Sunset over Calgary

One month has passed quickly settling in. I had a few goals for this first month being here, some of them I have completed, the others are still in process. Some things were not really a goal on their own, but I have done them anyway.

One of the goals was to start a regular workout routine taking advantage of change of scenery. I have been more successful at completing that than many other times before when I have set that goal and did not make it.

What has been different that has contributed to the success of achieving that goal? The major factor has definitely been trying to keep up with my husband. He is an experienced gym-goer and knows his way around gyms. He is also very committed and ‘needs to work out to keep relieving stress at the end of the day’ (his words). So why have I not been able to keep up with him in the past years and suddenly it goes smoothly now? Most likely readiness for a change from my part and making working out my priority. Different stories from friends who have succeeded and feel wonderful and a few internet success stories have in turn contributed to my readiness. It is something that has to happen inside you and then you are good to go. Many-many years ago, I stopped smoking the same way – I just did not want to smoke any more. Seriously and really. After that it was just to pick a date and I was done and have been ever since.

Byproduct of achieving the goal of working out regularly has been losing 2 kg in the process and feeling stronger and having more energy. It’s just what they say on all those internet pages and books written to motivate you 🙂

Another goal that was completed – moving into our home for at least a year. This one was easy to stay on target – we had temporary housing that finished end of January and if we did not find something and complete the move by then, it would have cost us extra. Setting a date and unwilling to accept the consequences of not making the deadline were the motivating factors for achieving that goal.

I also set a goal for myself to get my coaching business started by February 1st. This is not accomplished, but I do not feel bad about it. Why do I not feel bad – was it not important enough for me? It definitely is still very important to me and it is my top priority for the next 30 days. I also have learned a lot by trying to accomplish this goal and I have found some unexpected support and new ideas as a consequence of working on that goal. I have also discovered that I still have a lot to do before I can say that I’m ready to go out there and start actively looking for clients. At the moment I’m just spreading the word that I am a marketing and life-coach. I have also come to a conclusion that I need to structure my day into activities and follow the plan, but the plan has to have some slack for unstructured staring out of the window or mindless surfing. These activities are just what I need in order to remain productive. If I don’t leave room for some slack, I get unmotivated.

The first month here has also been blessed with some very nice weather – we have had a lot of sunshine and most of the days have been quite warm. Yesterday we heard geese coming back. We wondered whether they got lost or whether the spring is actually coming a lot sooner than we expect?