We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

- Aristotle

Repetition of a bad habit can ensure unmatched mastery of that habit, but that's probably not the desired result.

During Lent children would reluctantly give up gum, candy, ice cream or soda. Come Easter, they would make a beeline for the goodies they had felt deprived of. Yes they had survived the sacrifice, but truly looked forward to going back to what was.
This is why diets do not work, we go back to the old. Back to what we miss, not really looking for change. This is why I am stuck... I have gone back to old habits.

Cultivating new habits requires patience, repetition and the will to change. Do not quit halfway through due to frustration. It can be done. Persevere and push through. The action has to be repeated over and over again for it to be stored in our subconscious mind and becomes natural.

Since joining SparkPeople, I have been able to change many habits, I still have far to go, but I am much better off than I was before I came to SparkPeople. I am more aware of what I am doing.

Being Mindful.
I choose my actions.

Do you consciously choose what you do every day, or you allow your circumstances to control you?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BIGLITTLEWOMAN 2/17/2010 8:48PM

You have said this so wonderfully well. Excellent blog NANCY. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRIGFROST 2/17/2010 5:34PM

Heard this before...glad you shared it again... Comment edited on: 2/17/2010 5:35:05 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

STARLASUE 2/17/2010 5:00PM

Oh Nancy - this is one of my favorite quotes. I actually blogged about it on another site. Maybe I'll post it in my blog space here too. Great Blog. Bright Blessings Sue Report Inappropriate Comment

KO1215 2/17/2010 4:46PM

Nancy- this is a great blog. And so true! I feel the same way. Thanks for giving me something to think about! Keri Report Inappropriate Comment

EARTHSEAME 2/17/2010 4:45PM

A very thought-provoking and inspiring blog post! Report Inappropriate Comment

ID_VANDAL 2/17/2010 3:59PM

Exactly right. That is precisely why diets don't work. As soon as we are done we go right back to what made us fat in the first place. Your analogy is spot on and that is EXACTLY why I am stuck! That's why I love this site. It encourages a new lifestyle not a "diet" You made the point very well and it's a great reminder for all of us! Vandal Report Inappropriate Comment

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Mardi Gras makes me think of excess. Feast before the fast. It does not have to be so. Celebrations can be done in moderation. Besides you can watch others make a fool of themselves and be glad it is not you. I do not mean to be harsh or cruel, but I have been to Bourbon Street and college frat parties.... they are not a pretty sight late at night. Over indulgence has a price that must be paid. It is a price that I do not want to pay.

So for today I will don my beads for my walk, festive, no?

Things are going well. My reward for doing The Spark "28 Days to a New You" is a Non-Stick Hard Anodized Green Gourmet 12" Skillet. A skillet you say? Yes, A skillet. Having good tools will make it easier to prepare healthy meals. This skillet is used by a vegan chef. He has a wonderful restaurant, if the pan is good enough for him... well then. I have been missing having a non-stick skillet for years since the scare and have not gotten a replacement. So now is the time.

I have discovered that my goal of getting healthy does not get in the way of having fun. Getting healthy can be FUN.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FREELADY 2/16/2010 5:31PM

Your insights always give me some good thoughts to chew on. Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGLITTLEWOMAN 2/16/2010 1:49PM

Good job planning your response to a sabotaging situation. Report Inappropriate Comment

ID_VANDAL 2/16/2010 10:17AM

Good for you and what a great reward for yourself! I'm just getting to that 28 day challenge in the book so I don't know if I'll do it or not since I have re-committed to Becks. They probably aren't mutually exclusive but better to do one the right way that two and not do either one completly. You are so right about the parties. I'm afraid I've done way too many and now I'm paying for it. Although I have to admit I had some really good times!! However I am so glad those days are behind me because I also had some experiences that are better off forgotten! Anyway - you are so in the grove it's just fun to come and read how you're doing. Keep it up!! Vandal Comment edited on: 2/16/2010 10:18:47 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

Lifestyle Change

Monday, February 15, 2010

Chapter 8: Week 3
Action Steps

Step 1: Continue with Spark Time.
Making time for me. This is getting easier as my mindset is changing. I need to take the time to care for me.

Step 2: Review goals for Motivation:
Reviewing my goals helps keep me focused.

Step 3: Choose at least one motivational technique and incorporate it into your week:
Giving myself credit. I've been inspired by the athletes watching the interviews versus their performance. What struck me in an interview that aired on 2/13 was what Apolo Ohno essentially said:

-It is a personal goal that at the end of the day I asked myself, did I do everything I could have to be the best today? It’s not always easy to answer yes everyday. -

Even a speedskater reviews his day. Seeing what I did well and what needs improvement, will keep me moving forward.

Step 4: Choose at least one way to draw support from positive people.
It is difficult for me to ask for help. But I have drawn strength from reading the blogs of my fellow sparkers. Surrounding myself with supporters and encouraging inspiration keeps me moving forward. Stay positive myself, because attitude is everything.

