Making Changes - January 4, 2008

I'm completely pumped up at the number of people that are joining the "Streaking Challenge."  Typically the new year comes with resolutions that are often over and done with by the 4th of January.  I have a sneaking suspicion that this won't be the case for many people taking part in the challenge.  I'd like to encourage everybody to post two things each Sunday or Monday morning in the comments section of the blog;

1. Your current "streak" of days that you have exercised at least 30 minutes.  Remember if you miss a day, just start over again.  Don't give up.
2. The number of "goose-eggs" that you've logged in your training for 2008.  We are looking for low numbers for the entire year.  Again, if you miss a day, don't give up.

You could do it in the following format - Paul Kindzia, paul@atickettokona.com - 7/0 (which would give us your name, your email address, the current streak at 7 days and 0 missed days of training in 2008.)  Feel free to share additional information in the comment and your blog page if you are blogging your progress.  This way if we see you missing a day or two, we could provide you with some group motivation...or harassment :)

I'd also like to see us all encourage one another to get back on their horse and start over again with a new streak if we miss a day and to help them keep the number of goose-eggs down to a minimum.  Post a note, send an email, or show up at their house with an exercise DVD in hand.  But don't let them off easy.

One opportunity that we have right now and each day is to start over again.  January 1 seems to always be a convenient time to "start new goals" but it's important to note that January 1 on a calendar system is completely arbitrary in the scope of our lives.  There is no better time to change than right here and right now.  If we don't like something in our lives, take action and strike to change.  If we are discontent, have the confidence to know that change can made if we commit to change.

One benefit of the internet is discovering people that could serve as inspiration to us.  It becomes a source of motivation to see people in similar circumstances evolve into people that we admire and want to emulate.  Some people get motivated by the Michael Jordan's and Lance Armstrong's of the world.  Other people find motivation in what appears to be ordinary people achieving extraordinary accomplishments.  How do they do it?  How did they start?  How did they learn? 

If we identify with a person who demonstrates characteristics that we desire, we can attempt to model ourselves after them.  Modeling is nothing more than a form of imitation to become what we seek.  If we seek wealth, health and happiness, the most efficient form of achieving those is to identify people that are wealthy, healthy and happy and learn the methods that they employed to achieve the desired results.  We don't have to reinvent the wheel.

By The Numbers

• 5 - Days of being injury and sick-free
• 5 - Days in a row of consistent training
• 0 - Days missed of training at least 30 minutes in 2008
• 232 - Days remaining until Ironman Canada

 

Comments

[Wes]

Woo hoo! Now, if I could just get one of you guys to do my Ironman for me :-) Ok. Where's the fun in that ;-)

Wes Madonna, wes1030m@yahoo.com, 1/2

[mrjwhit]

I like this challenge. As of today I am 0/5, but hey tomorrow's a new day.

[Matt]

I propose a small change to the rules. I feel that the second number (the number of missed training days in 2008) should be the number of missed training days since signing up for the challenge. As you say above, every day is a new day and this would allow people who sign up late to still have a chance for the prize. (but that doesn't mean you slackers out there can wait until Dec 30 to sign up...)

[jkrunning]

I think I need to do this. Can I join?

[jkrunning]

Forgot the stats:
brookegoedecke@yahoo.com 0/2

[Amy]

What a great idea Paul! 30 minutes of some kind of cardio is simply a good healthy idea.

I am going to give it a try.

Amy
http://blog.runnerslounge.com and www.runnerslounge.com