About a year ago, Hurricane Irma mangled the trees and flowers in our neighborhood. It destroyed a huge tree on the path on which I run. The tree closed the path for several weeks. My momentum and focus took a nose dive during the time of storm preparation, evacuation, and repair. Though we have not had a hurricane this season (and may that continue to be the case), I am faced with finding focus and clarity amidst chaotic times – removing trees is hard with all the noise that we hear when we pay attention.

What does removing the trees today mean?

Participate in the Whole Life Challenge

We, my husband is my workout partner, are starting a 4th Whole Life Challenge at the end of this month. (I will write more about exactly what it is during the Challenge.) Part of participation in the Whole Life Challenge is doing a pre-Challenge self assessment. The self-assessment is an initial snapshot to make measuring progress possible. Participating in the Whole Life Challenge clarifies what needs to happen daily, across every area of health and fitness, in order to live the healthiest life possible.

Use The Gym

We joined an amazing neighborhood gym in May. I have been lukewarm in my connection to it thus far. Connecting with instructors and trainers there has been somewhat motivating, but I have not taken a real bite out of the gym apple yet. Taking classes with good instructors and reaching goals step-by-step will provide fuel to the jet engine of my sometimes weary soul. I know this from past experience. Moving trees is easier with help. Even small results add up.

Make and follow a plan

We always have a workout plan. We have had several workout plans over the last few years and followed them with little success. Plans generally involve running schedules and weight loss goals. I also always aspire to keep an accurate record of what I eat and drink. There is a difference between having a plan and living it. Having a plan is just a piece of the tree moving puzzle. Moving the tree means that I must live my plan.

Put a goal front and center

I will complete my 6th Kentucky Derby Mini-marathon in April of 2019. (It will be my 4th with my husband.) The goal of participating in the race in the healthiest possible state and reach our time goal is more than attainable if we get started now. We eat right. We get our miles in. We make it through the inevitable hills and valleys of the upcoming months still living by our plan. We reach our goal. The tree must move for the goal to be achieved.

Reflect. Adjust. Celebrate.

Moving the tree will not happen without a clear mind and strong body. A solid goal and a clear path to get there are in front of us. Between now and April, we will have to reflect about how true to the plan we are staying. If we find tweaking and shifting are needed to remain true to the plan, then we must tweak and shift. As we move toward the goal, small celebrations when good things happen can help us stay motivated and keep focused on the goal.

What does removing trees look like in your life?

If you made a list of things in you life that are the trees blocking your path to your goals what would they include? Never taking time to set goals? Being too scared to imagine that your goals might be possible? Not knowing how significant relationships fit in to your goals? Embarrassment and shame about the last 150 times you went for a goal and failed? I choose to see trees in my path as potential evidence of my strength and perseverance. When looked at in reverse, the trees I have conquered in my path thus far show me the trees that lie ahead will not beat me, or diminish me, or stand in the way of my goals.