This week I made quite a few tweaks to my spring race running schedule. In training for a new distance, I had been trying several new things and learning a lot along the way. Based on these lessons learned, I reflected on areas I had really struggled and needed to be more realistic about, and what areas I could push the limits. The hindsight I had gained from my very specific training plan and reflection provided me with the ability to fine tune my schedule instead of following a path that may not have been ideal.
That's when it dawned on me.
Maybe I could use this strategy for other goals too. I've heard various experts say you will boost your motivation and have a better chance of success if you set specific goals. The past year and a half of running has definitely proven this to me. Pretty much nothing gets in the way of my running. Nothing. Imagine if I could apply this same laser-like focus to other areas in my life? For years I've maintained the goal of living a healthy lifestyle, which was one of my wishy-washy 2015 New Year's resolutions. Okay. So, for the month of February I will focus on this goal the way I focus on running. I'll list out the specific things I need to do to reach that goal. The tasks aren't really that different from what I previously aimed to do each day--it's just a new way of looking at. It's written down. It's in specific points. It's a plan. And at the end of the month, I'll use the same strategy I used for evaluating my running schedule and progress to see what changes I need to make and how much success I have had.
My new month resolution. Bring it on!