Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Making Changes and Being Accountable

I love reading all of your blogs because I am always inspired to make necessary changes in my own life by reading about the positive changes that you are making in yours. Two themes that seem to be creeping across the blogosphere are finances and fitness.

Two things that I am really interested in. There’s a 21-day financial fast going on and also training for a 5k.

I don’t have major issues in either area but I know that there is definite room for improvement. Or maybe I’m just kidding myself and I need a complete overhaul. I don’t know.

For the longest time, the only debt I had was my house and my car. I didn’t spend much on my credit card and if I did, I paid it off. Well, due to recent events (which may be discussed at a later date) I have been indulging in a little retail therapy. Actually, a lot of retail therapy. Needless to say, I am not happy with myself right now. I am ashamed to tell you that I have $4,991.08 sitting on my Visa card. How could I have let this happen? I know how I let it happen but now I am setting a goal to have it paid off before the end of the year. That’s about $600/month. I am still saving consistently but I am going to temporarily reduce the amount I put into savings and put it on the card. I’ve already taken the card out of my wallet and will not use it again until the balance is paid off. Watch my progress to the right.

On the fitness front, I actually am doing pretty well. I work out consistently but my intensity is lacking. I need to step it up. I need to have the same intensity that I had this time last year when I was working out 5 days a week. For the month of May I have set a goal to do something everyday … either go to the gym for cardio and weights or yoga so I can increase my flexibility. So far, I’ve gone on the 1st (gym and yoga) and the 3rd (gym). Tonight I’m going to yoga. My fitness goal is really to remain healthy and maintain my weight. I’d really like to lose 4 lbs but that isn’t crucial. I could do it if I were more disciplined with what I eat for dinner. I have breakfast and lunch on lock but then I give myself a pass for dinner.

I have work to do.

8 comments:

Diva (in Demand) said...

You inspired me to be fearless yesterday. :)

TJ said...

These are great goals! The 5k would be no problem for me, but that financial fast, uhhh... LOLOL. :) Back to the drawing board.

Luv said...

iron sharpens iron... we each motivate and inspire each other..

LadyLee said...

Yep, I love everything that's going on. Today's the last day of my 21 day financial fast, and I am LOVING seeing Serenity and that crew go through it... And I know SingleMa and crew are gonna run that race and FINISH! What a thrill that will be. And it's inspirational as all get out.

This re-enforces in my heart, that words, reading peoples words, and seeing those words turn into decisons and actions... and then witnessing it all play out, with them achieving their goals does MUCH to inspire me to do better. It really does.

Anonymous said...

The financial fast looks like something I need to do. Perhaps before the end of this year or sooner.

Single Ma said...

I know you can pay off that credit card debt by the end of this year. Accountability to you guys keep me on task. To me, there's nothing worst than reporting on the blog that I couldn't do something. I have to do it because I know people are watching. Now with that said, I love the ticker in your side bar. I'll be checking in often and calling you out when it doesn't move. :-)

Dalia (Generation X Mom) said...

Goals are good. I have started the 5K goal too. Doesn't it make you feel so much better when you have accomplished something like this. Good luck with your goals.

Lacie @ Creative Attempts said...

it sounds like you have some great goals set. i really need to sit down and make some plans, i have done well with my workouts but i eat everything in sight lol