A Boomer's Footprint

Tag: challenge

Me Me Me Me Me Me Me…….

Let’s Soar.

Baby Boomers – here’s the first post from my Then and Now series: MY WAY.

There is a lot of verbiage floating around that we were the ME generation. We wanted to feel better and to have dreams that were actually attainable. We wanted a great life and we wanted work to be FUN. We brought out new energy and ideas.

And luckily for the world, we did it, we believed in ME. Our self-focus contributed to notable advancements I’ll be discussing in the coming weeks.

Also trending is the comment we didn’t live up to our potential. In fact, this theme ranks quite high in internet searches when checking out “baby boomers”. Of course many of these articles are written by millennials so give it the weight it deserves. There can be a lot of conversation around this idea.

We believed in and worked towards:

Idealism – My way meant we had an “I can do anything” attitude.We did a lot but now more than ever, we need to reconnect with our idealism as we make important choices and decisions about how we live in this second phase of life. Do we settle for our fitness level as is or strengthen and build our stamina, eat better, become more active? Do we become isolated or enlarge our friends and associates base? Do we continue to work, retire, or start our own business? Time to relocate, to buy up or downsize?

Is now the time to re-invent ourselves, to chase our dreams or to give up on potential opportunities? What can we do?

Openness to change – If you don’t like something you can change it. Part of the my way attitude. Like many kids we weren’t interested in the way our parents lived. We wanted something new and we were willing to go for it – to change. Future posts will address some of these changes. But for now are we ready to accept the challenge to change again. Life is constantly changing around us so we can choose to adapt or be left behind. Sorry to say as we age there will be many adjustments needed.

Self-empowerment – We began listening to our inner voice. We sought to discover who we were and how we could improve ourselves. This concept is very relevant if we are ready to re-invent ourselves.

Anti-authoritarianism – We became disillusioned with authority. We protested, we sat-in, we challenged the status quo. We all have our own opinions about the current leadership and whether the rhetoric is speaking to and for us. But the reality is, we must set our own course and make our lives work for us. There is no better time to become more vocal and active in the political arena at any level. To make our voices be heard. While AARP does a good job addressing some big issues, it is irresponsible of us to give up our own power. We can fight for what is correct and just.

Has our power been taken away or have we given it away? Either way take some kind of action today. Reclaim and recommit to your power and use it for the betterment of yourself and others. This is a big component in the up and coming ebook entitled “My Way” along with more information and examples on the topic.

Examples of Action Steps:

Look at your senator’s or representative’s website to see what positions they are taking (I just looked at Feinstein’s sight and see there is a link to request a government grant!)

OR search AARP – click the menu bar. There are many resources available. Such as – 10 Best Part-Time Jobs for Post-Retirement.

OR challenge yourself with a personal goal on your procrastination list.

What one goal can you accomplish in the next 30 days?

Here’s what I am up to:

-1- I continue to work on my fitness mainly strength and stamina. In addition to my fitbit steps, 5 days a week I follow a TV yoga shows like Power Yoga or Wai Lana Yoga – all for free and in the comfort of my living room floor.

-2- I am Purging! My house is full of piles everywhere. Some because there is no where to store them, others because of my small pack rat mentality. My challenge is 30 projects in 90 days. I am posting some videos on my business facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/Dorothy-Kelly-Proud-Boomer-and-Coach-107677419260985/

-3- In collaboration with others I’m building a Boomer Movement. The website BayAreaisBooming.com will launch this winter. The focus is to “Lead a Conversation” on aging in the San Francisco / Bay Area. Let’s admit it, we are there. So how do we want to do it??? This is a replicatable model for our regions in the country.

Big challenges but I have an “I can do it Attitude”. What about you?

October 5, 2017
60 Day Check In

Time flies even if you‘re not having fun. You know being “challenged.” But you can succeed with a “that’s the spirit” attitude.

60 days done, 30 more to go. Perfect time for a mini evaluation.

Do you have one of these three results so far?

-1- Definitely on Track and will meet your challenge. Nothing need be said. Finish strong. You may even choose to step it up and surpass your goal. Share your strategy with us.

-2- Average Results to date. You made progress but probably won’t hit your target. Perfectly acceptable. Keep working and Finish strong. You can readjust your goal so in the end you will achieve a success by the end of the challenge.

