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« Being thankful for the little things | Living your life in symphony »
Monday
Nov212011

100 Day Challenge Program Days 40-31: Stop playing it safe

The 100 Day Challenge Program
Days 40 - 31

We're getting there ... stop playing it safe

******************************

STOP?!

Yes I did say stop. I know I've asked you to have 1 day completely off the challenge every 10 days, and the why is important:-

When you plan any kind of long term goal, you must take into account stops along the way. You simply cannot drive for 9 days straight without a break. Besides which your car will probably break down sooner than you if you do that.

And so it is with any kind of journey. Can you imagine reaching your destination (goal) and someone asked what you had seen on the way, what you had achieved, and what you had gained from the journey. What would your answer be?

Well nothing. I drove from there to here. I've arrived, now it's time to have a bit of fun... but goodness I'm tired - where do I sleep?

They look at you incredulously and say - what? You saw nothing? Did nothing? Planned stops along the way to see ...

Nope, didn't have time. I had this goal and I just had to work on it every single day in order to get here.

Whoa - Hasn't anyone told you that the journey is all part of the fun of achieving the goal? You can't just get to your destination and expect to feel good about it if you didn't appreciate what you had to do to get here. I mean what's the point. I mean that's like saying - when I reach my target weight, I'll be happy. Or when I save my first million I'll be happy...

I do wonder for instance at these pre-packaged weight loss meals - everything you need to lose weight is delivered to you neatly wrapped in portion sizes. You make your selection from the names on the packaging and stick it into the microwave to cook. You open the package, pour the contents onto your plate and eat. Please, can someone tell me how this is going to help your long term weight management plan? You are not learning how to cook foods properly, read nutritional labels, choose the fresh produce you are going to be using that day, nor are you educating your mind as to what you should be doing from here on in. it should be a weigh of life, not a "diet" you start on one day and finish on another. You may have your destination all planned in advance, but the journey through trial and error, through re-discovering foods and tastebuds, culinary skills and meal times with the family is sadly lacking.

Or what about the organisations who tell you they can increase your business for only $X per month - hand over your cheque book and we'll drive the business to you.

Am I saying you shouldn't enlist help?

No I'm not, and if you remember I did suggest you do just that - just the right kind of help. There is ample evidence to prove that if you have coaches and mentors, trainers and nutritional consultants you will get to your destination a lot faster. But I don't agree with the so-called silver bullets and magic mushroom solutions to goal achievement - where is the achievement if all we had to do is pop a pill and voila ...

So as you work through the next 10 days of the challenge, I would like to challenge you to think about the journey as well as the destination. Are you experiencing as much as you can along the way or are you simply hell bent on getting to December 31st so I stop nagging you?

Sorry it doesn't work that way :-D

I remember reading one of those internet things doing the rounds, it went something along the lines of:

The goal of life is not to end up with a well preserved pretty body. The goal is to cross the finish line used up, burned out, a bar of chocolate in one hand, bottle of champers in the other, skidding in sideways screaming "Wow! What a ride!"

In other words, where is the fun if all you ever do is play it safe.

Elle

Reader Comments (3)

Not sure how you do it but you seem to always send out the right kind of motivation and you seem to know exactly how I am feeling right at that moment! Spooky but thank you!
Nov 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterBeverley
Ah - we read minds :-D

Glad it was exactly what you needed at this time

Speak soon

Elle
Nov 23, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterElle
Hey Elle, just wanted to say thanks for all the support. Things going nicely here - I'll reveal all at the end!

Heard a grittier variation on the life goal quote - please excuse the language:

"The way to live your life is such that on the day of your funeral your mourners should be stood by your grave and as they gently lower your coffin you turn up late, slide across the gravel, drop in the box & while pulling down the lid declare 'F* me, that was brilliant!'"

That's always made me smile :-)

Keep up the good work, it's made a difference to me.

Andrew.
Nov 23, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAndrew Clarke

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