014 Setting Achievable Goals • Laura Gee

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With the New Year upon us, I thought it was time to focus on approaching 2018 with a mindset to help me set some achievable goals.

Are you experiencing a little anxiety over the fact that Christmas is over and all you’re seeing are ads about getting back in shape and New Years Resolutions? Blah!

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably stressing because life with diabetes isn’t easy, let alone trying to set all these grandiose goals! I don’t like using the word resolution because most of us fail at them. Ask yourself, “What was your 2017 resolution?” I bet you can’t remember (in other words, you didn’t keep it). So, let’s not make resolutions, ok?

A Fresh Start

I’m looking ahead to 2018 as a fresh start. The new year allows me to think about how I’m doing, whether there’s balance in my work-life, school-life, fit-life, diabetic-life, home-life and things I’m passionate about (like podcasting, cooking & blogging). I’m also doing a lot of thinking about where I’d like to see myself in both the short term and long term.

Mini Goals

I tend to be in a continual pattern of setting mini goals that all contribute to my overarching goals. For example, I want to be healthy and ensure my weight is under control. I see myself having strong lean arms, legs and a core that will support me as I age. I want to feel fantastic… and look my best. It sounds like I want everything. Well, why not? I can set mini goals to help me achieve this!

How I’m Setting Achievable Goals in 2018

Right now, I’m working on a few little things to help me re-balance my life and support my type 1 diabetes.

I can’t remember which book I read that put a very different slant on resolutions and goals. It talked about how having goals, means you are not happy with yourself the way you are. Well, I’ve thought about this perspective a lot and I am happy with myself.

To me, my wellness goals are more like an insurance plan that I pay into every day. This doesn’t mean I’m not happy with myself. My goals simply ensure I feel healthy and give my body the best environment it can have. My health never gets a day off so I want to treat my body well. With this mindset, I’m setting myself up for success.

How I’m approaching 2018:

I’m going to try to help myself by getting things organized around the house. I’m cleaning out drawers, the fridge and making sure that what’s in my cupboard helps me make nutritious meals for Rob and I.Personal time will be stretched in the new year so I renewed my eMeals subscription (my most favorite meal planning solution). Every week eMeals sends me dinner ideas and a grocery list. There’s a diabetic dinner option but I especially love the low carb plan. Here’s a link to eMeals (the best meal planning service I’ve found) so do check it out*.
I’ve been forcing myself to have a better sleep schedule. I have to make a major effort to get quality sleep. It does not come easy to me AND diabetes complicates it further. My glucose monitor (that I’m grateful for) likes to wake me up sometimes so I’ve been adjusting my overnight basal rates to prevent issues.
I have also pre-planned my 2018 workout schedule. On January 15th a new at-home fitness program is released that I’m going to do because I just can’t seem to get my butt outside in this wintery weather to run (I’m so excited!).Support is a big deal for me so I’m thrilled that Rob is going join me. This program will include strength training, cardio and even a nutrition regimen. It’s the first time I’ve done this program and I was thinking it would be fun to share this journey with you. SO, if you or anyone you know would like to join me, maybe I’ll set up a group and we can cheer each other on! Interested? Contact me and I’ll share exactly what I’m doing and how you can join. I’d love to get to know you better and be your partner as we tackle our 2018 fitness an food together.
Most importantly, I’m brainstorming ways that Rob and I can be stronger together. We’ve gotten really good at going through the motions of being married. We feel each other’s stresses, we help each other, we love each other and see each other every day. But, what about fun? Somewhere along the line we forgot to have fun. In 2017 our jobs became our lives so I am making concerted effort to approach the new year with an “us first” attitude. On New Year’s Eve we’re going to spend the night away (!), watch fireworks together, have a nice meal and probably a glass of Prosecco. I can’t wait. Life is short so my personal motto for 2018 is “Make it Matter.” After all, every moment counts.

Some might say that my achievable goals are resolutions, but to me, they are actions & mindset modifications to help me live happily ever after.

An artist doesn’t start with a completed painting; I’m my own work of art. Every day, is simply another brushstroke of my life. The strokes don’t seem like much, but when I step back and look, I’ve created my own masterpiece. I hope you can do the same. Have fun setting your 2018 achievable goals. BTW, I’d love to hear from you! Send me a note and let me know what you’re up to or comment below with your “achievable goals”.