last night. Alex is not the chatty one around me , yet last night we touched on a number of topics: his work; the weather; Canada-US politics; the rebuilding of the Canucks; relationships (other people’s) and resolutions.
My son chose to work in a field that remunerates in commission only. Tough, given the economic times. I marvel at his dedication. He revealed with a sheepish smile that the good work that he did last fall will come to fruition by spring. And, he is keen to build on that success. Like many young men and women, he is focused on achieving his goals.
My son is also looking fit. A keen hockey player in his youth (arenas at 6:00am were familiar to me), he struggled to stay fit after hockey. Gym workouts were not enjoyable and beer league hockey was fun but did not keep him in shape.
For a few years now, Alex has embraced Cross Fit (strength, endurance and conditioning program). He attends this group program 3 – 4 times per week. If he is away, he gets right back at it upon his return. The routine is entrenched into his weekly schedule. He usually goes after work – a great stress reliever.
My son has discovered an activity that will work for him and his busy schedule. He sees where he wants to be with his fitness level. The Cross Fit program gives him the challenge to measure his success. He made this commitment a few years ago on his birthday and he stuck to it. I notice that his interest in Cross Fit gives him the confidence to manage his work and his life with more efficiency and more happiness. Looking back a few years, it was an amazing transformation to watch him go through.
My son keeps his “Eye on the Prize”, the prize being his future self as he evolves in life and his career. It is Vision-to-Action thinking. He sees how he wants to be and commits to that vision. He found a program that works for him – one that is challenging, measures his success and has support made up of like-minded people.
In terms of resolutions, we must understand how we want to transform ourselves so that we can understand the steps that we need to take. Falling down means that we get up again, regroup, correct and do it again. It is part of the process towards transformation. You do not need to wait until next January to get back in the saddle.
Photo courtesy: Frank Balsinger
