For the past few months I've felt a bit stagnant. Nothing was really wrong. I just felt like I wasn't working towards anything. I decided it was time to challenge myself. Don't get me wrong, having two kids is a definite challenge, but I wanted to challenge Erin, not "mommy Erin". If that makes sense. Although I recognize I need to improve as a mommy, so maybe I need to be setting some of those goals.
I had a Sunday school teacher back when I was a junior in high school teach our class about goals. There is a big difference between a wish/someday I'll do it, and a goal. First you have to write down your goals, or else they won't happen. So this is me writing down my goals. Second, your goals need to be SMART:
S-Specific
M-Measurable
A-Attainable
R-Realistic
T-Time bound
So without further ado, here are two of my goals. First, I made a goal to not spend money to eat out the entire month of September. For some of you that would be easy. For me, it meant I needed to plan out my meals and actually think about what to make for dinner. Sometimes it is just 'easier' to run to Taco Time to grab a quick dinner. I can say this goal was a SUCCESS. I made wonderful meals all month. Some were nicer than others, but we ate healthy, great tasting homemade dinners all month. And surprisingly, our grocery bill was the same. Who knew? I'm going to continue meal planning and see how long I can go without repeating anything.
My second SMART goal is to train for and run a half marathon. I am running the Salt Lake City half marathon on April 16, 2011. I know most people only train for three months, but I'm giving myself six. Why? My goal is not just to survive the half marathon, I want to conquer it. I've already started running the past three weeks and I'm realizing that there is not anything half about it. Running is hard. This morning I ran four miles and I was hurting. It was a good hurt.
So there you have it. Those are my goals.
13 comments:
You are amazing; I love that you do this. I totally understand needing to push your "non-mom" self all the time. You will seriously kick butt in the half marathon--you are a great athlete. Also, the SLC half is so much fun. They have tons of entertainment. Good luck!
Oh yeah! I'm so excited for you. Training for the SLC half was HARD....I won't lie. But it gets easier. If you want any tips/tricks/ideas, I have a couple and I also got some from others - call or email me. You will do awesome! I'm thinking about doing another one. I need something to shoot for again. I'm SUPER excited for you!!! And I know exactly what you mean by yourself vs. your "mommy" self :)
Okay so I might have to steal some of your meal ideas...we're trying this but considering how new I am to this whole cooking meals thing...I need some help ;-)
Also I'm super impressed your running the half, I've always wanted to do that but I can't get myself to train! So good job!
I'm so glad I ran into you yesterday. I can totally you've been running, you look awesome!
Okay, you are seriously inspiring. I feel like I am just in survival mode. But maybe if I set some goals and be S.M.A.R.T. too, I could escape this phase and really improve myself. Thank you so much for reminding the importance of goals for my own well-being.
That is so impressive! What I want to know is how one can get one's hands on these recipes!!!!!
Congratulations & good luck on your october goals!
We have the same goals :)
Way to go on 4 miles! You will be up to 13 in no time. I'm glad you are giving yourself more time to prepare because then you will enjoy it more. I must ask- what do you mean by "conquer" it? Do you have a time goal? Or do you just want to finish feeling like you could have gone further?
Great Job! :) I'm SO proud of you for not eating out all of September! Woohooo! And I'm MEGA impressed that you did 4 miles. Way to go!
Go Erin! You are a person who can do whatever you put your mind to. And I love that S.M.A.R.T. strategy for goals. I'll have to use that to get some of my own going.
Congrats on cooking all month and Congrats on running too! Maybe I could talk you into running the epic relay with my team and I August 12h-13th 2011 too! Since you'll already be trained! GO YOU! You should be very proud of yourself. p.s. I know there are no photos in this post but I think your kids adorable!
Hey congrats on your goals. That is awesome. I don't know if I could do either one of them. Some days I slack on dinner and run to grab a hot n' ready pizza...maybe I should try it for a month too? I have been trying to jog but it just is so NOT fun. Some people just love it, I haven't got the runners high yet...that is awesome you went 4 miles...that would have killed me! You are awesome. I am getting excited for volleyball to be here!!
Both very awesome goals!
Four miles? You are a champ! I am so impressed, Er. I love this post, everything about it. And the hula-hooping witch at Gardner Village is posh! I love her.
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