It's time for a change!

Happy Sunday,

2020 has definitely been a year for us all. I went into 2020 bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, excited to crush some goals and help others to do the same and then COVID-19 happened. I watched friends suffer through this disease, people die and others who felt it wasn't that serious. I also lost my dog, Meeko. I had her for 10 years and losing her was like losing a piece of my heart. 2020 really did a number on me and my mindset. 

I tried to remain positive and focused throughout it all. During my 6 week furlough from work, I found joy in teaching virtual classes which was great because I was able to lose 30 pounds. But as I returned to work, returned to life, my weight fluctuated about 10 pounds in either direction due to depression and stress. What was worse was even though I was returning to my normal life, "normal" wasn't normal anymore. Usually after work, I would get my son and my boyfriend and I would spend 1-2 hours in the gym before going home. With the new gym hours and his new job, that hasn't happened. I try to hit the gym on my own but with work and not enough hours in the day, I'm lucky if I can get it in three times a week. I could work out when I get home too, but with the kids and house duties, that also hasn't happened. 

So lately, I have been thinking about my past and how I got motivated and ridded myself of excuses to achieve my goals. I thought about my bodybuilding coach, Maurice, and how he told me one day I have to block out the negativity and do this for me. If it's important to me, I'll make the time, not the excuses. 

As 2020 comes to a close, I've decided that I'm getting rid of my excuses. I will do what I need to do, what I tell my clients to do each day and that is find the time, even if it's only 30 minutes. I have to do this for me and my son. I want to show him more than anything that when you want something bad enough, nothing can stop you but you. 

As a trainer, I want to keep it real with my clients at all times. It not easy staying motivated. It's even harder staying consistent but none of it is impossible. Trust me, I'm my own testimony. I started this journey over 10 years ago 315 pounds and battling the same depression I battle today. I was able to drop 140 pounds before. I don't need to lose that much this time but knowing that I've done it before gives me the push to do it again. 

My keys to success are:

1. Acknowledge the bad days. They will happen; let them happen but do not dwell in them. Once that day is over, do not carry it into the next day. 
2. Make SMART goals. (SMART - Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Based). My goal is to get back to 195 (I'm currently 229 lbs -- I know crazy huh) by April 2021. That's 35 pounds to lose in 5 months which means I would have to lose 7 pounds a month. It's specific, its measurable, its attainable, relevant and I've given myself a time limit to do so. 
3. Stay accountable. There are many ways you can do this. You can get an accountability partner, you can join a group (I have an awesome, free one called AlcineXtreme Operation TransformHer/Him on Facebook you can join), or you can track yourself in a journal or app. One of my ways of staying accountable is putting myself out there publicly like I am with this blog. Once the world knows my goals, the world will be watching me achieve them. 
4. Your goals are your motivation. Whenever you don't feel like you want to do what you know you need to do, remember why you're doing it. This comes from a strong "Why" statement. I want you think of why you have the goal that you have. My why, why do I want to be 195, at 195 I was comfortable in my skin, I was healthy, energetic and happy. I want to be that all again for my son. 
5. Lastly, don't stress it. You are human and plans don't always go to plan. Just try your best each day. 

 So here's to 2021. May we all accomplish our goals and I pray that it is a better year for everyone.