21 days to a new habit

That's what "they" always say.

I'm not sure I believe it.

lol.

I've been at the gym 18 days in the last 23 (so over that 21 days, right? at least according to the trainers), and RIGHT NOW, I never want to go back. It would be so easy to give in to the negative voice in my head telling me I'm horrible and other things and just give up.

I'm not in the best place right now. My kids are sick. My husband is grouchy. My extended family is stressing me out. I am having a bit of a sugar withdrawal -- I am getting better with the diet, too. I'm pretty emotional these days anyway.

Instead of dwelling on all that, though ... now I'm reminding myself a few things.
1) At the gym, I do exactly what the trainer tells me. I don't quit. I keep going, even when it burns. Not if it hurts; we modify. But burns, yes.
2) Cheating at the gym only cheats me.
3) Cheating on my diet only cheats me -- this is a new thing for me.
4) Not that I've made friends per se, but some of the folks who are there every day when I am say "hi" to me now, with a big smile, *every* time they see me. The employees called me a "regular" the other day.
5) My ward family, friends, neighbors, FB friends, and co-workers ask me how it's going and tell me they're proud of me.
6) I DID A 5K on Saturday on the elliptical. In 45 minutes. First time ever. When I told my temporary trainer this morning, he got so excited and said, "I'm so proud of you!"
7) My husband is proud of me for continuing to push myself.
8) I hurt less when I pick up my son. Most days, I have more energy and feel better. My muscles are stronger and more developed.
9) I am proud of myself!

Just writing that list put me in a much better frame of mind. So in the morning, when my husband gets home, I'm putting on my gym shoes and heading out the door. And if I feel like quitting again, I'm going to re-read my list and maybe add a few things to it.

Next time you feel like giving up, write yourself a list! See what happens. You might surprise yourself.