In between excuses (reasons) and results is ACTION. Disciplined action.
Even though I am being gentle with myself, I know this for a fact.
I have accomplished a lot in my life under very stressful circumstances, and the second I sat inside the circumstance, and let it consume me, I couldn't accomplish a single thing.
It was ONLY and I mean only when I disciplined myself to take the actionable steps towards the goal (regardless of circumstance) that I was in any way successful.
Let's break this down:
If you want to lose weight (hello me... needing to lose the 40 pounds I gained in the past 3.5 years), you say to yourself, "I am a caregiver. I am in midlife with a slower metabolism. I can't afford to catch germs from the gym and make my family members ill. I have limited time. I don't sleep enough. The gym is expensive."
Everything you said was true. Factual. No one could argue that it wasn't. BUT, even with it being true, it will not help you lose a single pound.
How about, "I am a caregiver. I am in midlife with a slower metabolism. I will have to be extra careful in the gym as best I can regarding wiping things off and going at odd times. I will use my time carefully when I am there because it is so far way. What can I stop doing at night so I can get more rest for the gym. How can I re-budget to fit this necessary expense into my bills?"
Gentle Discipline Approach
- Great a night time routine. I believe this will be the key to having better days.
- Make my room as inviting as possible at night to encourage sleep. My sleep hygiene is my first focus.
- Recite affirming statements three times a day. I am not a big affirmations person when the affirmations feel completely out of place, but if they are honoring, they can be very inspiring.
- Keep first things first, cardio and exercise when I first get up before doing anything else in the house. My mind starts to race with anxious thoughts of everything that needs to be done, so I can eliminate that by working out right after I have my array of morning caffeine options.
- Add a source of movement at night. Yoga. Light pilates. Dance. A slow treadmill walk at a very low speed. This is a disciplined action that is necessary. I can sit 10 paces away from my treadmill on the couch reading or surfing the internet. All things that can be done on the treadmill. It is only a matter of discipline in order to do them.
As I plan this week, I will add this gentled yet disciplined approach to the results focused aim of my weight loss. Now is the time
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