I'm unsure what today signifies in your world, but for me it's very special for at least two key reasons.
Firstly, I will say farewell to my 20's, and turn 30 next Sunday, December 6. Why be scared about it, honestly? I can't change my age. We're all ageing. Every day, every hour, every minute. So, my attitude is to embrace getting older because with it, we are learning, growing and becoming a new-and-improved-version-of-us. Or if we aren't, that is our choice. So, choose to become a better person every day in even a small way. Life is far too short to waste.
Secondly, in exactly 40 weeks today - the time it takes for a foetus to reach full term (which I thought was rather significant!) - I will, together with the rest of Team Mera, commence my epic trek and climb of Mera Peak in Nepal. How can I not get excited about that amazing fact? That's right kids, in 40 weeks today (5 September, 2010) I'll be in Kathmandu, in Nepal. I am sooooo, sooooo excited. I have tons of work (preparation) to put in between now and then, but I have every belief in myself that I can be physically, mentally and emotionally prepared for what is sure to be my most life-changing, challenging and rewarding experience to date. I have a Team of amazing people who are right alongside me, doing all they can to help me get ready for Mera Peak. I'm going to introduce you to those people very, very soon. I have long since acknowledged I cannot get from where I am now to where I need to be physically, mentally and emotionally on my own. It's SMART to ask for help, guidance and coaching. Why? Because I am so committed to summiting Mera and being in the best physical and mental condition of my life. Preparation is the key. Once I arrive, it's too late. The hard work needed to already be done. The more I prepare, the more I will gain from my climb and the more I'll enjoy it because I wont be struggling with every step. The altitude will alone be challenging enough. I'm so going to be a little ball of muscle in 40 weeks time... and an endurance athlete, ready to climb a mountain!
There is one other thing but I'm not quite ready to unleash it into the blogosphere yet. Soon though, I promise you'll hear/read about it right here. I'm well aware I could receive some feedback that may be borderline negative, hence why I am holding back at this time. But, at the end of the day, it isn't about anyone else. This is about me. I have my reasons (the why behind the what) and that is all that matters.
Enjoy today, kids. I invite you to sit down for a few minutes today and contemplate the significance of today in your life. Where are you at with your goals and commitments for 2009? What is in store for you in 2010? What worked for you, what didn't work? Are you a better person now than you were 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 months ago? I know I most certainly am in a much better head space than I was four months ago. And I am fitter and stronger too. And happier. And more focused and committed. And grateful for my family and my health. Sure, I'm always going to have my 'issues' and 'challenges' - but as long as we are committed to working on overcoming them it's all good in my book. I have a few I'm currently working on overcoming right now: my sleeping (or lack thereof), my eating (again, or lack thereof, given the quantity of training I'm doing) and my acute neck pain that has now persisted for almost 4 weeks. It's when we are stagnant that we lose the point of life. I'm the first to admit that about three months ago, I was in a very negative 'place' in my life. I don't want to go back there, ever. And I'm not about to paint a grim picture of what things were like for me then. Although you'll get glimpses of that period in my life, no doubt.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
The Seven Summits
In the world of mountaineering, the Seven Summits is considered to be an achievable goal - rather than say climbing the fourteen peaks over 8000m (Andrew Lock - I totally admire you). That is, climbing the highest peak on each of the earth's seven continents.
If mountaineering doesn't excite you and isn't your 'thing' - and that is perfectly okay - what are your Seven Summits? What are the seven top goals you would like to achieve in your lifetime? The time frame is irrelevant and the 'significance' of any or all of your selected seven is entirely personal. Likewise, the 'degree of difficulty' is also irrelevant and individual. Because, as my personal development coach/mentor, Craig Harper, says time and time again: "It's about YOU." Why chase someone elses goals? Why be a copy cat? You are unique for a reason - so you develop your own ideas, opinions, thoughts and plans.
The rationale for me writing about this follows my commitment to climb Mera Peak in September next year with Nick Farr (our leading guide), Cherie Horne (my special friend/trainer in Melbourne) and eleven cool team mates who I'll meet early next month at our first team meeting. But it also comes at a time where I've had to totally re-think where I'm going in my own life. And, to be honest, I don't have any answers regarding what path I'll follow next. I decided to voluntarily walk away from my paramedic career in mid August, not having even completed half of my 12 month Graduate Ambulance Paramedic Program in Melbourne. It was the toughest decision I made this year and I sure as hell resisted it for as long as I possibly could. It literally tore me to pieces. I realised that work just was not meant to be that hard; that I needed to honour my respect for myself and that I needed more time to develop my confidence, communication, decision making and a bunch of other life skills that are not only integral to a paramedic career but also for all areas of life.
