Planning, The Journey

Planning…Is it Necessary?

How important is planning?

To the optimistic and realistic persons, planning is essential in life. How often do we plan on a day-to-day basis? Stop and think about it. We plan for the smallest of things. Think about this, we have a routine for even the smallest events in our lives. For instance, we have a morning routine. These are the things we do each morning whether we are conscious of our movements or not. The same applies to our nightly routine. There was trial and error to see what works best for our situation.

For example, Friday nights are reserved for “me” time. This is the time that I can enjoy myself. I like to get off work, order curbside to-go, and indulge in an adult beverage depending on my week. During this time I either read a book (African American Romance) or I watch a good Romantic Comedy. After I finish my nightly hygiene, I can fall asleep early or late, but my family understands this is my time. Of course there are exceptions to this rule, but for the most part this is my Friday plan.

Let’s look at the big scope in life. Working and earning a stable income for ourselves and family is the goal while saving for retirement. This all takes planning. Plans allow us to put things into perspective and devise ways to make it happen. Planning helps to think about if/then scenarios so we can hopefully avoid common pitfalls.

2025 make a plan, adjust it as necessary, and execute. Keep in mind your plan does not need to be perfect, because if you are honest with yourself nobody’s plan is. Know that the plan is a “living” plan and as life happens your plans have to adjust to keep up.

My plans for 2025: 1) save a specific dollar amount; 2) lose 15-20 pounds; 3) create a healthier lifestyle of eating (family meals included); 4) enjoy self-care/self-love days; and 5) exercise at least 3 days a week

I challenge you to take the time to make a plan for your goals that you want to accomplish. Remember your plan should be flexible and achievable.

Motivation, Planning, The Journey, Weight Loss

The S.M.A.R.T. Choice

Too often we fall into the never ending abyss of helping others and putting ourselves last.  As a result, we are often too tired to do anything that will improve our health and well being.  Often times taking care of my family, work, maintaining a house, and being an entrepreneur – all of my time to read novels and exercise are cut short.

When trying to lose weight and to be successful, we must make small goals.  Yes, I would like to wave a magic wand and be able to run/jog 2-3 miles a day, but that is not the case… right now.  Yes, I am starting out by walking.  This is a small step but it has huge results.  This goal has me waking up at 5 am getting on my treadmill and walk 1-2 miles.

This is one of my S.M.A.R.T. goals.  My next goal is to increase my water intake.  This is something that I struggle with because my taste buds have become accustomed to having flavor throughout the day and especially with meals.  My goal this week is to drink a minimum of 48 ounces.  I know it is not the daily recommended intake, but it is a start and it is more than what I am consuming now.

Remember to take the time to do something for yourself daily.

Let’s redefine ourselves the S.M.A.R.T. way!

Let me know what your S.M.A.R.T. goals are.  I like to break things up in phases.  I am on the journey of improving my lifestyle for me! Let’s do this!