just another post about the new year

One thing that I learned in the last last year was that the mentality of New Year Resolutions is a set-up for failure: the idea that you set goals only at the first of the year is bogus. 

Last year, I set all my goals on January 1-one for each month of the year. It seemed reasonable, even attainable, however, I didn't anticipate the changes that would occur within me over time. When March rolled around the goals that had seemed perfect for me seemed irrelevant and, with that, my resolutions were out the window. 

When fall semester started, I realized what had happened and tried something new: each Sunday I would sit down and set one or two weekly goals (relating to my larger long term goals). I checked in throughout the week to ensure progress and to make sure I was on track. I had more success with this method in the last 4 months than I have in 15+ years of resolutions. With my week-by-week system, my goals were able to evolve with me.

With that being said...

I believe in having big dreams and, with them, big goals.

I love new beginnings and clean slates.

I hope that I am not coming across preachy or self-righteous, that is not my intent. I just wish that I would have figured this out sooner, and to be honest, I am proud of my little system. 

I wish everyone the best of luck in their New Year's endeavors! Let's make 2013 a year to remember!

Love Always, Monday

Mondays are hard. Let's be honest, we've all whined about it on Facebook.
I always felt picked on by Mondays, getting back into the weekly routine always felt like a slap in the face. Normally, my peak productivity kicks in about Wednesday-Thursdayish....just in time for the weekend to roll around and get me all out-of-whack again.
October 22 was nothing special- I went to the gym, worked, and did assignments. I was deliriously happy....and strangely productive.
I realized that I had made an accidental attitude change. I had been less than pleased with the past few weeks; I was excited to have a clean slate....a new week to be successful. I was driven by an obsession to improve and make this week better. 
I realized today that I had made it to the gym every morning this week at 5ish am.

Proof

(Ok, it's more like 5:30--but I wake up at 5!)

I made some diet changes and actually stuck to them and our apartment always seemed to be clean. Monday made a difference.

Snow didn't even phase me, I was secretly excited.

The cherry on top of my week? Hearing Chris express how proud of me he is.

Life is good!

Side Note: Anytime Fitness is great! I highly recommend it if you're looking for a gym membership.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes

I've made some (more) changes to the blog.
1. As most of you probably know, I started a health & fitness blog in February of 2012. Honestly, I loved it. I loved having one place for all of my health related thoughts and endeavors to go. However, I couldn't find the balance between both blogs; one was always neglected and it was, for some reason, stressful. Even though I'm not a huge blog with a billion followers I really really enjoy blogging; and I love that there are some people out there that read what I have to say. I want to continue to write about my health, but its not the only thing going on in my life. As I started to make some progress, I found that my health was directly affecting all other aspects of my life. When I was working out consistently, I was doing better in school and was happier at home. I was more productive and tried harder to make my nonfitness goals a reality as well. So, I'm going to try merging the two; after all, this is a lifestyle blog....which means I can write about whatever I want. I loved all of the guest posts that happened there, so you'll now find them here. Also, if you're interested in my inspirations, I've also moved them here.
2. If you noticed, I've also stopped posting about 12 [in] 2012....but I haven't stopped working towards my goals. I realized about 4 months into the year that I was progressing and improving...and the goals that I had set at the beginning of the year weren't as applicable as I'd thought. I decided to make weekly goals instead, so my progress can evolve at its own pace. I am mostly telling you this so you won't think I'm a loser and have totally given up.

Here's to finding balance in my life!