It's important to have goals, and I'm not going to start on how to set goals and all that stuff. However, it's important to set achievable goals, measureable goals and also goals that challenge you. Avoid setting goals that involve other people. For example, getting married and having kids are both important to me, but I woldn't want to think I'm a 'failure' if they never happen. Remember, the Seven Summits challenge is about you. Once you come up with your Seven Summits, start making action plans to achieve each, one at a time. I must also emphasise how self-destructive it would be - not to mention outright stupid - to attempt the summit of Everest without first having done some smaller peaks. You need to give yourself time to gain all the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to become 'amazing' at your chosen 'thing.' By the way, just because the Seven Summits is just about climbing mountains, doesn't mean your Seven have to be all related too. They can be seven anything's. Also note that it isn't a crime by any means to edit your Seven at any time.
So, what are my Seven Summits? As of today, they are (in no particular order):
I would love to know your thoughts on my Seven Summits and would love to read about your Seven Summits too. So please share or just say hello.
Asia - Mt Everest, 8850 metres
South America - Aconcagua, 6962 metres
North America - Mt McKinley, 6194 metres
Africa - Kilimanjaro, 5895 metres
Europe - Mt Elbrus, 5642 metres (not Mt Blanc)
Antarctica - Vinson Massif, 4897 metres
Australia - Mt Kosciusko, 2228 metres. (Note that for reasons that probably relate to the extremely low altitude and lack of any technical difficulty of Mt Kosciusko, some claim that the highest peak for this region should be Carstenz Pyramid, 4884 metres, in Irian Jaya for the 'continent' of 'Oceania'.)
(Ref: http://www.andrew-lock.com/seven-summits.shtml)
If mountaineering doesn't excite you and isn't your 'thing' - and that is perfectly okay - what are your Seven Summits? What are the seven top goals you would like to achieve in your lifetime? The time frame is irrelevant and the 'significance' of any or all of your selected seven is entirely personal. Likewise, the 'degree of difficulty' is also irrelevant and individual. Because, as my personal development coach/mentor, Craig Harper, says time and time again: "It's about YOU." Why chase someone elses goals? Why be a copy cat? You are unique for a reason - so you develop your own ideas, opinions, thoughts and plans.
The rationale for me writing about this follows my commitment to climb Mera Peak in September next year with Nick Farr (our leading guide), Cherie Horne (my special friend/trainer in Melbourne) and eleven cool team mates who I'll meet early next month at our first team meeting. But it also comes at a time where I've had to totally re-think where I'm going in my own life. And, to be honest, I don't have any answers regarding what path I'll follow next. I decided to voluntarily walk away from my paramedic career in mid August, not having even completed half of my 12 month Graduate Ambulance Paramedic Program in Melbourne. It was the toughest decision I made this year and I sure as hell resisted it for as long as I possibly could. It literally tore me to pieces. I realised that work just was not meant to be that hard; that I needed to honour my respect for myself and that I needed more time to develop my confidence, communication, decision making and a bunch of other life skills that are not only integral to a paramedic career but also for all areas of life.
It's important to have goals, and I'm not going to start on how to set goals and all that stuff. However, it's important to set achievable goals, measureable goals and also goals that challenge you. Avoid setting goals that involve other people. For example, getting married and having kids are both important to me, but I woldn't want to think I'm a 'failure' if they never happen. Remember, the Seven Summits challenge is about you. Once you come up with your Seven Summits, start making action plans to achieve each, one at a time. I must also emphasise how self-destructive it would be - not to mention outright stupid - to attempt the summit of Everest without first having done some smaller peaks. You need to give yourself time to gain all the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to become 'amazing' at your chosen 'thing.' By the way, just because the Seven Summits is just about climbing mountains, doesn't mean your Seven have to be all related too. They can be seven anything's. Also note that it isn't a crime by any means to edit your Seven at any time.
So, what are my Seven Summits? As of today, they are (in no particular order):
Body composition - 57 kg* / body fat 18-20% (* body fat % to take precidence over body weight)
Ironman New Zealand or Ironman Western Australia
Mera Peak
Become a qualified paramedic
Antarctic Ice Marathon
Rottnest Channel Swim 2011
Mt Everest
I would love to know your thoughts on my Seven Summits and would love to read about your Seven Summits too. So please share or just say hello.
