Do you ever find inspiration in the most random and unexpected of places? Maybe you clicked on someone's blog roll and ended up at SUAR and in the midst of tales of crapping in the weeds and farting on one’s running partner, you find a nugget of something you can hold onto, something that propels you forward.
Or, maybe not. Maybe you decide to never return to this shit-filled blog again.
In any event, sometimes motivation, inspiration and clarity can be found in the gosh darndest of spots. If you’re open to it, that is.
I told you I have a numb left hand. Still do and it’s been several weeks. I’ve been seeing a chiropractor (ex-preacher) for the problem. I try not to cuss in the ex-preacher’s presence but the other day he was doing some funky thing with a shocking device (I don’t think it was S & M) and I yelled “JESUS!!!” Then I apologized. I was just asking Jesus to intervene and make the doc stop the electrocution, but I felt bad taking the Lord’s name in vain in front of preacher man. Just didn’t seem right. But then again, he used the word penis in front of me and I didn’t get mad.
(Oh, and as a side, do you ever fart when you think it’s safe? Yesterday I let a huge one fly while lying on the auto massage table at the chiro office. It was silent, but so incredibly deadly. Not three seconds after I cut it, the doc walks in to ask me a question. I wanted to explain the smell, but thought it best to leave it alone. Do you explain or refrain?).
Chiro doc thinks my hand issue is linked to some smashed discs in my neck, blah, blah, blah. As part of treatment with this guy, he requires you attend a workshop at his office. Yeah, requires. Let me get this right. I’m paying this dude to see him three times per week and he gets to make me come to a workshop? Against my will? On a Tuesday night when both Glee and the Biggest Loser are on? I wasn't too happy about it, but instead of making waves, decided to have an open mind.
Mostly the workshop was about the benefits of alternative medicine, how much of the population is overmedicated, how Fruit Loops are not a health food and how health costs are rising - *yawn*. Who’s got the Fruit Loops cause I need a snack.
Then, he started talking goals. I eat this stuff up. Just throw me some self help buzz words and I get a slight erection.
His talk of goal-setting really hit home. I set goals in my mind sometimes, but rarely write them down (with the exception of training plans). Recent research shows that the act of writing down goals makes it infinitely more likely that you will pursue and even achieve them. Goals give us direction and help us overcome confusion and conflict over our desires, actions and values. Goals can focus on anything: being a better parent, meditating or praying everyday, running a race, losing weight, deciphering your life’s calling. They are meant to make you a better person. Here are some guidelines to get started:
- Goals must be in writing. An unwritten goal is a wish.
- Goals must be specific (Instead of saying, “I want to run a race”, say “I want to run 26.2 miles in May 2011.”).
- Goals must be believable. If you don't believe you can reach them, you won’t. If you have just started running, you probably won’t place in your age group in that Turkey Trot 10K – or maybe you’re a freak of nature, who knows? The point is, set yourself up to be successful.
- Goals must be challenging. They must demand more from you. For races I like to have three goals – one I can live with, one that’s a slight stretch and one that’s a total dream.
- Goals must be adjusted to changing conditions. Lose your foot to frostbite? Might have to opt out of that race next month.
- Goals must be reviewed everyday. This is essential to staying motivated.
- Goals must have action steps and target dates for completion. Breaking your goals down into small steps (daily, monthly, weekly) makes it easier to take action toward making your goal a reality
Along with being successful at achieving goals is having a positive mental attitude. Something that helps with this is affirmations – things you tell yourself as a mini pep talk. Examples:
- I visualize myself exactly the way I want to be
- I give 100% in all that I do.
- I expect and deserve the best
- My success starts in my mind
- I am strong, capable.
- I will not fart on the massage table.
Do you have goals that you write down? Does it make a difference?
PS: Don’t forget my iPod Shuffle and iTunes gift card giveaway. Ends Saturday.
