Habit. With a Purpose

Habit is defined as a settled regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up.

I’ve always heard that it takes 30 days to break a habit or to instill a new habit however after testing out this theory, I’m inclined to say it could be shorter or take much longer!

I started documenting my fitness journey at the end of January. 30 weeks ago. As a reflect back into my journal, I wanted to share key points that stand out.

Planning in my asset! I heard this from a coach that my gym provided me with to get started. That really resonated with me because I am a planner. I’ve been planning fabulous trips these past several years. Little did I know months later, I would be planning more workout trips and little or no travel trips.

Start with a goal. My coach suggested that I incorporate three days of moderate cardio for 300 minutes each week. I had to define what moderate cardio meant to me. I started by committing to 3 days of walking. I found a beautiful park by my place, causeway over the Indian River and of course I have my Atlantic Ocean across the street!

Within 7 weeks, I was consistently walking and documenting my moderate cardio goals. It’s very satisfying to look back this morning into my first fitness journal. When I got to week 7, I actually had to take a deep breath. That’s the weekend that I returned from my last trip to Manhattan and New Jersey. The pandemic started.

Onward we go. Flash forward to today. Week 30. I’m proud to say that walking, gym and yoga are now a consistent part of my schedule. They are things that I look forward to doing and actually really enjoy! I’m seeing results in how I look and feel. I no longer need to write down moderate cardio. I block time to do it with focus each time on a 5 mile journey. Literally and virtually.

Meal prepping. I’m not a cook however I am learning that meal prepping is crucial to healthy choices with food. In week 8, I started tracking foods that I eat in my Fitbit and paying attention to the micronutrients mix searching for that correct mix of carbs, fats and proteins that works for my body and mind.

I stared looking within to try to understand myself. My own motives, struggles, wants and desires. This got heavy. This got deep. I took this note that warrants ongoing thought and reflection today:

What is the compelling desire that is stopping me from (fill in the blank) so I can (fill in the blank)?

#namastecommittedtomyself