MONDAY MOTIVATION - Setting and Achieving Goals

For awhile now, I've been wanting to reclaim my health, and even be more healthy than I was before my cancer diagnosis. The thing I personally need to work on is losing weight. If I can lose some weight, I know I'll feel better, and be much more healthy, in addition to reducing my chances of recurrence. I've taken a few baby steps in the last 2 years - I stopped drinking soda, and I cut my portion sizes down. I haven't lost any weigh, though.

Recently, at our support meeting, we learned about a doctor-approved weight loss plan - one that is low carb, low glycemic, high protein, and soy-based. I've decided to try this plan out. I think I can lose the weight, and in the process, learn how to change my habits to become a healthier person.

I started 5 days ago, and one of the things I have to do is drink a LOT of water. I am drinking 118 oz. of water every day - that's 15 cups! It's about 75 percent more water than I've ever tried to drink in one day. I decided that the only way I would be able to do this, is to make a goal. Goals are wonderful things, at least for me they are. I find that if I set a goal - especially if I have to check in with someone - I can usually achieve that goal, with some good hard work. I love this quote by Scott Reed: "This one step - choosing a goal and sticking to it - changes everything." It's true! By setting a goal, I've got a destination in mind - I keep moving - and once I've reached that goal, I feel so good about myself.

Whatever you feel you need to do to get your health back on track, make a plan, set some goals, and then work to achieve those goals.

And remember, whatever your goals are, it's the journey toward those goals that changes us. One of my favorite people, Spencer W. Kimball, said this: "Success is not measured in achievement of goals, but in the stress and strain of meeting those goals."