Just Like a New Toy

I just bought a new MAC, finally! I have always been a PC girl but have wondered if the grass on the other side (MAC) was any greener. I have flirted with the idea of a MAC for a few years now. I did all my homework before making this decision: I checked out user reviews, polled friends, family and even complete strangers on their experience; I played around with all the new devices at stores and asked many questions. After months of weighing all the pros and cons to each I finally decided a MAC was what I needed. So what did I do? I waited. And I waited. I had made my decision but I had no reason to actually move on it. I didn’t have a compelling event. My ‘want’ wasn’t enough. So with my homework complete, my mind made up and money saved, I waited. And now finally, my compelling event: I have to return my PC to its owner (it was borrowed to begin with) and I get to go buy my very own. I literally skipped all the way to the store, picked up the toy I have been dreaming about for over 3 years and I am now set. Right?
Wrong! I seriously underestimated the time (and patience) it would take to set up my MAC, convert my PC files and programs, make additional purchases, and ultimately the learning curve I would have to undergo. All of my excitement for my new toy has fizzled and now I feel like I am in a complete burn out trying to figure this all out.
Does this sound familiar? Have you ever been so excited about a new toy only to have that excitement extinguish quickly once reality settles in? Think about your most recent fitness or eating plan: did you start out with the best intentions, bundles of energy and enthusiasm only for it to be replaced with boredom and resentment a few days later? A new fitness plan isn’t all that different from a new toy.
There are 2 key factors that cause many people to fail with their fitness plans: boredom and unexpected events. Acknowledge this and spend some time brainstorming ways that your plans may be derailed and how you will address this.
Combat monotony with a variety of activities in your fitness plan. If a gym membership is part of your plan, look at some classes as an idea to break up your schedule. Look for a friend or a partner with shared goals that you can challenge yourself with. Review your interests and build around what you enjoy. When I was training for a run, I scheduled some of my longer (read boring) runs around my favorite television shows.
Don’t forget that no matter what your intention life will get in the way. Did you plan to rise early to get your workout in? What will you do if you have an unexpected late night or restless sleep? Are you going to wait until after work to hit the gym? Consider what you will do if a better offer comes up. Make some contingencies and if you choose to forego your plan for that day choose to not feel guilty about it but vow to make up for it in the days to come.
Not unlike my new toy, expect your goals to lose their luster. By preparing for this in advance you will be ready when life throws you a curve ball and reality sets in. Remember the infamous Benjamin Franklin quote: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” and ensure that you are set up for success.