Photo: Zugr via Unsplash
I never laugh until I’ve had my coffee.
American actor Clark Gable was born on this day in 1901 (died 1960).
Yesterday, I wrote about the revision in the writing goals.
I’m sure you read that. Please don’t tell me that I need to keep reminding you that you should read here every day.
Put that down as one of your goals.
Anyway, as you know (ahem), I didn’t post my annual More or Less post this year.
Instead, I have adapted two areas of focus: Writing and Health.
I have written, so to speak, about my writing plans. Those are evolving.
As for health, it’s more than just losing weight and getting into shape. Oh, that’s certainly part of it.
I’m endeavoring to get to the gym most days of the week. Right now, I’m focusing on either swimming (which helps the arthritis) or using the bike. I’ll do more as time progresses. And, as the weather holds or improves, I’ll get back to walking at lunch.
I’m also working on better nutrition. That’s not just a matter of counting calories, which I am counting. But it’s making better choices.
It’s never easy.
But so far, my energy levels are holding and the scales appear to be moving in the right direction. Not fast enough, but at least they’re moving.
The truth is, health is about more than just the physical. It’s also the spiritual and mental aspects of life. And, darn it, the financial.
All this is to say that, a month in, we’re still on the right track. Mostly.
I don’t fool myself into thinking that the rest of the year will run as smoothly as January.
I’ve already revisited the writing goals. I may have to revisit the other goals as well.
For example, I am well aware that going back to a seven-day work schedule roughly coinciding with the delivery of the Girl Scout cookies that I ordered is not the best of scenarios.
The thing about setting goals, making resolutions, or drawing up plans is that we have to understand that things will change.
Life will happen. Obstacles will get in our way.
That does not mean that we should quit.
We may stumble in our goals. Something may happen to throw us totally off track.
That just means we need to pick ourselves up and start over.
After all, does eating an entire sleeve of Thin Mints in an evening mean we shouldn’t go to the gym tomorrow?
I’m asking for a friend.
What I’ve learned over my past few years of developing my More or Less list is that I shouldn’t have a laundry list of things I want to accomplish. I’ve narrowed that focus down.
This way, when I make progress with those two areas of my life…writing and health if you weren’t paying attention…then the other aspects should fall in line.
It doesn’t mean I’m not working on other things. It’s just a matter of prioritization.
As much as I’d like to think I can do it all, I can’t.
I can do a lot. And, as vain as it sounds, I generally do.
But I can’t do it all.
So, narrow the focus. Be willing to start over when necessary. Never give up.
Never, ever give up.
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