-3- Whoa, what happened? You are so far off track, you’re embarrassed. But don’t be ashamed, totally discouraged or fall into serious negative self talk. None of these attitudes or beliefs will help you succeed during the next 30 days or your next challenge.

Take time to figure out where you went wrong. This is definitely a journal opportunity, if you can even find it.

First, make a list of ALL the reasons you got off track, for instance time management, lack of motivation, wrong choice, etc. Remember if you don’t know what’s broke you can’t fix it.

Is there a common denominator in your lack of progress?

Did you choose too big a goal?

Did you choose the wrong challenge?

Were you unrealistic in your goal considering what else was happening in your life this summer?

There is always something to learn from failures? What is yours?

The important thing now is to simply “Begin Again.”

Reset a more manageable “30 day goal“. Don’t quit on yourself. Identify one thing you will do every day for the next 30 days.

The 10 minute a day process is a great technique to use. Surely you can commit to 10 minutes a day to adopt a new habit or eliminate an old one.

This is a chance for a new beginning. Will you accept the challenge?

August 28, 2016
Become fearless

Check out this image. I didn’t know there were so many things I could fear.

Our fears do not develop overnight. We’ve had a lifetime of experiences and actions which may have created them.

The good news is that overcoming a fear is a skill which can be learned at any time. The challenge is to decide if NOW is the time you are ready to face one of them.

Here are five beginner steps to use. I say beginner steps because change is a process. These five steps are a quick and easy method. A technique you could use for a “smaller fear” to have an experience and then a positive outcome. You may need additional information or to seek specific help to guide you.

-1- Become aware – Recognize the control that your fears are creating in your life.

-2- Identify exactly WHAT you are afraid of. Using your journal – use the two column method for this exercise. Column one – what is the best outcome and the benefits I can have if I try this activity? Column two – what is the worst that can happen if I give it a go? Choose one fear per page.

-3- Understand that fears are just fears. They are created by our imagination. Perhaps because of an actual prior experience which didn’t go well.

-4- Take action – Decide that you are ready to overcome one fear. Take action and do this scary thing.

(If you watch any of the TV weight loss reality shows, the trainers demonstrate how HARD and yet possible it is to dig deep, be honest with ourselves, accept responsibility for our actions and use our strength and new found courage to overcome our biggest obstacles. With fall coming I’m sure one of these programs will be on. You could watch one and follow along for inspiration.)

-5- Review – How good or bad did you do? Return to your journal and compare your outcome with your two columns of the best and worst outcomes. Then add this additional information. What did I learn? What can I do to improve? What should I change in the future?

Get going. Time is a wasting.

August 12, 2016
Overcoming obstacles

If you are having trouble with follow through and motivation, don’t worry it may not be your fault. Discover why……

We have been battling or even ignoring obstacles over our lifetime already. We may not realize we are doing it or how debilitating this is.

If your response in the past has been to quit when the going gets tough, now – this challenge – is a great opportunity to face at least one of your obstacles.

There are so many obstacles:

There are personal obstacles. Some of them are: psychological, behavioral or just our state of mind.

There are social obstacles, including: people who can be uncooperative or even sabotage you, shame you, bully you (even adults do this), put you down, or impose their own insecurities onto you.

There are environmental obstacles. Some are: unexpected occurrences, circumstances and instances over which we have no control.

Not to mention: bad habits, time management, organization, preparedness, fears, excuses, procrastination, inexperience and negative thoughts and energy.

To get started – recognize and admit what is standing in your way.

This is a journal exercise. Make a list of EVERY obstacle you own up to. (This may take more than one sitting.) Every time another occurs to you, add it to the list. While the process may feel overwhelming and negative in its own right, admitting what is standing in your way is the first step to change. We may even see a pattern of thoughts and behaviors emerge. Then we will know where to begin.

For the rest of this challenge, I will be writing about obstacles. Remember an extra benefit of achieving this “90 Day Challenge” is to create good habits, experience and self confidence that lasts a lifetime.

August 4, 2016
How to stay committed

We are 30 days into our “90 Day Challenge.” Read on to learn a very important tool that will help you achieve success in reaching your goal.

KNOW YOUR WHY – What motivation do you need to stay committed to achieving your goal? Why will you stick with your action plan?

