Every day
So, I was pretty excited about my New Year's Resolutions this year, I figured that if I tried something different and made not very specific goals I would find more success.
The problem with this plan was that my goals weren't very specific so it is hard to feel like I've actually been successful!
So, for my New Month's Resolution for March, I'm going to be a little more specific.
I'm going to go on a walk (training for a big hike coming up this May!) every day this month. Now, it doesn't matter how long the walk is, all that matters is that I go outside and walk for the sole purpose of walking at least once a day every day this month.
There is a large temptation to make the resolution, "walk for 30 minutes every day", or something like that. But this temptation needs to be resisted. Adding a qualifier to my resolution will only set up a barrier to entry. Because the fact of the matter is, I like going outside, but often have too much work, or am worn out from too much work, or am feeling lazy so it is easier to just sit on my butt. But, if I can get myself outside, then I'll most likely want to walk for 30+ minutes, but if there is less of a chance if I have to walk for 30 minutes. If I only have to walk around the apartment complex, well I could probably do that in less than 2 minutes. That way, it'll get me outside, and my natural desire to be active will take over.
Also, I think that resolutions to do things at an interval other than every day are made to be broken. If you are doing something every other day it is too easy to forget which day it is, or just figure you'll miss one day and pick it up the next. But every day is easy. It doesn't matter what's going on, if you haven't done the activity since you woke up that morning, then you need to do it. And as long as you keep doing it everyday the weight of the resolution grows. You've done it every day for a week? Well, then missing one day is going to reset that. You've done it every day for a month? Well, then missing a day is going to be depressing! How are you supposed to get motivated to start doing your thing again when you have to build back up to a month. I can't imagine how Joe Dimaggio felt stepping up to the plate in the game after his streak ended.
My inspiration for this New Month's Resolution is two fold. My wife's been trying the business about trying to run for some amount, any amount, these last two months to great success, and the brother-in-law has been running every day this year and is up to 60 consecutive days.
Ooh! Me too! Oooh ooh! Please! Me too!
So, here's to figuring out psychological tricks to get yourself to do things!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go walking and meet the wifey at school and then walk her home!
1 March 2011 09:49pm UTC • 243 views • 3 comments
Tagged with walking, resolutions
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3 comments
Sailing Master Keri
1 March 2011 10:53pm UTC
I like this plan!
Erik the Redish-orange
2 March 2011 03:39pm UTC
For me I've gotten to the point where running every day just seems natural. But it also has been fairly easy to fit it into my schedule every day. I am sure when the day comes that it is difficult to fit a run in the streak will have more weight. But, for now, it has just become a part of what I do each day!
Good luck, Dread Pirate! I think you'll enjoy it!
Dread Pirate Benjamin
3 March 2011 06:13am UTC
Well, so far so good! Two days down, and at least two walks down!
This is easy!