I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.
~ Jimmy Dean ~
I don't want to short change my 30's the way I did my 20's. I spent so much time hiding from the world that I didn't live. Oh, I existed, but who wants to exist in a world with little laughter, even less fun, and no adventure? Not me, not any more! I'm done.
I told a friend on May 17 that I want to have a huge reveal/birthday party on my 35th birthday. However, it wasn't what I meant. I have been lying about my age since I was sixteen so it completely slipped my mind that I'm not half way to 34. (According to my birth certificate, I was born in 1978, which makes me 32 at the moment, right?) So I adjusted my goal. My birthday is October 17 and I never miss seeing 10:17 on a digital clock somewhere. Since the number 17 seems to be a special one for me, why fix a good thing?
One of my high school students used to tell his classes:
Keep
It
Simple
Stupid
Sounds a little harsh when you hear it in passing, but he was dealing with teenagers. I'm sure he wanted to say far worse things as time went on. And it has always stick in my mind as a personal philosophy. Adults tend to make things that are really rather simple very difficult.
I attended a seminar a couple years ago where the speaker said something that caught my attention. Who knows, maybe it's the acronym that seems to make sense. Whatever the reason, since I heard it, I've tried to set my goals using two methods: SMART goals sealed with a KISS.
What's a SMART goal?
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely
A goal without a plan is just a wish ~Larry Elder ~
My first SMART goal sealed with a KISS is my big goal:
Get down to a healthy weight by October 17, 2012.
I have a specific number in mind, but right now it's just too embarrassing to post in the blog. It's also completely overwhelming. So I've got to break it down into smaller SMART goals. Should I do weekly, monthly or quarterly goals? I might do all three. All I know at the moment is that I have to form a game plan in order to succeed.
I want to lose my weight the right way. I don't want to do a quick drop so that I gain it all back, plus some. Seventeen months to learn, apply, and achieve my goals. Maybe I'll finish early, but I WILL finish by then. I have plans for my life. Things I want to do, places I want to go, people I want to talk to.
I've felt sorry for myself for too long. I've made myself a victim of a situation I have the power to control if I just grab a hold of the reins and don't let go.
I'm working on mini challenges for myself to get through each week. And although I don't have a clue what the rewards will be for completing the tasks, I can't wait to get started.
I'm open to ideas. Any suggestions for challenges: Physical, mental, emotional? What about rewards?
