Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Reward
Most people fail at changing their lives, or in even just incorporating new habits such as exercise, because they don't have a properly written goal and reward system in-place. I'm a prime example of this. I've got my 10 for X list of choices that I want to make a part of my life this year, but we're in the middle of February already and I am not sticking to them like I should.
The reason is because I'm trying to make a lot of changes in myself and remove a lot of bad habits - but have nothing to strive for. There is no prize at the end for my efforts. Yea, sure, a "better Sam" is a worthy outcome for which I should always be striving for, but that's so abstract. I need something more tangible to put my efforts towards. Something like a vacation! So let me try to more clearly define all of this...
LONG-TERM GOAL:
Incorporate the 10 for X choices into my lifestyle so that they become part of who I am and thereby improve my position and circumstances in life.
SHORT(er) TERM GOALS:
The reason is because I'm trying to make a lot of changes in myself and remove a lot of bad habits - but have nothing to strive for. There is no prize at the end for my efforts. Yea, sure, a "better Sam" is a worthy outcome for which I should always be striving for, but that's so abstract. I need something more tangible to put my efforts towards. Something like a vacation! So let me try to more clearly define all of this...
LONG-TERM GOAL:
Incorporate the 10 for X choices into my lifestyle so that they become part of who I am and thereby improve my position and circumstances in life.
SHORT(er) TERM GOALS:
- Acquire a solid and fulfilling career position making at or near $75k annually before June.
- Put aside $125 every paycheck for a year into a savings account for a vacation
- Make exercise and fitness a regular part of my daily routine by
- Committing to a round of P90X and doing 20 workouts over 30-days
- Finish a full round of the program by June 1
- Make better eating choices that are both healthy and less expensive by
- Replacing one meal a day, for 20 days, with Shakeology
- Prepare a healthy lunch from home 3-days a week
- Begin rebuilding my credit by securing a personal loan or credit card by the end of March and not carrying a balance
REWARD:
A vacation on Allure of the Seas with Atlantis Events in February 2011.
Now I know what you're thinking: those are a lot of goals and haven't we heard them all before? Well yea, some are in my control and what I can directly create change in. Everything else will happen, I just need to document them to keep reminding myself of the end result. And, yes, there will be new goals added as some of these are realized and the year progresses. But they all will service the long term goal of this year's 10 for X list.
Plus, all of the pieces of this plan fit together like a puzzle and need to be achieved to ensure a successful and pleasurable reward experience. If I'm unable to save and pay for a vacation, clearly I can't go. If I have no credit card I won't be getting on an airplane or able to rent a car. If I'm not in the best physical shape I can possibly be I won't be half-naked for 7 days around 5,000+ other gay boys in the Caribbean.
Having this vacation to work towards will motivate me to action when I otherwise would lay on the couch. And the good news is... I have 12 full months to realize all of this before the trip! But I can't slack off or become distracted because the ship will sail with or without me. I've got to make the most of the next 12-months. Next February will be here before I know it and there is a lot to do - lots to accomplish and change!
Plus, all of the pieces of this plan fit together like a puzzle and need to be achieved to ensure a successful and pleasurable reward experience. If I'm unable to save and pay for a vacation, clearly I can't go. If I have no credit card I won't be getting on an airplane or able to rent a car. If I'm not in the best physical shape I can possibly be I won't be half-naked for 7 days around 5,000+ other gay boys in the Caribbean.
Having this vacation to work towards will motivate me to action when I otherwise would lay on the couch. And the good news is... I have 12 full months to realize all of this before the trip! But I can't slack off or become distracted because the ship will sail with or without me. I've got to make the most of the next 12-months. Next February will be here before I know it and there is a lot to do - lots to accomplish and change!
editorial note: I feel as though I've written this very entry many times before. It's an entry where I make a grand statement and objectives... but that's it. So if after reading this and think to yourself, this sounds like Day One (again) or 10 for X or The 12 months of X just re-hashed -- you may be right. But hope I added a key a ingredient for success and accountability. And if not fuck off or make a suggestion.
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