Goals for 2009

It is that time of year when everyone starts posting about their goals for 2009. This is the year that they will finally reach their goal weight and stay there, this is the year that they will stop binging, this is the year that they will finally achieve what they have always wanted.

If you are a blogger you have the luxury of looking at what you wrote in January 2008 and deciding whether or not you achieved everything you set out to. How did you go?

"Well I would have lost that last 5 kilos except that I broke my ankle in March"
"I would have been at the gym more often but my new job took up more of my time than I expected"
"I would have competed but my friend was sick and I needed to care for her"
"I would have run the marathon but I had to be at my brother's wedding on that day"

They are not excuses, they are the facts of life. The life that we all lead that is unpredictable, chaotic and full of changing circumstances.

So how is it even possible to expect to reach a fixed goal without knowing in advance what our lives will bring us in 2009?

I propose that we go 'goal free' for 2009. Planning to hit a certain number on the scales or on your bench press can sometimes make us feel demoralized and depressed when we just can't do it.

There is also little sustained joy in reaching an arbitrary goals in our lives. To spend months battling with strict discipline and deprivation for a short moment of glory can be disappointing as well. After it is all over, we are left with a sense of feeling lost.

Am I suggesting that we just give up and meander through life without focus or purpose? Of course not. I am suggesting that we change the way we look at things.

In 2009 my goal is to live my life to its fullest potential every single day. I want to be able to go to bed each night knowing that I did the best that I could.

★ I will eat healthy, nutritious food in appropriate amounts that will build muscle and burn the fat.
★ I will follow my training schedule including rest days.
★ I will make sure I have enough sleep.
★ I will spend time in a quiet place and empty my brain of its constant thoughts.
★ I will share my life experience with others so we can share our common dreams and disappointments.
★ I will celebrate each successful and unsuccessful day for the lessons they provide.
★ I will be content with who I am right now while striving to be better tomorrow.
★ I will recognise that this is my mission and purpose in life - to challenge myself daily and to learn and grow as a result.
★ I will acknowledge that the changes to my body composition, strength and fitness are a result of my decisions in the face of life's circumstances and not a measure of my success or failure.
★ I will face every single day with joy and anticipation knowing that I have countless opportunities to make a difference for myself and others.
★ I will love this life and the people who share it with me.

There is only one destination in this life, and that is that it will eventually end. The rest of it is simply the journey which is experienced just one day and one moment at a time.