Ah, the best laid plans. We all have ’em, especially around this time of year. Like many of you, I set some fitness goals for 2018; none of them too lofty. I even broke them down for the first three months of the year, thinking shorter-term goals would be much easier to achieve.
Yeah…no. Halfway through these first three months, I’m not exactly where I want to be. With some careful contemplation, I think I know why. So to help you, my dear reader, avoid sabotaging your own fitness goals, I’d advise you avoid the following like the plague:
Having a Social Life Seriously, folks, when you’re done with this, head on over to Facebook and unfriend everyone you’ve ever met. Unfollow them on Instagram. Block them on Twitter. And for God’s fitness’ sake, just “accidentally” drop your phone in the toilet. That way the next time your ex-friends go out for a fabulous dinner or a few drinks, you won’t be invited. That right there can save you from a couple of added pounds.
Having a Job That’s right. Give your boss a call and quit right now. In fact, don’t even call. Just don’t show up. They’ll figure it out eventually. Oh, and they’ll also figure out why there’s so much extra food in the break room. It’s because you’re not there to eat it! And if you happen to work in an industry where grateful families bake for you to show their appreciation, run–don’t walk–away right now.
Belonging to a Warehouse Club This is especially true if your kids are grown and out of the house. Sure, you might save a buck or two by buying in bulk, but do you really need the gallon-sized mayonnaise and the 5-pound pack of cheese? (I guarantee, if you belong to a warehouse club, you think you do.) Maybe it’s time to rethink where you shop.
Residing in the Beautiful Midwest I absolutely love Chicago, and have lived in the city or its suburbs my entire life. But I write this as I sip my second cup of coffee in the midst of 12 to 15 inches of expected snow. Not exactly going for a run this afternoon. Or any other time in the coming days. On the bright side, I was supposed to work today, but my very sweet colleague called yesterday evening and said she will stay over from the night shift so I wouldn’t have to drive in the snowstorm this morning. See! I’m already saving calories by not going in to work today!
Being Human Because it really just boils down to that, doesn’t it? We’re all human, we’re fallible, and it’s what makes us us! So I’m not throwing in the towel just yet. Besides, I still have the other half of these first three months of the year to get back on the fitness train.
How about you? Are you crushing your 2018 fitness goals? What helps you stay on track, and what completely derails you?
I’m linking up with Rachel and Lacey and Meranda for the Friday Five 2.0!
Oh my goodness, I’m so RIGHT THERE WITH YOU on this post!! I had a huge lofty plan of a sub 2 half marathon in March and have completely flopped on my training up to this point. Life has completely de-railed me and I’ve just not given training my best shot. I know there are so many more races in 2018 to get to, but I definitely had this one as my top hope. Here’s hoping the next few months will be a better start to 2018! 🙂
I’m with you on the lack of training! My first race of the year (so far) is a half in April. I haven’t run in three weeks!
Ha! I took the opposite approach by setting really low goals — it’s easier to meet low expectations.
I thought my goals were rather low, I guess not low enough!
Oh yes. This thing called life likes to get in the way of my training. When that happens, I remind myself that being a professional athlete is not my job, so I don’t need to put so much pressure on myself. But sometimes I do need to make fitness a priority.
Well that’s definitely a good way to look at it!
I didn’t even set goals this year, so there’s that!
But yeah, this winter is trying its best to kill my mojo.
And as much as I love snow, enough already today!
Cute post! I stopped going to Costo and BJ’s bc I just buy all kinds of stuff I don’t need. What derails me? Carbs 🙂
We really have to stop going to Costco! It’s mostly just the two of us and my 88-year old mother, and she certainly isn’t eating that much!
Oh that winter photo is so funny! I think our snow is over here and good weather is coming next week!
I don’t make goals and even set reasonable expectations for spring races because you never know what the weather is going to be like leading up to that and the weather can definitely derail you!
Thanks for linking up!
I wish I could say the same. I think our bad winter weather is just starting!
Your post is both funny, but also very real. I think having a sense of humor about it (instead of going down the denial route or “woe is me” strategy), you’re accepting the reality of being human.
Thanks! I’ve not been crazy-strict lately, which is okay. You only live once, right?
That’s the best snowman I’ve ever seen. Hahaha! I’m SO OVER this winter. Sigh…
My friend sent it to me a couple of years ago. Wouldn’t it be fun to make in your driveway?!
2018 is going pretty darn well so far. My miles are up and my cross training is on point. I’m so thrilled with all of it.
It is tough to have a social life when training, but balance is important, too.
So glad you are having a great year!
I love that snow design, it is perfect! My job definitely gets in the way of my fitness goals.
Life would be so much easier if we didn’t have to work, wouldn’t it?
I LOVED living in Chicago, but HATED the winter! And I moved south 9 years ago-
My sleep issues are what holds me back sometimes.
I’m starting to hate the winter too! I don’t mind the snow…it’s the cold that gets me!
Life always throws obstacles in our way and I enjoyed reading your summary of them, so very true. At the warehouse club I belong to I buy paper goods in bulk, clothes, vitamins, and some of the healthier foods, e.g., yogurt, pistachios and that famous rotissere chicken which keeps me in check. That being said I still splurge on some bulk items occasionally which are not under the healthiest of categories. I haven’t met my fitness goals thus far either but am ramping them up. I can blame the weather and a sprained foot but now those issues are resolved so I had a talk with myself, yes I am at that age where I talk out loud to myself and said enough excuses get back to your goals and just do them, get that fighting spirit back. Eating healthy, less sugary snacks and caffeine and the gym 3 days a week make the week go smoother. I have to watch my love for pizza, salty snacks, coffee and guacamole dip. All are okay with portion control but that is not always the case. They set me off on a day of grazing. Best of luck to you getting back on track and you are an inspiration with your fitness!
There are just so many temptations out there, it’s easy to fall off the fitness train! My diet has been terrible lately, but AFTER lunch today (hah!) I will be hitting the reset button! See you in a few!
I swear having people bake for me would be my undoing. Ha!
Haha I hear you on that!
It’s tough to stay on track when things keep getting in the way! The weather this year has been tough…and it sounds like Chicago’s been hit especially hard. I try to work out in the mornings so that work can’t get in the way. I would never get it done in the evening!
I usually try (try!) to work out in the mornings too, but I have so many other things tugging at me!