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Three S's of a Good Training Session
I had a PT session this morning with Gav. I mentioned that I sweat like a pig. He said that's a good thing. Then he told me about the three s's of a good workout.
1. sweat
2. smiles
3. swearing
I love it! However, maybe our session wasn't as good as I perceived? Two out of three. "Have you got a swear word out of me yet?" I asked. "No, but I will." Not today though.
1. sweat
2. smiles
3. swearing
I love it! However, maybe our session wasn't as good as I perceived? Two out of three. "Have you got a swear word out of me yet?" I asked. "No, but I will." Not today though.
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Climb
My head started churning things over (yet again) when I heard an interview on The 7PM Project between Jesse Martin and Jessica Watson. The bit that stuck out for me was this:
Jesse: What makes you think you can do this [be the youngest to sail solo around the world]?
Jessica: I just wanted to do something. I didn't have anything going for me. You just go out there and you try and blunder along and you work out a way to do it. I wouldn't be doing it if I thought it was going to be easy.
and this too...
Jessica: Whatever your dream is go for it. If you really want something you can go out and achieve it. It's going to be hard but you'll find a way.
Thanks Jess. You helped me climb out of my cocoon and start to dream and believe again. I wish you all the best on your trip too. Take care young sailor.
Life is full of peaks and troughs. It has been said many times before that it is the troughs, the lows, that test and challenge you. The test is really 'well, how strong are you?' When I've been through my lows, I have struggled to pull myself up again, and to find the strength within myself to try again and to not give up on myself and what I may have been trying to achieve. But sometimes people come into your life at just the right time, or opportunities will present themselves at a critical moment. For me, it was Jess and this blog post from Cherie Horne: Climb in Nepal with me in 2010. That was all I needed to climb out of my cocoon. I waited patiently for the next post (Mera Peak 2010) and it was when I read about the expedition on Monday night that I had already committed to joining Cherie and Nick Farr on what will surely be the most amazing journey of self-discovery, strength and courage that I have ever had. Climbing any mountain isn't for the faint hearted and this climb is serious high altitude stuff (not as serious as Everest or the other 13 peaks over 8000m).
I want to go. Now! It's been a long, long time that I have been so excited about anything. THIS IS IT. My chance to shine. My chance to challenge myself. Challenge myself to believe in myself. To build my confidence. To grow as a person. To learn about something I currently know very little about.
Thanks Cherie. Love you lots ( )
Jesse: What makes you think you can do this [be the youngest to sail solo around the world]?
Jessica: I just wanted to do something. I didn't have anything going for me. You just go out there and you try and blunder along and you work out a way to do it. I wouldn't be doing it if I thought it was going to be easy.
and this too...
Jessica: Whatever your dream is go for it. If you really want something you can go out and achieve it. It's going to be hard but you'll find a way.
Thanks Jess. You helped me climb out of my cocoon and start to dream and believe again. I wish you all the best on your trip too. Take care young sailor.
Life is full of peaks and troughs. It has been said many times before that it is the troughs, the lows, that test and challenge you. The test is really 'well, how strong are you?' When I've been through my lows, I have struggled to pull myself up again, and to find the strength within myself to try again and to not give up on myself and what I may have been trying to achieve. But sometimes people come into your life at just the right time, or opportunities will present themselves at a critical moment. For me, it was Jess and this blog post from Cherie Horne: Climb in Nepal with me in 2010. That was all I needed to climb out of my cocoon. I waited patiently for the next post (Mera Peak 2010) and it was when I read about the expedition on Monday night that I had already committed to joining Cherie and Nick Farr on what will surely be the most amazing journey of self-discovery, strength and courage that I have ever had. Climbing any mountain isn't for the faint hearted and this climb is serious high altitude stuff (not as serious as Everest or the other 13 peaks over 8000m).
I want to go. Now! It's been a long, long time that I have been so excited about anything. THIS IS IT. My chance to shine. My chance to challenge myself. Challenge myself to believe in myself. To build my confidence. To grow as a person. To learn about something I currently know very little about.
