#mlgoals

[measuringlife]

April Accountability!

[measuringlife]

Measuring Me: Goal Setting

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a goal oriented person. However it wasn’t until last year when I was working with my life coach that I got into the habit of writing and reflecting on them. We had weekly and daily goal exercises, I’ve maintained the weekly goal setting and reflection practice. The great thing about writing and record your goals is that you can go back to read them! So here’s a look at my very first weekly goal writing session on July 1, 2018, prompts in bold and my reflection a year later in italics. 

Make a list of 10-15 goals you would like to achieve THIS WEEK. Make them positive, present tense, and specific. Remember these are goals for the week, not months from now. So think of these as the smallest action steps that will drive you FORWARD the quickest. This is about setting yourself up for a win. 1. Log my overtime work hours to prepare to present to my boss at the end of peak season - DID, having comp time in the fall helped me make myself, my goals, Measuring Life a priority 2. Add google analytics to my website - DID 3. Categorize tumblr blog posts - DID 4. Work out at least 4 times - Likely Did, still track workouts 5. Share my blog/instagram with 2 more people I know in real life - DID, still continue to share 6. Check in with my graphic designer friend regarding my new logo/visual brand - DID, launched the logo on NYE 7. Pick up new chromebook - DID, having a computer that isn’t my “work” computer has also helped give me separation 8. Buy and set paper planner and set up a google calendar for my personal life/side hustle - DID, this was a game changer more on that below 9. Buy a bulletin board, note books, office supplies for home office - DID, however only used the home office for a few months since we started using the guest room for AirBNB in October 10. Post 1 video of me on Measuring Life accounts - Did it in August, I post video on occasion, but despite my broadcast journalism degree I prefer writing when it comes to being vulnerable 11. Listen to at least 2 of Dan's podcast episodes - DID, still keeping current on his podcasts and other social media channels for continued inspiration and motivation 12. Rewatch the portion of last week's bonus call where I had my talk time with Dan - DID, watching myself dig and be vulnerable on a video call was odd, but also beautiful. I’ve re-watched a few recording video calls where I’ve gotten emotional and I learned to give myself some grace and understand that change happens when you stop doing the things you’ve always done - in my case being extremely guarded and private 13. Journal at least 3 times this week - Likely Did, I try and write in my paper journal weekly, but such is life sometimes it more often or less often, but there hasn’t been too much of a lapse between writing since I got back to my journaling practice

Which is the one goal that will help all of the others happen? Buy and set paper planner and set up a google calendar for my personal life/side hustle.

For too long I relied on my work outlook calendar to keep all my things, but I really need to separate work from home. As a long time paper journal person, I’ve come to find my paper planner as another type of journal, especially after I made the switch to a passion planner in January 2019. I still can’t get into google calendar, but I use google docs to track all my side hustles (pet sitting, AirBNB, fitness instructor) including dates and income generation to keep everything in order, but also to keep a catalog/record. 

What has to happen for these goals to be done? I need to make the time to get to the stores to pick up/purchase items. I need to make the time to set up a calendar as well as have focused time in my office to do so. 

Making time was the key, which really means making me a priority. I tend to make everything else a priority, work, other people, social media, television, etc. I still have to actively choose my goals and dreams when it comes to my time. My people pleasing/fixer tendencies will always be there, but for me the awareness is key.

Why are these goals so important to you? I want a public medium to share my story of trauma, failures, successes and connect with others with similar stories. I felt so much shame and isolation over the years for just being me and I'm learning how to break through that and I think the sooner people can push through the shame and isolation the better for them and for all. 

This is still true, I came into this my coaching program at a crossroads and a place of self-loathing. I’ve learned to love myself including all my flaws and defects of character (a line from my 12 step program). I still want to share what I’ve overcome, but now I’m more focused on the present and the future. Living in the present isn’t always something I’m very good at, but I’m trying to live less and less in the past. 

What would you gain by achieving these goals? I would be vulnerable, but living authentically and building connections with people - both the people I know, think I know, or have yet to know. 

This has been one of the highlights of the past year, developing deeper relationships with people and meeting new people who I have connected with on a deep level. I’ve also started to let go of the relationships that are no longer serving me.

What risks will you have to take by achieving these goals? Being vulnerable and open to judgment. Reducing my day job hours/stress levels. 