Step 5: Learn how to overcome hurdles:
Letting go of perfection. I am building strategies and skills that will benefit me for the rest of my life.
* Setbacks - Say "Oh Well" and hit my reset button to start again right now,
* Plateaus - Just keep moving forward. I am still doing healthy things for my body. Also it may be a time to examine if I need to change or add more healthy habits.
* Emotion Eating - The first thing I do is ask myself "Are you Hungry?" Evening eating is still challenging for me. I will keep working on this.
"If hunger isn't the problem, then eating isn't the answer "

Wow! Just reviewing the above has shown me how far I have come. I see and feel the changes within and how I am living my life.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MISSM0929 2/15/2010 7:31PM

Your blog was very inspiring and motivating. Thank you for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

ID_VANDAL 2/15/2010 3:29PM

You are so on top of the game right now! You really write these blogs very very well so keep it up! Vandal Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGLITTLEWOMAN 2/15/2010 2:30PM

Gee, you took the words right out of my mouth today. It is a work in process meaning we constantly need to review and adjust. Report Inappropriate Comment

KO1215 2/15/2010 2:05PM

I like it!!! Great action plan. Report Inappropriate Comment

KATIECAN3 2/15/2010 12:32PM

Wow! You have really got your head where it needs to be! Good Luck. Report Inappropriate Comment

STRAY_CAT 2/15/2010 11:55AM

You're doing amazing! I really like this blog and how specific and concrete you're being about your progress. That's the way to success, I think! Report Inappropriate Comment

The Spark - A Week of Chapter 7

Sunday, February 14, 2010

What a week! Between the blogs I have read and doing the "28 Days to a New You" the little things I have done are adding up. No the scale has not moved, but I have noticed a shift within myself.

1. Healthy lifestyle pledge. - My mindset is changing and taking care of me is getting easier.

2. Adopt the secrets of success. Implement these strategies every day (or as many days as
possible) for the next three weeks.( One week down)
* Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
This has been tough, but it is getting easier. I will keep at it.

* Eat breakfast daily.
Going well.

* Drink eight cups of water every day.
did pretty good, but can do better.

3. Track your food all or most days of the week. following my planned menu is going well.

4. Consistently exercise 10 minutes a day.
No problem. I now look forward to getting the e-mail for my weekend walk.

5. Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours each night).
Problem... but will work on it and hopefully my son will let me sleep.

Tomorrow onto Week Three.

You have the power to create the naturally stress-free and tranquil life you desire: You can either activate thoughts that produce stress within you, or activate thoughts that make stress impossible. It’s your choice. - Wayne Dyer

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

TRAVELGRRL 2/14/2010 1:18PM

What a peaceful yet purposeful attitude! You are on your way. Report Inappropriate Comment

COFFEE666 2/14/2010 11:38AM

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ID_VANDAL 2/14/2010 11:37AM

Nancy - I am just going to follow your model. That is exactly what I need for now so just keep on doing what your doing. I'm going to mirror you as close possible. My weight isn't moving either but, like you, I'm not worried about it - it will happen if we keep doing the right things. Later Vandal< BR> Report Inappropriate Comment

TERRIJ_1 2/14/2010 11:19AM

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It's not moving...

Saturday, February 13, 2010

...the scale that is. Oh Crap!
"What am I doing wrong?"
"Why isn't the scale showing a lower weight?"
While I am mildly disappointed, I realize that it is not the end of the world.

* First good thing is that it is not going up.
* Second good thing is that I am practicing healthy habits.

Sometimes progress does not show up on the scale. You feel it in your muscles, increased endurance or how your clothing fits.

So for me, just because the scale does not move does not mean I should throw the baby out with the bath water.

I like the way I feel after yoga, taking a walk or being at the pool. I like the idea of fueling my body with wholesome food, not junk (which makes me feel like crap)

Time to say "Oh Well" and keep moving.

What a wonderful opening ceremony last night.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ID_VANDAL 2/13/2010 2:09PM

I'm right there with you Nancy and keep that positive thought going. You are improving your health and as Chairul says - it's impossible for the scale to not go down at some point as long as we do the right things and you are! Make this a great weekend for yourself and GIVE YOURSELF CREDIT for the wonderful job you are doing. Vandal Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGLITTLEWOMAN 2/13/2010 12:28PM

First, you are NOT alone and secondly, your thinking is right on!! Way to stay with that positive attitude. You notice changes in other weighs (ha-ha) and the body will just have to give it up sooner or later when you keep doing the right thing. So don't give up the Ship. Report Inappropriate Comment

NANCY15TOGOAL 2/13/2010 9:40AM

You're doing fine...sometimes when the scale doesn't move for a week or two you'll find, when it does move, it swings a little farther to the left than usual. Report Inappropriate Comment

CGG111 2/13/2010 8:30AM

Try to stay positive!! I feel the same way at times:) Have you tried taking your measurements?? You may notice a difference there. I have even when the scale stays the same!! Here's to a great weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRAMMYTINK 2/13/2010 8:11AM

You have the right attitude. Just stick with it. As long as you are feeling better about yourself that is what counts. Don't give up..... Report Inappropriate Comment

CHAIRUL 2/13/2010 8:11AM

Look at it this way...it is physically an impossibility for the scale to NEVER go down if you continue to do the right things...it WILL happen. Hang in there!!! Report Inappropriate Comment