Thanks Cherie. Love you lots ( )
Sunday, April 19, 2009
A death in the family
I awoke yesterday morning and before I got up I read a sms that was on my phone from Mum. It essentially said my Nanna had died overnight. Although it didn't say that as such, she assumed I already knew. I didn't. We have been expecting it for a while now - but more so over the past month or two. We're all okay. We really lost her 10 years ago when she had a big stroke. After that she just wasn't the same. The personality had been sucked from her and also her quality of life.My Nanna has six children (my Dad is the second eldest) and I'm not sure how many grandkids there are - but there's a lot. We were all so close to Nanna so I'm thinking the funeral (to be held on Friday 24/4) is going to be a huge tear fest. Tears of sadness and tears of happiness - celebrating the life of someone who was so special to all of us.
I've never been to a funeral. Ever. So, yep, I'm rather scared. Not really sure why, I just am. Scared of saying a final goodbye? Maybe. Scared of the whole tearful procession? Yeah, that too.
Thinking about the death of a loved one also triggered a post of Craig's that I read earlier this year called 'Just another life.' He essentially was getting us to think about our own funeral. What would people say about us? What were our achievements, what were our values were, and the kind of person we were. I'm not sure there'd be too much to say about my life right now.
From what I've heard, my Nanna's funeral is turning into a big family reunion. It's hard to get everyone together when everyone is scattered all over the place: Melbourne, Central Coast NSW, Brisbane and NZ. It'll be sad saying goodbye, for sure, but I'm looking forward to spending time with my family too. Makes you appreciate the amazing opportunity we all have to live in the now and to share a part of ourselves with our family and friends.
I want to throw the floor open to anyone with thoughts on whether I should speak or not? If yes, what do I say? Or do I just stand there and cry for two minutes?
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Consistent progress
It's one thing to sit down and write out all your goals and make the action plans, but it's another kettle of fish to put those plans into practice and make quality progress, consistently. Making that consistent progress has been my issue lately so I just did a search for 'progress' on Craig Harper's site and found this article: The progress check. The article refers to the 154 days that, on Aug 7, remained of 2008 calendar year. I'll adapt my responses so I'm referring to the remaining weeks of this financial year (that will bring me/us up to June 30). Also keep in mind that I'm referring to the commitments I made in the Commitment Wall post (9/12/2008) on Craig's site (see below).
Jules said...
* setting non-negotiable behaviours
* no more over-thinking and under-doing, no more procrastinating, no more excuses, no more avoiding hard work
* building confidence
* moving to Melbourne to commence work with Ambulance Victoria as a Graduate Ambulance Paramedic
* building social network; creating new friendships and relationships
* PT [client] at Harpers
* triathlon coaching [client]
* sub 5:30 Melbourne Marathon 2009
* Ironman Western Australia 2009
* start weight: 77.2 kg… goal: 58 kg
* save for house deposit
1. What haven't you done in 2008 that you said you would?
I haven't made much progress with my body goals; I haven't learned my CPG's for work; I'm not doing all my scheduled triathlon training sessions; I'm not training at Harper's; not yet got my savings plan happening
2. Why haven't you done it?
I've been procrastinating, over-thinking, stressing, making excuses for why I shouldn't do what I need to (too tired, no time), put too much pressure on self --> paralyses me and I don't do anything. About the Harper’s stuff – I’ve been uber busy with my new job. Savings plan – I’ve just moved to Melb and got to get on top of a few financial things first (like paying the father back for helping me out with first months rent).
3. How have you sabotaged yourself this year?
See above. Also, I've been living in the future and have been consumed by fear; I don't trust myself.
4. How and when will you stop that?
Stop over-thinking, (stop writing/talking about what I'm going to do) stop waiting for the perfect time (it doesn't exist). Finding the good/positive in I just have to. When? NOW. Today. This minute.
5. Why will it be different next time?
I don't want to live my life like this for another moment. It's such a waste. I'm only hurting myself, and pushing away the people around me who are wanting to help me. No one believes me anymore.
6. Are you communicating effectively and productively with everyone in your world? If not, what do you need to change to produce better results?
Communication is still an issue for me. But I am building confidence in that area. I'm working on it. It's a big part of my new job role so I'll get proficient at it. In time. With practice and experience and some coaching from my Clinical Instructors. "Be confident in what you do."
7. What will you do different (to create different) for the next 154 [?80'ish] days?
Do my training
Eat no crap for an initial 28 day period. (Then for another 28 day period).