I did these things and no one died! If people are judging me that’s fine, but it hasn’t been something I’ve seen or heard and honestly at this point if I did read or hear something negative I know I’d be okay because I have enough people lifting me up. When it comes to work, the work never ends. It’s about priorities and focus. I know I’ve set more attainable work goals as opposed to pushing myself harder than what is expected which has been a previous pattern. I take my lunch hour, I leave at 5 unless there is a meeting or program that requires me to stay. I’ve taken my sick and vacation days on top of comp time. 

What will get in the way of these goals? Procrastination or trying to do too much too soon and therefore getting overwhelmed. Not managing my time or wasting time.

THIS, this still gets in my way. I am way more aware, but I still love the rush that comes with procrastination or being too ambitious. 

Why haven't you achieved these goals already? What stopped you before? Time - I tend to run full speed ahead doing 10,000 things at once and burning the candle at both ends or I'm laaaaaaaaaaazy and have the motivation to do anything. 

This is tied to the last one, I am still very much an all or nothing kind of person. My planner helps me see this a bit more, so I actually try to schedule in “nothing” time. Ultimately I aim for more balance and alignment in a week, but more likely than not in any given month I have 3 crazy busy weeks and then a really chill low key week. I’ve learned not to feel guilty for “lazy bones” weekends as I’ve called them.  

What will you do differently now? Since last September I began managing my time better: actually taking my 1 hour lunch break to workout/walk/meet someone for lunch, setting a Fitbit alarm at 4:40pm each work day so I could wind down for the day and actually leave the office at 5pm. I packed my gym clothes the night before and changed before leaving work so I could go right from the office to the gym. I really found my stride in doing this from January 2018-mid June 2018. Currently in my intense peak work season, but want to quickly get back on track as soon as mid-July gets here. 

Yes, all of these things I’ve kept up with these good habits and thankfully after my peak summer season last year I was able to get back on track. I’m looking forward to getting back on track after this summer’s peak season. 

Is there anything I can do now to make achieving these goals easier?  The biggest thing in my control is sleeping. I can't function off 5 hours of actual sleep and since I currently need to be up at 5:30am most days I need to make sure I'm in bed by 10pm. I also need to continue to journal/blog to stay accountable. 

Sleep hygiene has been such a priority for me this year. Starting in September I began charging my phone away from my bed. I first started charging it in another room - where I could still hear the alarm, but as I got better about not “needing” the phone next to the bed I now charge it across the bedroom, but still not next to the bed. I also keep it face down so I don’t see the screen light up from the bed. I strive for 8 hours of sleep each night, however, in January I stopped wearing my Fitbit to track my sleep because I found the data to no longer be helpful. I often would wake up feeling refreshed, but if the fitbit data didn’t back it up then I’d mentally feel less refreshed. As mentioned personal accountability also is really important for my goal setting and self-care. Writing my weekly goals and reflecting on them each week, managing my time with a paper planner, weigh-ins/measurements, budgeting and finances, etc all of this has made a huge difference and my momentum is only growing. 

I am thankful to be where I am today and excited to see where I’ll be a year from now!

[measuringlife]

Ya girl is hired to be BODYPUMP instructor @goldsgym 🙌💪🙌

[measuringlife]

To quote Hairspray “HEY MAMA, WELCOME TO THE 60s”

Wow this is insane and amazing and EARNED! I have an “ideal” BMI for my height which is such big a health goal for me! Never in my adult life have I seen the 160s, but I’ve spent 9 years dreaming and working towards this.

I came close in 2010 and 2012, but 2019 is my year! This dream that once seemed impossible is a reality and only gives me more hope, encouragement and motivation to chase down other dreams, including my ultimate goal weight of 155. This journey is so much bigger than weight, but the confidence I get from my commitment to my health and sense of accomplishment I get from weight loss really supercharges me to chase down my purpose and passions.

Dream big my friends, dream big!

[measuringlife]

THIS JACKET FULLY BUTTONS WITH ROOM TO SPARE!

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I bought this jacket early into my initial weight loss journey circa 2010. I couldn’t button it, but could wear it open despite it being really tight in the armpits. Orange is my favorite color and this was a perfect jacket for fall/spring weather. Over the years I was able to sometimes button the middle button (that poor button is HANGING ON).

