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)

Technorati Tags: common excuses, getting things done

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

Technorati Tags: excuses, getting things done

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.

Like most homeowners I’ve got a list of things that need doing that never seems to get shorter. It’s not hard to come up with an excuse as to why sitting down with a book is more urgent than painting the airless unfinished closet (left over from 1950). That’s on top of all the other little things that come up and need attention. Sooo… while it will never be as efficient as a 30 minute home improvement tv segment, here’s my basic plan going forward:

1) make a list of everything that needs time and attention for each room during spring cleaning (when you notice that the latch isn’t catching right or the trim needs repainting

2) Get one major project done a year (this year it’s that dreadful closet) by breaking it into smaller steps that can be done each week – research, trip to the hardware store (or two or three) priming, etc.

3) take care of the small stuff room by room and as the budget allows

It may not seem like much but gradually things get done and looking the way I want them with the excuses staying in the background

Next week: Getting in shape – different from losing weight and the last topic!

Holding myself accountable

• Garden – hanging in there but the snails maybe getting the upper hand
• Jewelry – on hiatus for the week
• Photography – ramped up again and working hard on getting exposure (the marketing kind)
• Writing – small steps on the current project
• Losing weight – have got to find the time for more exercise (not exactly news)
• Check-ups – see me after the dental crown in August
• Chores – it comes and goes but ok for the moment
• Family & Friends – a veritable social whirl last week, now for some downtime
• Romance – back to researching social activities I actually want to participate in
• Travel – decided that the lure of beaches and gemstones is taking higher priority than people:-)
• Treasure hunting – got out the maps for local gem hunting – not a lot to work with but that just means less competition

Technorati Tags: diy, excuses, home projects

There’s something very satisfying about balance.  It’s been a week of small steps in all directions. Sometimes those steps have simply been getting updates that things are still pending but that still feels like progress. I’m getting focused on some of the smaller writing projects and trying to get those done along with getting some time in with friends.

I also had to make a decision to truly follow my intuition when the people around me were advising me not to. It can be hard to go against conventional wisdom but I’m proud of myself for not only listening but actually following my heart.   I just wish it could have been for doing something instead of not doing something because I’m left feeling a sense of lack instead of abundance.

Even though it’s July I’m starting to think about next summer and really making a move then to do some art shows – it will take me that long to figure out which ones and get everything ready. I think I’m getting to the point where that sounds like fun.

I’m continuing to build my marketing skills although that’s clearly not something I was born knowing. In a way that makes it a little more fun – a challenge to see if I can grasp enough to really make a difference. That’s on the agenda for this weekend along with painting a closet and editing photographs, not to mention a little Shakespeare!