A whole new plan...

So, clearly I suck at regular updates.  I've made a few changes lately though, and want to journal/blog them, so I thought this would be a good place to come to. 

I've recently started the lean eating program through Precision Nutrition.  It's a program that involves making small slow changes to your habits to bring you to a place of healthy eating, exercise and feeling better.  I've been following it for about a week and a half so far, and it is so far matching all the things I know will help make lasting changes.  It advocates for small changes that you can do 90% of the time, and then has you practice ONE small change for two weeks, before looking to add or change anything else.  This fits into the occupational therapy framework of MOHO - that we have volition, habituation and performance capacity, and how those three area intersect is how we can look at changing things.  I like the confluence of my professional knowledge and what I am trying to do for myself.

So, back to lean eating program.  I am finding myself a bit more mindful of a lot of areas, and wanting to make changes in lots of areas (my habitual disorganization, having a stronger leadership role at work, making the time to meaningfully interact with my friends, preparing for a big event in an organized way).  So much to do! So little time. 

I've been home sick for the last two days with what was probably the worst migraine I've had in years (I spent yesterday with my head buried in the corner of the couch (dark, pressure on the skull, close to bathroom for barfing) and am feeling somewhat better today.  I often wish that I had more days home, but then when I am home sick, I clearly can't function at all (which is why I stayed home in the first place), so I never get anything done.  Ah well. 

Today's lesson from LE is to stop running from the bear.  Don't aim for perfection, aim for the best you can do.  Aim to be Pretty Good  most of the time.  Here I go.  Pretty good for me today will be managing a shower, some real food and maybe getting dressed.  It's all about where you are right?

A new blog

I've been contemplating this for quite a while.  I used to blog regularly, and loved it, but ended up in a situation where my previous site was no longer able to be used. So I stopped.  But I miss it.  I miss taking the time to share my thoughts, even if it is only with myself. So, Ta Da!  A new, anonymous blog. 

I am currently trying to figure out a good way to motivate myself to get back into being active.  Threatening, cajoling, teasing, getting others to harass/support and signing up for things have all failed.  I recognize that some of my barriers are the stress of my work site, and just wanting to veg out when I get home, but that is exactly why I need to be active.  To prevent further slothdom. 

So, how do you motivate yourself?  Clearly I am starting off in excellent style by writing a blog rather than actually doing something, which is impressive. A fine start.  I also googled "motivation".  Found an interesting site:Pick the Brain which has 21 "Proven" motivation tactics.  

They are:

1. Consequences –  Great. Consequences.  So, do I list things like threats of diabetes, heart disease, obesity?  Disengagement from social activities? I know all of that stuff, I still sit on my ass. 

2. Pleasure –Umm, I like Hockey, I do that once or twice a week.  I'm looking for the extra kick to get me into regular activity.  Like running, and strength and that kind of stuff.  I don't usually find it fun, unless I can sucker someone into doing it with me, and so far I haven't managed to do that.

3. Performance incentives –Anyone want to pay me to be active?  or, that I have to pay you if I'm not (you will have to work hard to convince me of that one)

4. Detailed instructions – I know.  Use SMART goals, set an action plan.  Oh look, that's the next point too!
5. Short and long term goals –I wrote some down in my work agenda.   They are still there, not motivating me.  They are nice and specific and measurable and timely and all that jazz though.

6. Kindness –Not sure how this relates.

7. Deadlines – I could sign up for a half marathon - that sometimes works for me.  I also want to sign up for the 5 peaks races.  

8. Team Spirit – Come do it with me!  Please?  I asked my partner yesterday to do this, and he refused.  Said he still felt sick.  Probably true, but didn't help.

10. Recognize achievement – Current achievement: another night with ass on couch.  Don't think that should be celebrated.

11. Personal stake –My personal stake is my own health.  Do you have a personal stake in my activity level?

12. Concentrate on outcomes –Fit me!

13. Trust and Respect – ?

14. Create challenges – this is another way of goal setting.  Quit repeating yourself 

15. Let people be creative – can't think of anything.

16. Constructive criticism – Got any for me?

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17. Demand improvement – Ha, that's what I'm trying to do! 

18. Make it fun – Isn't this a repeat too?  

19. Create opportunities – Run at lunch, do it when I get home, get up early... lots of opportunity

20. Communication – don't know that this applies

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21. Make it stimulating – If I ever start, I will mix it up and try different things... Great.

Well, that's long and rambly, gotten me no where closer to moving, but I like that I'm blogging again.