Fixing the Wagon

We all do it from time-to-time -- fall off the wagon. Whether your wagon is an eating plan, exercising, quitting smoking, or other habits that require modification or eradication, we find ourselves struggling to climb back onto the same ol' wagon that keeps tipping over. See, my weight is my "wagon." It's an old wagon...about eight years old. The wheels are wobbly--out of shape, it's squeaky--always reminding me it's there, and it's got termites--not as strong as it used to be.

There is good news, though, for chronic wagon tippers. Instead of trying to stay on a wagon that keeps tipping you over and causing you frustration and disappointment, buy or design a new one -- one that fits your lifestyle, your speed, and your tastes. For years, I clung to a wagon that was built for the way I used to be in the past -- thin, active, single with no kids, and employed. That no longer fits the "me" I am today, which is a not-so-thin, semi-active, divorced mom and entrepreneur slash contractor slash writer. My new wagon should accommodate my current lifestyle -- the way I am today.

Often times, we make decisions based upon how things once were or how we'd like them to be, not necessarily how things are now. For example, I envision myself as a half marathon runner and a triathlete -- swimming, running, biking. But today, I can only run for short spurts and walk at a maximum speed of 3 miles per hour before i'm breaking into a jog. Therefore, my starting point should encompass goals that start out with walking 3 mph with interval jogging -- perhaps walk 3 mph for 5 minutes then jog for 1 minute and do that in several cycles -- then build up from there.  Anything more or less aggressive might lead to discouragement and a tipped over wagon.

My challenge to you is to refit your wagon. Look at your lifestyle as it is "today" and tailor your goals around the foundation of your current lifestyle -- not how you see yourself in the future or how you were in the past but how you are right now. I'm willing to bet, your new wagon won't tip over nearly as often as the old one -- and climbing back onto it won't be so difficult.


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