Read Eckhart Tolle and start living in the NOW
Stop talking, writing and thinking about all the stuff I’m going to do. Only talk, write about stuff I have done after I’ve achieved something
8. What specifically will you achieve, change, create by the end of this [financial] year (and of course, beyond)?
be 65kg
deposit 15% of my after-tax fortnightly income into my house deposit savings account
have good foundational knowledge of my CPGs and pharmacologies
have an amazing attitude
change my eating habits (no chocolate, no bingeing on yoghurt)
change my lifestyle habits
create a social life
9. In reference to your goals for the rest of this [financial] year, what is the absolute best investment of your time and emotional energy and what do you need to let go of for now?
The best investment of my time I can make is living in the now, and doing what I need to do regardless of how I feel (regardless of the ‘motivation’). I need to let go of my fears and my self-doubts. Get over it! They are only my perceptions. They aren’t real.
10. Are you actually prepared to do what it takes, or do you just like the 'idea' of success?
I'm genuinely prepared to do what it takes. I've had enough of thinking about my best life. I will really start creating it. Being amazing is within the realm of possibility for all of us. Of course we each have a different concept of what is 'amazing' but, it is first and foremost an attitude. Then, it just requires 'doing amazing' things - doing what others most. Being exceptional. Doing stuff when others make excuses. Being consistent with chipping away at our goals so we produce the outcomes we want in our world.
11. What's one thing that you can do right now (okay when you finish reading this) to create instant change on some level (big or small)?
Write up a daily checklist with all my non-negotiables until they all become no-brainers
12. How will you keep yourself accountable and proactive when the motivation 'wears off'? When this post is a distant memory what will keep you doing what you need to do?
Provide Craig Harper with (brief) weekly progress reports
Train with Cherie at Harper's at least once a week
Check in with my triathlon coach and let him know how I'm going – reporting what I have/haven’t done
Enter Ironman Western Australia and book my accommodation stuff = committing financially and therefore giving self a reason to do it (not doing it will no longer be an option)
My Amazing Jules Personal Growth Challenge - give myself weekly challenges/mini-goals
* setting non-negotiable behaviours
* no more over-thinking and under-doing, no more procrastinating, no more excuses, no more avoiding hard work
* building confidence
* moving to Melbourne to commence work with Ambulance Victoria as a Graduate Ambulance Paramedic
* building social network; creating new friendships and relationships
* PT [client] at Harpers
* triathlon coaching [client]
* sub 5:30 Melbourne Marathon 2009
* Ironman Western Australia 2009
* start weight: 77.2 kg… goal: 58 kg
* save for house deposit
1. What haven't you done in 2008 that you said you would?
I haven't made much progress with my body goals; I haven't learned my CPG's for work; I'm not doing all my scheduled triathlon training sessions; I'm not training at Harper's; not yet got my savings plan happening
2. Why haven't you done it?
I've been procrastinating, over-thinking, stressing, making excuses for why I shouldn't do what I need to (too tired, no time), put too much pressure on self --> paralyses me and I don't do anything. About the Harper’s stuff – I’ve been uber busy with my new job. Savings plan – I’ve just moved to Melb and got to get on top of a few financial things first (like paying the father back for helping me out with first months rent).
3. How have you sabotaged yourself this year?See above. Also, I've been living in the future and have been consumed by fear; I don't trust myself.
4. How and when will you stop that?
Stop over-thinking, (stop writing/talking about what I'm going to do) stop waiting for the perfect time (it doesn't exist). Finding the good/positive in I just have to. When? NOW. Today. This minute.
5. Why will it be different next time?
I don't want to live my life like this for another moment. It's such a waste. I'm only hurting myself, and pushing away the people around me who are wanting to help me. No one believes me anymore.
6. Are you communicating effectively and productively with everyone in your world? If not, what do you need to change to produce better results?
Communication is still an issue for me. But I am building confidence in that area. I'm working on it. It's a big part of my new job role so I'll get proficient at it. In time. With practice and experience and some coaching from my Clinical Instructors. "Be confident in what you do."7. What will you do different (to create different) for the next 154 [?80'ish] days?
Do my training
Eat no crap for an initial 28 day period. (Then for another 28 day period).
Read Eckhart Tolle and start living in the NOW
Stop talking, writing and thinking about all the stuff I’m going to do. Only talk, write about stuff I have done after I’ve achieved something
8. What specifically will you achieve, change, create by the end of this [financial] year (and of course, beyond)?
be 65kg
deposit 15% of my after-tax fortnightly income into my house deposit savings account
have good foundational knowledge of my CPGs and pharmacologies
have an amazing attitude
change my eating habits (no chocolate, no bingeing on yoghurt)
change my lifestyle habits
create a social life
9. In reference to your goals for the rest of this [financial] year, what is the absolute best investment of your time and emotional energy and what do you need to let go of for now?