Here are the top three tips to keep you motivated:

-1- Benefits – Open your journal and reread your goal. Next, write out a list of benefits you experience now and once you’ve achieved your goal. Be specific and detailed.

-2- Reward Yourself – This technique can be a great motivator. It worked for our kids and it can work for us now. Reward yourself for your small achievements, recognize your effort and then treat yourself to a reward.

Choose something meaningful. For example, don’t choose a big ice cream cone when you are trying to loose weight, instead save up for a healthy massage.

-3- Connect with your team to stay motivated, keep you on track. Accept both their encouragement and criticism when you need it.

Here is great article to help you write out your benefits.

10 Powerful Benefits of Change and Why We Should Embrace It

Sorry you may have to cut and paste. But is will be worth the effort. (Another blog skill for me to learn. Post a comment if you know how. Thanks.)

Good luck.

July 21, 2016
DK’s Affirmation and Simple Goal

So simple, yet it says it all.

Gradually over time my strength and stamina faded away. I realized it was happening but in my mind, I was still the energetic, active person of my younger days. I get it now, my current physical state is weak and it’s having an impact my quality of life. I attributed my aches, pains and stiffness to my age but it’s more related to immobility. I’ve got to get moving.

I can still walk long distances and dance for hours but some movements are gone. Forget sports, serious hiking, and other athletic abilities….FOR NOW.

I believe! I can regain physical prowess. So this is my “90 day Challenge.” Become more fit, increase my strength and stamina. Of course, I am realistic. One day after typing my affirmation and goal, I knew 100 each of the calisthenics was never going to happen. A 100 of any combo a day is doable.

I have been using my fitbit for 7 months now and am committed to taking my steps. I recently increased the number from 5,000 to 7,000. And I can definitely improve on the intensity of my steps.

Luckily, I am motivated. I can’t tell you how many nights 8 or 9:00, I look at my count and say “Dorothy, get moving” and I do. While I am proud that get up and move, I could be more active during the day.

I know I have one bike ride in my future. A short trip the full length of Golden Gate Park – out and back – just about 7 miles.

There you have it, my first confessional. More to come…….but for now I’m going for a walk.

July 11, 2016
Adopt a Good Habit

Your road ahead only seems like you are climbing an insurmountable sand dune at first! But regular, small steps will get you there.

You already know why I suggest that adopting a new habit is an integral component of achieving your 90 Day Challenge. But to spell it out……

“A Habit is a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously.” Wikipedia

The obvious key words here – regularly and occur subconsciously.

If only we were already at the subconscious stage but NO not yet. But by repeating an action over and over again, by taking consistent, small steps daily, we can reach our goal. Our routine can become rote –a habit.

Keeping a record of your 90 Day Challenge experience is so important. Sitting down every day and writing in your journal, can keep you motivated to keep working towards goal. It’s actually encouraging to read back over your writings to see your progress.

Then, imagine sharing your journey with others. This is my goal on the “ourcommonjourney” blog page.

Here are my 8 steps for adopting a new habit. The 8 steps will be part of our conversation over the next few months.

-1- Know your WHY

-2-What is your goal (Should be written by now)

-3- Use affirmations, visualization and meditation (Should be written)

-4- Commit to 90 days – Our challenge

-5- Make it regular

-6- Start with small steps

-7- Plan ahead

-8- Accept a bump in the road.

Next post is about committing to our action plans.

July 7, 2016
Our 90 Day Goal

We are ready to go – to accomplish our 90 Day Challenge. We chose our challenge. We wrote an affirmation. We’ve had 10 days to get used to the idea, so game on.

Remember, the affirmation is a one line statement, written in the present tense of where you will be, what you will have accomplished by September 21, 2016. For example, I AM FIT.

Next we will write a goal for our “90 Day Challenge”.

I’m suggesting a different method of goal setting, which I learned from Steve Pavlina, a successful personal development advocate. In the past, I used the SMART method of goal setting but now prefer Pavlina’s method.

Traditionally we think of a goal as an achievement made in the future, but the main purpose of our goal is to improve the quality of our present. We can’t guarantee the future but we can control what we are doing now – each and every day. So if I want to be FIT, then every day I keep my body moving, building my strength and stamina.

