Talane’s Blog of the Week, August 14, 2006

On the importance of a structure for support….

In my last blog, I mentioned there are two key things that keep people from reaching their goals: (1) choosing the wrong goal in the first place; and (2) lacking a sufficient structure for support to reach the goal. We’ve talked about how to choose the right goal. This week, I’ll address the structure for support.

One of my goals is to increase my fitness, strength and flexibility. Since moving into our new home in a different neighborhood, I had gotten out of the habit of exercising. In fact, I wasn’t even doing my daily walks anymore as our day care nanny started picking up the baby and bringing her back home in the evening. Great service, but it wasn’t helping my figure! Rather than beat myself up about my lack of willpower, I simply took a few steps to install a strong structure for support. I joined a local health club within walking distance of my home (one thing I’ve learned is that if it isn’t close, it isn’t happening!). I signed up for two weeks of yoga and stretch classes, prepaid, and wrote them into my daily planner. I told the nanny I’d pick up my daughter in the evenings, which guarantees me a 20-minute walk uphill three times a week. Problem solved. Just two weeks later, my body feels fitter and I feel terrific!

Yesterday in the part of yoga class where we lie flat on the floor and relax, I was overcome with a feeling of immense gratitude for my body. This is new for me as I usually just notice the extra pounds, flabby thighs, etc. I am starting my fifth month of pregnancy and have just turned 41. Instead of noticing my imperfections, I was profoundly aware of how great I feel and how magnificent my body is. Tears of joy rolled down my face.

If you aren’t reaching your goals and you’re sure you’ve picked the right ones in the first place, don’t waste another minute beating yourself up. Look at what sort of support you need to effortlessly achieve your objectives and put it in place now.

All the best,
Talane