Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Why Goals Are So Important

After being gone for three weeks, I’m slowly getting back into my normal routine. I certainly have a lot to get accomplished in the next few weeks, and I also have to get back to a “normal” eating and exercise routine. One of the ways for me to not get overwhelmed is to make “to-do lists” and set specific goals. So here are my goals for the next four weeks:
  1. Prepare fall classes (I made a very specific schedule with “mini goals” to get this done)
  2. Work out every day (my definition of “work out” is very loose, but I do have to “seriously” move at least 30 minutes a day)
  3. Do at least two “serious” strength workouts a week
  4. Take vitamins and supplements every day (totally forgot about them while I was gone)
  5. Plan meals
  6. Eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables and juice again
  7. Research fall activities for the toddler and sign him up
One of the reasons for my trip was that my dad and I had set a goal when he was first diagnosed with cancer. He had started to cross the Alps by foot last year. He was following a path called “Traumpfad” (dream trail),  which leads from Munich to Venice. It takes about 30 days and is physically quite demanding. He did the first ten days last year. When I first spoke to him after his diagnosis, I remember saying to him, “If you are well enough, I’ll go with you in July.” I bought my plane ticket right away. At that time, it was more than doubtful that we could go on this adventure together, but I knew I had to visit and be near my family during this time.

Luckily, my dad was doing fairly well at the beginning of July and we set off. Unfortunately, the weather and my dad’s knee did not cooperate with our plans, and we had to come back after only three days (we had planned nine). Nevertheless, setting the goal to hike in the Alps together was one of the best decisions. It gave us both something to look forward to, to plan, to read the same book and talk about almost on a daily basis. Planning this trip gave us both the hope we so much needed. Here are some pictures from our adventure:


Questions: Do you have any goals at the moment? If so, what are they? My dad and I already have the goal to hike in the Alps again next July. Wish us luck!

Be well,
Andrea