Good bye 2008, Hello 2009

2009 is here. Let's face it, I'm not really a guy that focuses on the dates for any super natural meaning. For me, there are just good times to do a little benchmarking and goal examination. Lots of fanciness that really only means, check and see how we are doing and adjust the plan accordingly.

I survived the holidays and did accomplish my goal for the month of December. I weigh no more now then I did before Christmas. Let's face it, turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and cookies aren't health food, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna skip them :)

An interesting conversation happened yesterday. I was down in the locker room of our workout facility and got to participate in a conversation and the start of a wager, "What is the over/under of the number of all of these people working out today, that will be here regularly in February?" The gym was packed with people. Lot's of new people. Welcome to the fitness center. The guess - half. What is your guess?

Since this blog is supposed to be all about weight loss and getting healthy. Here's my goals for 2009.

• Weigh less on December 31, 2009 then I do today. (249.7 pounds)
• Learn to eat food much more healthy then I'm eating now.

I've decided to not set to specific goals. I want something I can attain. I think both of those together will help me get to the place I really want to be. Smaller. I would think that a realistic goal would be to lose at least another 20 pounds, but a pound a week is 52 pounds. I guess if you want to pin me to it, somewhere between 20 and 52 pounds is my goal. Nice zone, huh?

I'm stealing this next thing shamelessly from the monthly newsletter we get here at work from the Healthy Living Center on the campus. I thought it's advice was spot on.

TOP 10 WAYS TO STAY MOTIVATED IN 2009
It's January and our motivation to reach our wellness goals are running high. The goal of sustaining our behavior change is a difficult task, and the Wellness Coaches at the Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center have identified the top ten ways to stay motivated and achieve success as you journey into 2009.

1. Visualize yourself living the way you want.
   
2. Set small, easily-achievable goals that line-up with your own set of values; track your progress regularly.
   
3. Recognize and appreciate every step toward your goal, celebrating your successes along the way.
   
4. Create an environment that supports your good habits.
   
5. Surround yourself with people who are already role-modeling the behavior you want.
   
6. Look forward, not backwards.
   
7. Anticipate set-backs and have a back-up plan for each.
   
8. Avoid comparing yourself to others - focus on your own personal goals and achievements.
   
9. Regularly practice positive self-talk.
   
10. Believe in yourself and your abilities.
    

Another goal? Yeah, I hope to use this blog to record my progress, set backs and basically do more journaling. Huh? I'm gonna try to post more and more regularly. I firmly believe I have good news to share! (Brag)

Stay healthy everyone!