Goals and Achieving Them

These past few weeks, I’ve taken a look at my life and found areas that I want to change. I’m sure I’m not alone in that,the wanting to change. Part of changing is making goals, which I’ve done. According to the book I’m listening to right now, “Stop Saying You’re Fine” by Mel Robbins, the other part is going public and asking for help. She says to call the first three people on your contacts and do this, but I’m not quite there yet. Plus, the first three people in my contacts are businesses (yes, I’m aware that’s a cheating excuse). So, here I am, about to publicly humiliate myself on my blog. But who says change is easy?

Okay, my goals:

Goal 1: Get a passport.

This is actually part of a larger goal. When I was in high school, I read a magazine about a trip you could take up in Johnston Strait, which is by Vancouver Island in British Columbia. Basically, you for for about a week and kayak every day among the wildlife. You get to see all kinds of things, including orcas, which is a huge dream of mine. I’ve wanted to do this ever since.

So, I’m doing this next summer. I know I said that I was going back to Disney World, but I’ve changed my mind. Not because I don’t love Disney World (I do) or don’t want to go back (I really, really do), but I’ve decided it’s time to do the trip.

Plus, now is the perfect time because they have a new excursion called Whales, Wilderness, and Glamping. Since I’ve been camping a sum total of 1 time and really like my creature comforts, this sounds like the perfect trip for me. I want nothing more than to book the trip now, but they don’t have dates for next year yet. So, in the meantime, small, manageable goals. My passport.

Goal 2: A new apartment

I have lived in the same apartment since I moved here, which was about 11 or 12 years ago. For the most part, it’s been a good place to live. It’s pretty quiet. I’m right next to the laundry room. If something goes wrong, maintenance fixes it really quickly. The managers are nice.

However, there are some things that bug me. My apartment doesn’t get any sun. They tore up the pool two years ago and never fixed it. Now, it’s a big hole in the ground with weeds growing around it. It’s an eyesore, and I’m right next to it. Plus, I want a bigger place. I want a room for where I can have actual bookshelves and where my parents can stay when they come. Also, it might be good for my cats to have an extra room to get away from each other (although, it’s funny; even though they only tolerate each other, they always seem to be in the same room together). So, I want a bigger place.

I know where I want to move. It’s just a matter of waiting for a two bedroom apartment to open up. I’ll keep checking every day until it does. (And, no, they don’t have a waiting list; it’s first come, first serve).

GOAL 3: Lose 10 – 20 pounds

This is fairly self-explanatory. I’ve become lazy and unmotivated, and I’ve gained weight because of it. Despite belonging to a gym, I make excuses not to go and that’s hurt me. It doesn’t help I’m on medications that make you gain weight, either (although they are not the main problem). So, I need to lose the weight.

So far, I’ve signed up for personal training at the gym and am taking steps to make myself go. I’m taking photos of myself every week to track my progress. I’ll weigh myself every week or so to see how I’m doing.

GOAL 4: Go the the gym at least 3 times a week

Obviously, to lose weight, I need to work out. I’d like to say I’ll go every day, but realistically, three times a week is more attainable. If I can’t go on a weekday, I’ve got two weekend days to catch up.

My plan right now is to go before school. This will require me to get up at 5:00, be at the gym by 5:30 (when it opens), finish my workout by 6:30 and be out the door by 7:00. Somehow, I’ll eat breakfast in all that. I’m thinking of getting a blender and making a smoothie to drink on my way to work. Then, once I’m there, I’ll eat some oatmeal or something. I’ve got a million excuses why it’s too hard to go before school, but I know that going after school is not working. I need to change. So far, I’ve trained myself to get up every day at 5:30 (without an alarm), so I think I’m in good shape.

GOAL 5: Finish my purple journal.

I’ve had that thing for forever. I plan to finish it by writing three pages every morning (which is called “morning pages”). I’ve done it every day for 2 week so far!

GOAL 6: Cook dinner 4 to 6 times a week.

Another reason I’ve gained weight is because I’ve been eating almost nothing but microwaved food for so long. It’s just easier to pop something in the microwave and not have to worry about preparing it. But not only is it unhealthy, but it’s more expensive. So, I’m going to keep surfing the web for recipes and cook for myself. Maybe at some point, I’ll even start meal prepping on Sunday so I don’t have to cook during the week, just reheat what’s already done.

So, those are my goals. Now I turn to you for help. Here are some questions I have for you, advice I need.

If you were me, what specific things would you do to get started, learn more, etc?
Do you have any books you recommend I read? (Or websites I go to?)
Do you know anyone who could give me advice or counsel?
Please let me know in the comments, either here or elsewhere, if you have any answers. Thanks for reading!