SMART WOMEN: STEPPING UP TO VICTORY

Sticking to Your Commitments

Deep in the woods of Maine, near the beautiful Acadia National Park, I'm working on a victory. In addition to hiking challenging trails and walking beautiful carriage paths, I'm starting a unique exercise program. My new program is designed to burn fat, build muscle, improve posture and enhance health. However, it has a unique requirement: Phase I is a 45-minute workout that has to be performed for seven consecutive days.

Why am I doing this on my vacation? When I first read the instructions, I didn't think much about the seven-day requirement. I exercise regularly, so 45 minutes was no big deal. Then I tried the workout and WHEW! It was more intense than almost anything I'd ever done. In fact, I could barely make it through the instructional programs. Right then, I knew I wouldn't be able to do seven days while maintaining my usual schedule. After thinking about it, I came up with a doable two-part strategy that focused on planning and motivation.

Planning: Since I knew I'd have time on vacation, I decided to use the month leading up to vacation to get the individual exercises down and build up my stamina with the two 15-minute instructionals. By doing that, I'd be ready and able to complete the 7-day requirement during vacation.

Motivation: While I knew I'd want to follow my strategy, I also knew willingness would be an issue. After all, I am on vacation and saw that as an emotional obstacle. To guard against talking myself out of 7 days of structured exercise, I talked my spouse into joining me.

As of today, I have four days done. Now half-way through the week, I expect I'll get to the end...and count the process as both a goal achieved and a personal victory. Telling you about my plan is extra insurance - and will keep me focused.

When you are working on a victory, begin by thinking it through. First, commit to the achievement. Then, figure out your obstacles. Finally, create a strategy that supports you. Your plan has to fit into your life and, at the same time, address any self-sabotaging behaviors. In my book, Victorious Woman! Shaping Life's Challenges into Personal Victories (www.victoriouswoman.com), I suggest that you get support for your goals in the form of a support group, personal buddy or a victory team. Victorious Woman! will help you find inspiration and motivation so that you can make your life better. You can order a copy at http://www.victoriouswoman.com/order.htm.