January 5 - A Day of Reflection....plus my 2015 Vision Board!

January 5 is always a day of reflection for me. And, a day of pride. On January 5, 2004, I took my OFFICIAL “before” picture – or “good-bye” picture, as I like to call it. It wasn’t the first time I’d done it. I’d done it at least the five years before that – if not more. However, this is the year that it stuck. It’s the year I really changed.

I eventually reached my weight goal in June 2006. I know that 2.5 years sounds like a long time to get to my goal. But, looking back now, I realized that’s the way it was supposed to be. In the years prior, I was in such a rush that I created an all-or-nothing mentality. I wanted to lose weight quickly and just be DONE!

But, now I know that I’m never going to be done. I took incredibly small baby steps to get to my weight goal. I slipped up. I gained weight. I lost it again. And, I still do that. I always have a short list of big goals I want to accomplish. But, my to-do list is full of ever-changing baby steps to get me there.

My “big” goals for 2014 were to complete my Wellness Coaching Certification at the Mayo Clinic (check!) and to get acclimated with my new environment since I’d just moved (check!). I also wanted to continue working on my hobbies of weight lifting, piano playing and writing (check, check, check!).

This year, my goals are to move forward with creating a fabulous Wellness Coaching practice of my own. I’d also like to get into a little better shape by improving what I eat, increasing my water intake and getting more sleep. (Part of acclimating to my new environment involved many tasty neighborhood restaurants available within walking distance!) I’m going to keep focusing on my hobbies and do some road races. I’d also like to do a bit of traveling and travel planning for the future. Let the baby steps begin!

Happy New Year!

2014 Goal-Setting and Vision Board

This week I committed to working on two small goals:  1) set my goals for 2014 and 2) carry water with me where ever I go.

I was successful with the water, in part because I usually do this anyway.  I just needed a post-holiday boost to get me back in the swing of the habit.  I added things like cucumber and lemon to my water to make it more flavorful.

For my goals, I did a couple of things.  I updated my vision board and made a list of things I want to do more of in the coming year.  If you aren't sure what a vision board (or dream board) is, they are easy to create.  I try to look at mine often, particularly in low moments, so I can keep my goals top-of -mind.  Go here to create your own.

Here's my 2014 vision board:



It's similar to last year's, but I updated a few things.  I'll be attending a course at the Mayo Clinic about Wellness Coaching this year, so I incorporated that.  Also, one of the things I accomplished from last year's board is moving to a larger city/urban area.  At the time, I envisioned Phoenix or Chicago.  But, I ended up staying in Minnesota - just moving from the suburbs to the city.  So, I incorporated photos taken near my home such as trails and the Mississippi River that I plan to take advantage of this summer.  And, that is a picture of my actual pool/hot tub at my new home, so I need to be bathing suit ready to take advantage of that as well! 

I'm still focused on eating healthy, so I incorporated a picture of the farmer's market near my home and demonstrated my focus on WATER!  And, I'd like to continue working on lifting heavy, practicing piano and creative writing in my free time.  Lastly, I always like to travel, especially finding a warm sanction during the long winter.  This year I'll be traveling to Fort Myers, FL and I've never been.  Here's my 2013 board for comparison:



Happy 2014!