I have always had the problem of wanting to do too many things. And the fact that I love to start things and not finish them. This deadly combination has left me dabbling in a number of different areas and consistently flitting from activity to activity, never staying long enough to achieve my true potential in anything. Piano. Languages. Writing. Running. Pilates. Drawing. Public speaking. These are just a few of the things I’ve tried over the years.
I’ve decided I’ve had it with that mentality. I want to really focus on something I care about and want to become better at, and really focus on that one thing to the exclusion of everything else but the essentials (work, sleep, etc.).
I’ve decided that this one thing, for now, is exercise and fitness.
I’ve gone in and out of being active, and over the past five years since joining cubicle land post-college, I have become particularly inactive and feel the unhealthiest that I ever have been. I’ve definitely made progress (I ran my first 10K a few weeks ago!) but I’m not in the shape I want to be in. I know I want exercise and fitness to be a top priority for me, but based on how much time I’m devoting to it, it’s not.
So I’m getting back to the basics and once again, really trying to cut everything else out so I can simplify to the most important projects. I have been working out regularly the past few weeks, and my goal is to be active six days per week. This morning I was particularly tired and grumpy, so I skipped my morning run and walked the two miles to work, which was wonderful. Having those 40 minutes to myself and knowing that I’m being active is a great feeling. Knowing that this is the ONE thing I really have to accomplish every day helps to push me to do it even when I feel like snuggling down in bed and ignoring the voice of motivation in my head.
What is the one thing you really want to accomplish right now? How are you reaching that goal?
Kara
June 23, 2010 at 7:13 pm (14 years ago)Good for you, Marie. I need to get back to the gym too. I'm not much into running anymore bc I think it's too hard on the joints and will create long-term problems in the future. I'm getting on the elliptical machine today. Thanks for being an inspiration.
Marie
June 23, 2010 at 11:59 am (14 years ago)You are an inspiration to me too Kara! Thank you for being my partner in crime on the fitness front. I know a lot of people have joint problems while running. I have studied Chi Running casually for the past year or so, and by implementing just a few of the techniques there I have been able to run with hardly any joint pain. It has been a good solution for me, though I know you often run longer distances than I can handle right now. I hope the elliptical works well for you – you’ll have to tell me how it goes!