The best investment of my time I can make is living in the now, and doing what I need to do regardless of how I feel (regardless of the ‘motivation’). I need to let go of my fears and my self-doubts. Get over it! They are only my perceptions. They aren’t real.
10. Are you actually prepared to do what it takes, or do you just like the 'idea' of success?
I'm genuinely prepared to do what it takes. I've had enough of thinking about my best life. I will really start creating it. Being amazing is within the realm of possibility for all of us. Of course we each have a different concept of what is 'amazing' but, it is first and foremost an attitude. Then, it just requires 'doing amazing' things - doing what others most. Being exceptional. Doing stuff when others make excuses. Being consistent with chipping away at our goals so we produce the outcomes we want in our world.
11. What's one thing that you can do right now (okay when you finish reading this) to create instant change on some level (big or small)?
Write up a daily checklist with all my non-negotiables until they all become no-brainers
12. How will you keep yourself accountable and proactive when the motivation 'wears off'? When this post is a distant memory what will keep you doing what you need to do?
Provide Craig Harper with (brief) weekly progress reports
Train with Cherie at Harper's at least once a week
Check in with my triathlon coach and let him know how I'm going – reporting what I have/haven’t done
Enter Ironman Western Australia and book my accommodation stuff = committing financially and therefore giving self a reason to do it (not doing it will no longer be an option)
My Amazing Jules Personal Growth Challenge - give myself weekly challenges/mini-goals
Saturday, April 4, 2009
The Amazing Jules Personal Growth Challenge
Background
They’re everywhere now. Body transformation challenges. Most are twelve weeks.
Body for Life Challenge
Body Blitz Body Transformation Challenge
Catch Fitness 20 Week Body & Lifestyle Challenge
Ideal Bodies Online
I actually was all set to enter the Catch Fitness one this year but being New Zealand based they decided at the eleventh hour I was not eligible to enter this year. It’s okay though, I don’t need an official challenge. I can create my own. And I will. I am. Now.
What’s different about my challenge then?
It has no end date. Personal growth is a life-long thing. Creating our best body is too. Once we achieve our desired body composition (body fat) goal, we can develop more strength, endurance, fitness, flexibility. The list is endless. Pick a sport and work on getting better at it.
It's not just about the body stuff. It’s about the head stuff as well and the lifestyle stuff. I have recognised ‘performance gaps’ that need serious work to reach the 'standard' (the standard I set for myself).
It’s about me creating my best life. Contrary to some peoples ideas, this isn’t solely about me being a Paramedic, or about me finishing my first (and any subsequent) Ironman triathlons or about me buying a house, finding a partner and having kids. Creating the outcomes we want in my world is a big part of creating our best life. But it has other components too. We’ll explore them as we go along.
It’s about me getting stuff done. Doing what I need to do. Having some public accountability. I am aware of several people (who will remain nameless) who ‘do not believe me anymore’ so I’ll keep quiet and let my results here tell the story of what’s going on in my world.
It’s about commitment. I have a bazillion goals, and even an action plan but do I actually do it? Am I really committed? Actions speak louder than words every time. In my case, it has been inaction that has spoken louder. Not something to brag about.
It’s about me. And no, the whole world is not about me – I’m referring to the process of change. It requires me to ‘do, think, be and create AMAZING’ - no one can do that for me. I am more than capable. I am intelligent. Not uber-intelligent but intelligent enough.
How is this going to work?
While my Challenge may appear to be something I’ve whipped up in five minutes, it isn't. I’ll give you the heads up now that I’ll be making up the rules as I go and giving myself various mini-challenges (assignments if you like) along the way. It – like me – will be a work in progress. So bear with me while I figure what I’ll be doing! The Chief Judge is going to be me. I’m sure I’ll have others around me who will jump up and comment on what I’m doing (or not). I welcome their input and feedback anytime.
Let's start. Now.
Week 1
Some key dates on the horizon
23 Apr My first shift on-road as a Graduate Paramedic
6 May My university graduation. Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic), Pass with Credit. Anyway, you only graduate with a first Bachelors degree once. Just like you only get married for the first time once. You only have your first baby once.
