The No Excuses Project: Finding the strength to climb mountains

August 4, 2010

Excuses come easy for things that are a means rather than a goal.  That’s where truly being fit falls for me – I basically couldn’t care less. Until it means not being able to get to that mountain side where rumor has it rare gems still hide deep in the earth. Then I really care! So how to keep that in focus on an average day when all other priorities seem higher?

The first thing is to combine it with other projects from the obvious (losing weight) to the less obvious like treasure hunting. It’s a little like parking at the far end of the lot to get more walking in, not a huge deal but it adds up.

The second thing is to up the effort of working out (more inclines, and the like) and lastly to spend one day a month (the whole day) out doing real exertion from hiking to whatever – pack a lunch and plan to sweat.

The hardest part is simply to fit this in with everything else – getting rid of excuses doesn’t magically create more time in the day. It just means you don’t waste what you have.

Believe it or not – this post concludes the year. Next week I’ll do some wrapping up and reflecting on what I’ve learned.
Holding myself accountable

The garden – I could wish it looked a little better but basically things are on track
The house projects  – progressing slowly but also in the works
Chores – doing better
Treasure hunting – amazing what you can do by mail these days.  Making definite progress
Travel – trip all booked for a week in San Diego; that will probably be it for this year.
Friends and family – a little behind in email but otherwise on track
Romance – doing a little more inner work in that area and feeling good about it
Writing – a bit behind here
Photography – progress on getting things out and researching more opportunities
Jewelry – an off week except for identifying next steps
Losing weight – a much better week for exercise and hey, the jeans are fitting better already
Medical – off the dentist for that crown this week (next doctor after that’s all concluded)

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The No Excuses Project: Getting fit

July 28, 2010

It might seem like the goal of getting fit is the same as losing weight and I suppose they can go hand in hand. But there are plenty of skinny people out there that can’t make it up a steep hill and that’s what makes it distinct.

Not being skinny can even serve as an excuse for getting to this later. Unfortunately it’s not something that can be achieved sporadically – lifting weights or going on a hike once every two months will not get you a cumulative result. Without a doubt, I don’t have time and I’ll get to it later have been my favorite excuses for not making an effort. And yet as goals go this one plays into so many of the others from travel and treasure hunting to photography (got to get up that mountain!)

Next week: The steps to make it happen
Holding myself accountable:

Treasure hunting: more research and concrete plans for San Diego
Travel: on track for a week exploring San Diego in September
Writing: no action this week but clear steps outlined for the next few months
Photography: research and submission for a multi-leg competition (I guess finding these things a week before the deadline beats a week after)
Jewelry: a quiet week except for planning next steps
House projects: a week off to recover before tackling the closet again
Garden: keeping up with the plan
Losing weight: finally making some strides to forging a  new exercise routine
Friends and family: on track for making time to socialize
Romance: made some changes to my environment with more to do

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Focus on photography

July 23, 2010

This week I decided to give the bulk of my available attention over to photography and let the other areas take a rest. So I’ve been taking pictures, editing pictures, and practicing marketing lessons. There’s a competition deadline coming up this weekend that will make it an even higher priority but may just yield some long term results.

Along with that, there’s a laundry list of everyday life – house projects, cleaning, gardening, all  of which need attention. It can seem like no progress is being made but looking back at where things were even a year ago I can see huge results.  I’m still feeling a little unfocused though so time for more lists and priority setting!  All in all it feels like things are moving along, even if it’s sporadically.

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