Goal Setting

Day two starts with about the same limited enthusiasm as yesterday but this creates a strong point on why many of us fail to reach our goals... we can't find the motivation to start! I find that starting is the hardest part, both mentally and physically. Our brain is telling us that we want to make changes, to be healthy, to lose weight. Yet at the same time, we are choosing to eat bad, watch TV instead of exercise, and stay in our routines because it is easier than creating a new one. The other half of this is the fact that we don't see results immediately. To combat this, I tell myself I don't expect to see any results but need to keep working out because I feel better. The last time I approached it with this mentality, I lost 25 pounds and 4 pant sizes. I also always keep motivational quotes on hand and pictures of the body that I strive for.

So last summer I was in the best shape of my life. I weighed less than I did in high school, lifted everyday, and ate cleaner than ever. Over the winter I tried my absolute best not to get out of my routine but it goes without saying that through the winter, we don't always stay in our best shape. I fell victim to comfort foods and slacking at the gym. And even though I only put on a few pounds and struggle with my bench press a bit more, I can feel the difference! I am at the point in my life where I am not longer trying to just lose weight but I am trying to make this my lifestyle to be fit, healthy, and strong all the time.

I would like to outline some goals that I plan to reach by December.

1)  Lose 5-8 pounds
2)  Drop 3-5% body fat
3)  Bench over 130
4)  Deadlift over 100
5)  Build lower body
6)  Participate in some type of physical fitness competition (weightlifting, mud run, etc)

I plan on reaching these goals by getting back into my routine of eating as clean as possible (high fiber, high protein eating and only complex carbs 2x week), cardio daily, weight lifting 6 days per week.

“The ultimate is not to win, but to reach within the depths of your capabilities and to compete against yourself to the greatest extent possible. When you do that, you have dignity. You have the pride. You can walk about with character and pride no matter in what place you happen to finish.”