I’m ending week 3 on my healthy eating/exercise program and, last night while on the treadmill, I realized what I’ve done differently this time. I’m realistic.

Initially when I began I wanted to do 90 minutes on the treadmill. But it quickly became apparent that 90 minutes wasn’t going to work. In fact I had to really plan to get in 60 minutes. So I reset my goal to 60 minutes. Although it was still stretching me to get that amount of time in every day it was something I “could” make work and feel successful. I didn’t do 30 or 45 minutes because that would have been too easy. Now I’m focusing on increasing the speed at which I walk during that hour.

When I started I also looked at what was one thing I didn’t want to give up…and it was a certain lunch that I have every week with my friend. It would be very hard to fit the number of calories (almost 1,000) into my daily 1560 and still get my five fruits and vegetables and 2 milk products. So I decided that on that one day, I would give myself permission to go over my points total. I usually end up going over by about 350-500 calories. But it’s planned and I feel good about it. I don’t feel like I’ve “cheated” because I’m not. It’s part of my own “program.”

So, what’s different this time? Why am I doing so much better and feeling satisfied? Because I’m being realistic about my goals. And this time I’m going to be successful!

How about you? Do you have some goals that you’re focusing on?