I only ask because currently my two main personal goals involve these two activities, that at times seem particularly mutually exclusive.
Goal number one or two, really it wouldn’t matter which I achieved first -- is to lose weight. Get back to my svelte, but ever elusive wedding weight. I know sounds more like a wish or a dream rather than a goal. Believe me, I’ve been calling on the dispenser of wishes, rubbing every lamp, urn and tea kettle I can find. But that genie hasn’t shown up yet. So I continue to work on it in other more taxing ways.
Then there’s my other goal -- to be published. I know, now you’re thinking I’m likely delusional. So you can see why I rub pottery, or stainless steel. I need that genie and those three wishes he doles out. Even though I mention only two wishes, I mean goals, I need the last genie wish to insure the more wishes clause. Because, let’s face it, even if I lose the weight and get published, I’ll likely need to do it again.
But I do tend toward practicality at times, so besides rubbing coffeepots in antique stores I've been writing down these two goals. Over and over and over. Every morning.
Wayne Dyer, and all those other “Secret” gurus say this guarantees my success. I’m not sure how. I hope it’s not just the calories I burn writing “I am a slim, trim successful, published author.” That couldn’t be many calories, and only adds eight words to my daily word count.
But seriously, I know I have to do more than just write the goals down. And I do.
I post these wishes, I mean goals, all over my life. You know the drill -- sticky notes on the car dashboard, the mirror, the fridge, the cupboard, computer, in my wallet, on the toilet seat. Because, each time I see one it's supposed to reinforce my commitment to the universe. I just wish someone would reinforce the glue on those sticky notes. I’ve found those less-than sticky notes on my shoe, in my hair and once in my bra, don’t ask.
So far the universe hasn’t noticed my commitment. In the meantime, I’ll keep rubbing the teakettle, and for good measure I keep putting out the word count, learning the craft, walking on that treadmill and avoiding all things delicious.
I’d love to hear what you think?
Next time: Feeding the Muse, literally.
Don't avoid the delicious! Try finding delicious things that fit in your eating plan. They are out there. And write!!
ReplyDeleteGoals are good. You can do this. It took me six years before I sold my first book. I think if you want something badly enough, you just keep going. I collected every rejection along the way and count it as a badge I've earned. I still have my folder of rejections :)
ReplyDeleteAs for the weight thing, I've been struggling with this recently. I discovered My Fitness Plus and have been counting my calories using this program. It's really helped me.
Good luck with your goals. You CAN do it!
Hi Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI hear you, on both fronts (went seriously low carb this January, and don't plan on looking back, ever; it isn't a diet, it's a life eating plan for me, and I've lost 20 pounds and half my belly so far).
As for publishing goals, you can get quicker satisfaction from non-fiction goals than fiction goals. It takes time to write, revise, and edit a novel, never mind find an agent, an editor, and a publishing deal.
The difference between a goal and and a wish is that, with a goal, you take the steps needed to reach it. For example, if you want to publish a novel, you write, you revise, you learn the craft, you get beta readers to give you the cold hard truth. And then, once you have your novel, you have to submit it, and deal with the rejection (ice cream, chocolate, and starting the next books are my rejection remedies :-)
Good luck!
Suzanne, I have the same two goals. Different things work for different people in both of these arenas so you have to find out what works for you. But from experience, and I'm far, far from being an expert, it takes a whole lot more than posting stickys. I'd recommend identifying one real action you can take in each area each day, and focus on doing those two things consistently until they become part of you. Then find two more. Happy writing and dieting! I'd love to know you how do.
ReplyDeleteKelly, I hear you on the low carb, that definitely is part of my life style now. I eat carbs and I just crave more so now I seriously limit them. Doesn't mean I don't fall off the wagon now and then, but I am so much more aware.
ReplyDeleteShelley, you are exactly right I am learning perseverance is the name of the game in both writing and weight loss.
ReplyDeletePatricia, nice to find someone sharing the same goals.
ReplyDeleteIt is so true that I need to take action each and every day on these goals and I am. Right now I am taking a class where you have to write a minimum of 1000 words a day, no excuses, on your work in progress. Amazing the resistance that comes up with this. A lot of the same resistance I have about getting on the treadmill everyday. But resistance or not I am doing it. Good luck on your journey as well.