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This morning I went to grab a lighter coat since spring is finally here and I decided to give this a whirl. Never have I been able to button all 3 buttons. If you swipe to pic two you can see I have room to spare!

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[measuringlife]

Bet you wish you were in my 30 minute core class this morning with a pop playlist like this! . My first PAID fitness instructor gig was a success! I felt more confident and prepared than I expected to feel. I had 7 participants and one of them told me after class that it was a great class which made my heart happy! I’m so excited to see where this group fitness instructor journey will lead me!

[measuringlife]

Measuring Monday: 40 Days and 40 Nights

*Didn’t get around to writing yesterday so here you go!

I am someone who is pro-new year’s resolutions, but I know not everyone is. I also love changes of season, new academic semesters, a new week, and birthdays for chances to reset. However, one of my very favorite times to implement a change is during Lent. For those of you not familiar Lent according to Wikipedia is “a solemn religious observance in the Christian liturgical calendar that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later, before Easter Sunday. The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, repentance of sins, almsgiving, and self-denial.”

Growing up Catholic during Lent people were encouraged to “give up” something as a sacrifice. I’m sure I gave up plenty of things, but I specifically remember giving up french fries one year as a kid. Despite moving away from the Catholic religion, I still think using the 40 days of Lent as a way to change habits is a cool concept - especially since it always happens as Spring is approaching. One year a few years into working full-time  I did give up “snoozing” my alarm clock and boy that was tough.  In recent years I used Lent as a time to add things to my life like holding a plank for X minutes each night, doing push-ups, or in the case of last year getting back to journaling. So perhaps your new year’s resolution stalled out or you didn’t set any, so here’s your chance, Lent starts tomorrow March 6, 2019.

Let’s think about what we can gain. What can you add to your life to make it more satisfying? What new practices would make you happier and feel better? Below is a non-weight loss related list someone shared around the new year and it’s perfectly applicable now. The items in italics are things I have implemented over the years and have come to value. The bold items are some goals for Lent. I want to be more sustainable particularly when it comes to plastic use.

Get more quality sleep

Eat vegetables at every meal

Wash your bed sheets regularly

Meditate

Spend more time outside

Actually eat your fruit before it goes bad

Get back in touch with old friends

Bring your own bags when grocery shopping

Don’t watch tv or use the computer during meals

Support local farms and food producers

Take vitamins

Learn to knit or sew

Stretch and improve your flexibility

Volunteer to register voters

Concentrate on improving your posture

Make doctor and dentist appointments regularly

Cook and prepare lunch instead of relying on processed foods

Replace your toothbrush

Clean your kitchen and dishes after each meal

Stop biting your nails

Compliment someone every day

Regularly donate unworn and ill-fitting clothing to a local shelter

Wear sunscreen every day you’re outside

Clean your pantry and throw out expired food each month

Quit smoking

Explore local museums and parks

Put your laundry away

Get an eye exam and update your prescription

Cut down on the amount of plastic you use each day

Re-try foods that you hate, but haven’t eaten in years

Delete a social media account

Moisturize and remove your makeup before going to bed

Attend town hall meetings

Keep a journal

Floss

Your turn!

[measuringlife]

Measuring Monday: Teaching 101

Teaching is my blood, both my parents were teachers and both of my mom’s parents were teachers. Truth be told I never set out to teach in any capacity, but destiny is funny like that.  

I found my way to teaching first in college where I started gravitating towards positions when I could “mentor” underclassman. Actually, that’s not true, I had a brief stint in high school where I taught CCD (Catholic education classes) for a year to first graders with my friend Heather. Nightmare, definitely solidified being a traditional K-12 teacher was not for me! So my college mentor role developed in co-teaching two interdisciplinary classes in grad school, both were highlights, but again I was drawn in through the leadership aspect more than the teaching. Two years later I taught a first-year college seminar, but that was the most “teaching” I did in like 5 years. Granted I was “leading” weekly 3 hour trainings for student leaders during that time, but again I never thought of it as teaching.

