Sticktoittiveness

It has been over two weeks since my last post. I am proud to say that I am making improvements in my life for the better. I have been active at least 3 times a week (thanks to my sister who is on the ball! GO NAY NAY!!!) If it wasn't for her I would probably be back to my old sedate ways, as much as I hate to admit it. I do have more energy. I feel sexier (which is mostly mental at this point - too soon to see any REAL changes yet). While I feel the draw of the old habits trying to pull me backwards, I am still keeping my focus and not giving up this time.

I have finally developed what I like to call "Sticktoittiveness". Sticktoittiveness is defined as the "ability to engage in a new endeavor long enough to achieve a desired outcome". You won't find this on Wikipedia - I don't think - as it is a word I made up. Although, I think it is Wiki-worthy.

There are 3 levels of sticktoittiveness. Nay Nay has been engaged in Level 1 - the highest level of determination possible. She has been on a mission to get out of the fitness funk she's been in, in exchange for a total health transformation. I am so proud of her. On the other hand, I have been engaging in the lowest form of the stick-to-it attitude, Level 3. I haven't given up, but I am struggling with the initiative to get out and exercise on my own. But, if Nay Nay calls and wants to work out, I won't make an excuse. I go with her.

There are plenty of excuses I could make to stay put. But, I have forced myself to come up with a reason why the excuse won't work. For example:

Excuse: It's too hot.
Solution: Work out indoors.

Excuse: My A/C is broken (this really did happen) and it's 84 degrees in the house.
Solution: Go swimming instead.

Excuse: But I have the baby.
Solution: Put her in a floaty and swim laps with her.

(can you see the argument with myself going on??)

Excuse: But it is lightning outside.
Solution A: Either wait until the storm passes or -
Solution B: Hop in the car and drive to the mall. Walk the mall.

So far I haven't been able to think of an excuse for the mall walking yet.

Excuse: I don't feel like it.
Solution: That's not an excuse.

Level 2 is the point at which you are being consistent with your actions to achieve your goal, but it is based on motivation. It is very easy to slip from Level 2 to Level 3 if you rely on the feeling of motivation to propel you. Nay Nay is a strong Level 1 - sticking to her goals by any means necessary even if she doesn't feel like it.

I did have some setbacks these past two weeks. The main problem was I threw out my back - BAD. I couldn't stand up, walk, or even sit up in bed. Caring for Dani was a monumental task. I was so angry at myself because I knew this would deter me from my goal. Sure enough, I went from working out every day to being laid up in bed for 3 days. Oh, how the determination was extinguished! All because I bent over to pick up a toy the wrong way.

Slowly, I am easing back into low-impact activities. Walking and a lot of time in the pool (which is ideal for summertime). But the wind has definitely been let out of my motivational sails. I am blessed to have a sister who is stronger than I am. I just hope should the time come she needs a push in the right direction, I can be the rock she's been for me.

That is motivation to strive for Level 1 sticktoittiveness in itself.