The purpose of our goal is to gain clarity and focus and to keep motivated right now. We will change our attitude about engaging in our activity.

By focusing on the NOW, we will also learn skills which we can repeat in future challenges and goals.

Some benefits of setting goals are:

To Learn about ourselves or a new skill

To create a life style

To gain Inner Strength

To become persistent

To gain self-confidence

To develop self-belief

To become a leader

To accomplish our big challenge

Using present tense language, write down your goal. For example:

My goal is to read 20 minutes each night before falling asleep.

My goal is to volunteer in a new organization, learning a new skill set.

My goal is to lose 10 pounds.

My goal is to have an organized garage, closet, or……

Write your goal in your journal, on a device, index card or calendar – keep it somewhere that is always visible and where you will look at it every day.

Some life style changes, can best be achieved by adopting or eliminating a habit. A behavior we perform on a regular, consistent basis. By taking steps every day to achieve our goal.

My next post is on adopting a new habit.

June 30, 2016
Build your Team

Having a support team around you can make the difference between success and failure when making a Big Change – our goal during this 90 Day Challenge.

It is important to ask for the support of those closest to you. You want, even need them on your team. Be upfront with your core people. Let them know exactly want you want to accomplish this summer. And ask for their support.

You could build a team of one or more people and “Work your Plan” together.

Not everyone will be supportive. So it is important to discount their negativity and doubts and stay true to yourself and follow your plan.

Since our community will have a variety of Challenges, I can’t directly address all of them in my posts.

Here are two suggestions:

If you are working on health and fitness. There are so many programs around. You need to decide if you want prepared meals, an online support program, meetings or another systems. Some we’ve heard of are Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, Nutri Systems, Lean Cuisine and others.

It may be hard to choose. Ask friends for their recommendations and success rate. If you have tried one program in the past and failed. You may give it another go. This time commit to follow the plan.

I make a lot of dishes from cookbooks by both Dr. Mark Hyman and Dr. Joel Fuhrman. These work for me because I am mainly vegetarian. I find it difficult to follow their programs daily. They are quite strict.

If you want to be more organized, I recommend Maria Gracia. I have been following her blog for a couple of years. Here is the link to her products page, which are reasonable priced.

http://www.getorganizednow.com/orderdet.html

For other 90 Day Challenge goals, there is so much resource materials available. Again, you could ask a friend or colleague who is successful in that area for a recommendation.

Or as we say Google it. Many programs also have online communities for support.

If you are stuck, ask me and I will help with the research.

This is one way I can be on your team. I will also provide motivation, support, and general tips and techniques to help you succeed.

I encourage you to post any questions and comments in the box available at the end of each blog post.

If you’re are having problems getting started or sticking to your plan, we could schedule a one-one consultation. Submit your request in the comments section, as well.

Next time, we will write out our goal.

June 25, 2016
Did I sufficiently freak you out with the 90 day Challenge idea?

Even I was overwhelmed when I read over my list of obstacles and I already put myself through a 90 day challenge this past spring. So I know what’s ahead.

The truth is we could have a lot of areas to work on. And it’s okay. We can tackle them one at a time.

Today is our first check in – have you chosen your biggest obstacle to work on yet?

It’s okay if you haven’t. You can mull it over a bit more or start with a smaller problem if the idea of Biggest challenge is too much right now. The main goal of this “90 Day Challenge” is to choose one area in your life which is holding you back and to change it.

As I write these posts, I will constantly be telling you to “get out your journal”. If you done any personal develop work in the past, you know this is an integral part of achieving success.

Did you know we have between 35 and 48 different thoughts in one minute? Talk about multi-tasking. It’s just not fair to ask our brains to REMEMBER the steps we need to take each and every day to complete our 90 Day Challenge.

Let’s get going. Research show that regularly repeating an affirmation using language in the present tense, as if it is already true, makes the brain believe you are already where you want to be.

Action Step:

Get out your journal. Writing this statement to the top of the page:

In 90 days, I __________________________.

For example:

I weigh _____________lbs.

My closet is clean.

I now work at _________________.

I have all the time I need to ______________________.

I sleep __________- hours every night.

I am drug free.

I ran my first 5K.

Next post on Saturday. I appreciate comments and questions. Don’t be shy. Let me know what’s on your mind.

Good Luck.

June 23, 2016