The Secret to Achieving Your Goals....Determination, Refusal to Give Up, and a little Planning

Hi Everyone,

I was reading about Diana Nyad's successful 115 Mile swim from Cuba to Florida today. This was her fifth attempt. She did at the age of 64, what she was unable to achieve on her first try at 28. Fitness is a lifestyle with no age limit. It takes work and time. It is worth it. Check out the article about Diana's success here. 

There is more to this story than physical achievement. There is determination, commitment, refusal to give up, and strength of spirit that is not dimmed by embarrassment, shame or disappointment. 

Did the first 4 attempts to complete this swim hurt? Physically, she survived Jelly Fish Stings, asthma attacks, cuts, scrapes, cramping, and on her fifth trial swimming for 53 hours. Pain is a given, and after the first four attempts and 35 years Diana knew it wouldn't get easier. 

The mental fortitude it takes to attempt something you know will not be easy, and that you may fail is difficult in the best of conditions. Diana undertook this knowing that the world was watching. 

So which of your goals are you putting off due to fear of failure, embarrassment, or difficulty? 

Make a list of these goals. (If you have trouble staying on task or finding focus select one goal to focus on at a time. 

Now write down two actions you can take toward making each goal a reality. Write down two blocks to your goal. What has stopped you from reaching your goals so far? Finally, write down two ways you can overcome whatever is blocking you. If you want to share your goals you can do so in the comments section below, or on my facebook wall. 

Use this list as a plan/guide to achieving your goals. Update it as needed. Don't let anything (even yourself) stop you. 

I have a lot of interests and goals. You all know most of my fitness goals, so I am going to share a goal from another area of my life. I love singing. I used to sing constantly, and record songs for fun when I was bored at home. I wanted to lay on a piano and sing blues songs. :)

I rarely sing anymore. (Don't worry, this blog will still be about fitness, not singing!) When I see a great musical performance there is a part of me that hurts because I miss it. 

Goal: Start singing again. 

Actions: 
1. Sing at least one a Capella (without music) song per day. 
2. Buy a recording program for my computer. 

Blocks:
1. Fear. I have been told a million times that my voice is to operatic/not mainstream. 
2. I don't play an instrument, so my song writing is limited to vocals and lyrics.  

Overcome:
1. I'm singing for my own pleasure, and recording songs because I enjoy it. Also, I generally don't care what other people think as long as I am happy with my own choices. This should extend to singing as well. 
2. I don't need to play an instrument to enjoy singing. This is not really a valid excuse. However, I do want to learn to play guitar and piano. Those can be separate goals. 

Whatever your goals are, fitness or otherwise, you can achieve them. It may not be easy, but you can do it if you put in the time and effort. Don't give up, and don't stop doing the things you love. Those are the things that bring happiness and passion to your life. 

Melissa

PS I attached links to a few songs I recorded several years ago. Listening to them reminded me of how much I loved recording songs. "Wanting Me" is a duet/collaboration I did with my best friend from High School, Lenny Boss. "Spider Webs" is an a cappella cover of my favorite Joan Osborne song. "At Last" is one of my favorite classics by Etta James.