Suddenly I found myself at the helm of a whole course with 55+ sections of a first-year college transitions class and almost as many adjunct faculty to wrangle all while teaching a section myself. But it was during this time that I had my first real taste of experiential education, and in this case, it was through outdoor adventure curriculum. The learning that happened outside the class was even more powerful than anything that I could achieve in the classroom. One of my favorite “lessons” was on budgeting and decision making. We assigned students in small groups to meal plan for our trip. Each group probably got 2 meals to do. Each meal had a different amount budgeting to spend, so like breakfast was $4 per person, lunch was $6 per person, and dinner was $8 per person. The groups knew what meals they had to make and they were aware of the budget per person, but the trick was did the count all group members (including trip leaders, which one group forgot). What could they buy that could stretch the money out, what could be cooked with limited supplies on portable gas stoves? Were everyone’s dietary needs considered? Would the food be made at camp or did it need to be portable? So the groups needed to plan, shop and then cook. It was a real-life lesson and part of the well thought out curriculum that was cloaked in food shopping. In some cases they made too much food, others not enough food, went waaay under-budget or needed a last minute change because at the register they were over-budget. The processing the activity can sometimes be the best part.

Anyway, I taught another few years in traditional classroom settings, I even was hired to teach a 3-credit public speaking class, talk about traditional. I was really looking forward to the chance, but when I changed jobs HR needed me to resign my adjunct gig with my full-time gig, so I gave up the class months before it started. I toyed with picking up a first-year seminar class or a communications class at my current school, but for a whole host of reasons I didn’t. Then Urban Hiking found me.

A younger colleague of mine who I was Facebook friends with posted in Fall 2017 about being excited to be a first-time adjunct faculty and teaching an Urban Hiking class. I was excited for her excitement, but I was like Urban Hiking, tell me more. We chatted about it a few times over the course of the semester, I shared with her a bit about my outdoor education background. Well not too long after that she reached out to me letting me know she couldn’t teach in the Spring and wanted to refer me to her department chair. Next thing I knew I was brushing off my resume and interviewing for the gig which I got on the spot!

Teaching Urban Hiking last spring for the first time was a game changer. I was able to teach college students, be outdoors, and exercise. WINNING! This class is for 3 hours on Saturdays for 5 weeks and I was unsure about if it was worth the extra haul into DC. However, it quickly became my favorite part of the week. Not only was the class time itself great, but I loved reading the students reflections about each week’s hike and lesson. The class is designed to take students on various DC trails and introduce necessary hiking skills and concepts to hike for outdoor travel or as a recreational fitness activity. Content covers: fitness for hiking, route planning,  proper clothing and gear, safety concerns, and environmental conditions. I’m currently in my 3rd semester teaching Urban Hiking and it gets better and better. I’ve also spent the past two semesters mentoring the adjuncts who have taught the other second. Yup, the class was so popular that my department added a second section!

Recently I’ve gone and added the layer of Group Fitness Instructing which is such a different vibe. There are participants of all ages and abilities, those who are there to work out hard and those there to be more social. There is a sense of team and community, but also we are individuals all on our own journey, getting unique things from the workout. Lots of folks have asked me about my BODYPUMP teaching. In the Les Mills formats (which is the umbrella company out of New Zealand that are trainers that develop varieties of workouts) the instructors do the whole workout with the participants facing the class. We give verbal cues and we model the exercises. We stay at the front and try and give corrective cues as we go without calling out participants directly during class. There is so much going on from microphones to music to equipment, to knowing the choreography, getting the timing down, giving good cues, getting your mouth and brain to connect so you can say those cues, AND you are doing the entire workout while giving modifications, corrections, and most importantly praise and encouragement. Since I’m still a sub instructor I haven’t had the opportunity to develop too much rapport with the participants, but I’ve found myself subbing the same classes a few times now and that rapport is starting to develop.

Yesterday I fully co-taught a BODYPUMP class with my friend R. It was a blast to be teaching PUMP in my home gym. I’m co-teaching PUMP with J on Thursday and I’m stoked since I was a regular in that class. I’m also solo subbing at my home gym on the 17th and I can’t wait. The big dance will be when I get to sub a 10:25am Saturday class which is always packed and was a part of my weekend routine for a long time!

Call me a teacher, faculty, adjunct, instructor, professor whatever you want. I enjoy leading people and being seen as a resource.

[measuringlife]

Today I also went to the GYN for my “Well Woman” exam. Check those staaaaaaats! Actually my resting pulse is usually in the low 50s, but doctors appointments always get my blood pumping! I was given gold stars throughout the appointment for my healthy lifestyle! .

