Goals

On the one hand, I don't typically think of myself as a "goal-oriented" person. I don't plan out my life long-term, you can refer to my student loan balance as evidence for that, and I don't think about who/what/where I will be in x number of years. On the other hand, it always helps me if I set short-term goals. For example, I exercise. I value it's results on my figure and my health, and I know it's important for my kids to see me exercise and to join along for their current and future health as well. However, it's BORRRIINNNGGG. Not at first, right? But, after a few months or years of doing the same thing it get's tedious and, therefore, less effective. Bad break-ups used to fire me up for some good exercising. But since it looks like this marriage thing is going to last a while, I need other fuel. Music is awesome, but, like a fun exercise, wears itself out after a while. So, over the summer I decided to go for little goals. I joined Weight Watchers and lost 23 pounds. I've kept it off for quite a few months now. I ran a half marathon and continue to run short distances (1-3 miles) several times a week and lift weights. I made and met the following goals at the gym: lose weight; get to under 20% body fat (though I'm pretty sure I've creeped back up above that since school and work are back in session); and I've increased my pace per mile by over a minute! I've tried TRX, Spin, Swimming and I do Body Pump 2-4 times a week (4 was when I was on summer break). I do interval training, switch it up from running the treadmill to running the stairs or doing jump rope. But, I'm still bored. I'm looking for a new goal, but I'm stumped!!

I wouldn't think it should be this hard to think of something that would motivate me to do something more (better, faster, farther, newer, etc.). It doesn't have to be gym related. I guess I'm working on my career a ton, though. I'm going to graduate in the spring (read my lips!!), I've got some work probably lined up for after. I have a few "new year's resolutions". I'll quote them from where I wrote them before:

"One is to drink less wine. well, less frequently. I drink a glass or two most nights, but I'd like to scale that back to one or two nights a week. In combination with this goal I'd like to get and stay hydrated. I'm terrible with water and I think that I would feel better if I was hydrated.

On a more global level, I'd like to manage the new year's schedule with grace and really enjoy all that I'm doing. It's my last semester, and I have seminar one night a week, internship (as a therapist) one very full day and one half day a week, a class one evening a week, a research position I'll be paid for, which I *think* can be worked on during client days when i'm not with clients, blog writing and I'm getting a job *hopefully* two days a week as a child and family therapist. Then there's, ya know...my family and marriage and food and exercise needs to consider. So my goal is to handle that stress gracefully. I think that the first two goals will help me handle this one.

Another goal is to continue to lead with my values and with my best, professional and kind voice when dealing with shitfuckers. Kill em with kindness is my (attempted) new motto. I've learned a LOT this past month about how doing the right thing can feel awful. I never learned that before, because when stuff felt bad I'd always do something else, or do something worse to validate the bad feelings with guilt. It's been a victorious month for me, chalk full of internal sorrow and loss. BUT I've done the right thing and can say I'm proud for that.

My fiscal goal is to figure out my fiscals. With my income changing sources (from loans to bona fide work) I need to learn what my family's budget is, and work to make the money flow in more than out."

Man. I say "I" a lot. Maybe I should make it a goal to think less about myself and more about others? What do you think? What motivates you?

But... for the record, I'm not a "goal oriented" person. Please, commence with the uber dramatic eye rolling. Thank you.