SMART WOMEN: STEPPING UP TO VICTORY

SUCCESSFUL GOALSETTING

My August 30 blog talked about a new exercise program that required a 7-day back-to-back commitment. I prepared to do it on vacation, and started the day after I got to Maine.

However, the day after that blog posted, as I started that day's exercise, I had a really negative reaction. My muscles hurt so much that I felt angry and started to cry. Left to my own devices, I would have quit that day. Fortunately, my spouse (who I asked to be my buddy for this), encouraged and cajoled me into continuing. I did. Then, I finished the 7-day program and moved onto the next phase.

In the whole scheme of goal achievement, those "ready to quit" feelings are common. When we set a goal for ourselves, we agree to push out of our comfort zone. Anytime we do, we are likely to have feelings about giving up - even when we see good results. I was already noticing a positive difference in my posture and I felt really good after the 45-minute session was over. Yet the temptation to stop was amazingly strong.

In my teleclasses, I help women prepare for the quitting stage. We discuss potential obstacles and devise systems that help them get over and through the tough stuff. You are welcome to join the next one, Victory 101: What Your Momma Never Told You But Wishes She Had, starting September 18. For information, info@victoriouswoman.com.

For more tips, sign up for my free e-newsletter at http://www.victoriouswoman.com/newsletter.htm.

Copyright Annmarie Kelly 2006. All Rights Reserved.