[measuringlife]

Filmed with Pump friends and instructor friends today for my #bodypump instructor assessment video.

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The energy was great and I was happy with my instructing, even with two minor errors that I can chalk up to being overly excited.

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Just submitted my video now and hope to hear back in the next week or so!!

[measuringlife]

35.5!! . These first 6 months have been full of growth and development. Looking forward to what these next 6 months ahead!

[measuringlife]

Monthly measurements! My arms and legs changed the most this month and I can really SEE IT. . Honestly in Body Pump I often think to myself whose legs are those on my body. Being 5’9.5” I’ve always seen my body, especially my legs, as big and tall, but I’m transforming into long and lean 🤗

[measuringlife]

Measuring Monday: California Dreaming

I’ve had a love affair with California even before I ever set foot there. I think it’s because my Dad also loved California so much. He briefly dropped out of college for a hippie year or so in Long Beach. He had so many stories from his California days - including working at one of the first 7-11s which novelty was that it was open from 7am-11pm!

I looked at grad programs and grad school summer internships in California even before I ever visited. I’ve had the great fortune to have traveled to the left coast quite a few times over the years. I applied to jobs in California as part of my national job search after grad school and in 2015-2016 I very seriously and actively job searched and interviewed out there, but it wasn’t meant to be for a variety of reasons.

I love the ocean and I love the mountains, which California offers in close proximity. I also love warmer weather and being outside. Living somewhere that could allow me to eat/exercise/play outside 300+ days a year is extremely appealing. Also let’s not forget, I have a broadcast journalism degree and a theatre minor plus my love for radio (college and commercial), I’ve always loved show business.

Here’s a quick recap of all my Cali trips:

March 2006: LA & Palm Springs with my Dad

—Highlights: Hollywood Homes tour, Hollywood sign, Walk of Fame, Jeopardy taping, UCLA visit, toes in the ocean

November 2009: Anaheim/Disneyland for work and a day trip to LA for fun

—Highlights: Disneyland, How I Met Your Mother set visit (thanks writer friend George), dinner at Ketchup, “Wild Hogs” premier - that we came across because we were driving next to John Travolta and Kelly Preston and followed them to El Capitan - tons of celeb sightings

March 2012: LA for the LA Marathon and fun

—Watched the filming of a How I Met Your Mother scene (thanks again George), Santa Monica Pier and Promenade, Pepperdine, USC, toes in the ocean,Dodger Stadium, David Cook Team lunch

February 2014: San Diego for work

—Gaslamp Quarter, Embarcadero Park, lots of running, Mexican food in Old Town San Diego

March 2015: CSU Northridge for a job interview

—Run in the area and dinner with a friend of a friend

May 2015: CSU Fullerton for a job interview

—Lunch in Long Beach and frolic in the sand. Also the bear Lebanese garlic paste I’ve ever had at a place near campus

March 2016: CSU Dominguez Hills for a job interview

—Dinner in Manhattan Beach and a run

March 2019: LA for work and driving up PCH1 to San Fran for fun

—Hikes in Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon, California Museum of Natural History, USC, with planned trip to Malibu, Hearst Castle, Big Sur, Alcatraz tour, bike tour, Painted Ladies, Sausalito and more

[measuringlife]

Yesterday while decluttering my workout pants drawer I came across these bad boys from Express circa 2002-2003. I remember wearing these size Large swooshy-esque pants to the gym in college thinking I was hot shit. . I’ve kept these pants and a few others for 15+ years as a reminder of where I was and at some points where I was hoping to get back to. . However I’m ready to release them to the donation pile. Being firmly in low 170s is new territory and I have new goal pants in mind.

[measuringlife]

I already keep my stuff pretty tidy, but I went through all my clothes today to make sure the pieces I have still spark joy. Used new ways to reorganize some other things and refolded everything!

[measuringlife]

My dear friend AJ posted this today and referenced her journey from the fear zone to the learning zone in her early 30s. These zones of course can happen at any and every stage or life, but it is interesting to see patterns and how it has played out in my life so far: . ▪️my late teens - early 20s were a comfort zone leading into a fear zone . ▪️my late 20s - early 30s were a fear zone leading into a learning zone . ▪️and now my mid - late 30s are a learning zone leading into a growth zone