29 May RYL Two Day Program. I really need to put in some serious work between now and then. Otherwise, let's be honest here and say here is little point me even going if I can't create some serious change in one or more areas of my life in 8 weeks. I'm not talking 'lose 10 kg in one week.' That's unrealistic. But give me 8 weeks and that is a reasonable chunk of time. I need to be able to do what I need to do on my own. Start creating my AMAZING body, career, finances, social life. Others cannot help you if ou cannot help yourself first. It's easier for others to help if you're already doing stuff, and being proactive. I want to meet Sue J and EG and others from Craig's site. But I also need to create change. For me. Social stuff is great, but I need to change.
They’re everywhere now. Body transformation challenges. Most are twelve weeks.Body for Life Challenge
Body Blitz Body Transformation Challenge
Catch Fitness 20 Week Body & Lifestyle Challenge
Ideal Bodies Online
I actually was all set to enter the Catch Fitness one this year but being New Zealand based they decided at the eleventh hour I was not eligible to enter this year. It’s okay though, I don’t need an official challenge. I can create my own. And I will. I am. Now.
What’s different about my challenge then?
It has no end date. Personal growth is a life-long thing. Creating our best body is too. Once we achieve our desired body composition (body fat) goal, we can develop more strength, endurance, fitness, flexibility. The list is endless. Pick a sport and work on getting better at it.
It's not just about the body stuff. It’s about the head stuff as well and the lifestyle stuff. I have recognised ‘performance gaps’ that need serious work to reach the 'standard' (the standard I set for myself).
It’s about me creating my best life. Contrary to some peoples ideas, this isn’t solely about me being a Paramedic, or about me finishing my first (and any subsequent) Ironman triathlons or about me buying a house, finding a partner and having kids. Creating the outcomes we want in my world is a big part of creating our best life. But it has other components too. We’ll explore them as we go along.
It’s about me getting stuff done. Doing what I need to do. Having some public accountability. I am aware of several people (who will remain nameless) who ‘do not believe me anymore’ so I’ll keep quiet and let my results here tell the story of what’s going on in my world.
It’s about commitment. I have a bazillion goals, and even an action plan but do I actually do it? Am I really committed? Actions speak louder than words every time. In my case, it has been inaction that has spoken louder. Not something to brag about.
It’s about me. And no, the whole world is not about me – I’m referring to the process of change. It requires me to ‘do, think, be and create AMAZING’ - no one can do that for me. I am more than capable. I am intelligent. Not uber-intelligent but intelligent enough.
How is this going to work?
While my Challenge may appear to be something I’ve whipped up in five minutes, it isn't. I’ll give you the heads up now that I’ll be making up the rules as I go and giving myself various mini-challenges (assignments if you like) along the way. It – like me – will be a work in progress. So bear with me while I figure what I’ll be doing! The Chief Judge is going to be me. I’m sure I’ll have others around me who will jump up and comment on what I’m doing (or not). I welcome their input and feedback anytime.
Let's start. Now.
Week 1
- Read Eckhart Tolle for ½ hr, at least 4 days
- Record food
- Minimum of 2.5 L water a day
- Minimum of 1 hour a day studying, learning, immersing self in Ambulance Victoria Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)
- 1x 45-60 minute PT session (resistance stuff) OR clinical pilates class
- Complete 100% of my scheduled triathlon training sessions
- Do something DIFFERENT – something NEW - something involving OTHER PEOPLE (cannot be a solitary activity)
Some key dates on the horizon
23 Apr My first shift on-road as a Graduate Paramedic
6 May My university graduation. Bachelor of Clinical Practice (Paramedic), Pass with Credit. Anyway, you only graduate with a first Bachelors degree once. Just like you only get married for the first time once. You only have your first baby once.
29 May RYL Two Day Program. I really need to put in some serious work between now and then. Otherwise, let's be honest here and say here is little point me even going if I can't create some serious change in one or more areas of my life in 8 weeks. I'm not talking 'lose 10 kg in one week.' That's unrealistic. But give me 8 weeks and that is a reasonable chunk of time. I need to be able to do what I need to do on my own. Start creating my AMAZING body, career, finances, social life. Others cannot help you if ou cannot help yourself first. It's easier for others to help if you're already doing stuff, and being proactive. I want to meet Sue J and EG and others from Craig's site. But I also need to create change. For me. Social stuff is great, but I need to change.
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