The odds of hitting your target go up dramatically when you aim at it. - advice from a fortune cookie

A Disclaimer

I don’t believe in luck, curses, the Evil Eye, four-leaf clovers, rubbing a rabbit’s foot, crossing my fingers, knocking on wood, or the power of wishing wells.  I routinely delete those chain emails that promise untold horrors if I don’t forward them to ten of my friends (sounds more like an Amway pyramid scheme to me.  I’ll save my friends the potential horror).  I’ll walk under ladders, step on sidewalk cracks, open my umbrella indoors, and even mention that a pitcher has a no-hitter going on.  Oh, and I don’t believe in horoscopes or fortunes, either.

Change is good

But a recent meal of Chinese food brought an unexpected benefit besides the MSG headache and indigestion: a fortune cookie that reminded me to state my goals for the year.  The simple statement is listed above, but truer words have never been written.  I’m going to list my goals for 2010, but first I’ll give you the behavioral changes that will make my goals a reality:

Eat healthier foods - I actually started this before the New Year, and it’s paid off in a smaller waistline.  I started substituting salads and fruits for Doritos and chocolate chip cookies, and I’ve dropped about 12 pounds this year.  But some of that weight loss is due to change #2…

Exercise regularly - I’m currently doing 5 days of exercise a week.  I try to lift weights at least four times a week, and get some walking in on the weekends.  Work has been crazy since before Christmas, so I’ve been leaving and getting home in the dark.  When things calm down, I’ll try to walk before work.

Get to bed early - Or really, earlier than usual.  I’m trying to get 6 hours of sleep a night.  Old habits die hard, but the exercising has been making me sleepy.

Have more patience - this applies to having more patience to let these changes take effect before I throw in the towel.  “Stay the course”, as Ronald Reagan once said.  “One bite at a time” is my new mantra.

On to the goals

So, if I follow all of these behavioral changes, I should be able to meet my goals for the year.  Here they are:

1. Drop 50 pounds - Yes, you read that correctly.  I started the year just a shade under 230, and I’d like to get back to my fighting weight of 180.  I feel this warrants the pole position, as I’m starting to block out the sun.  I’ve already dropped 12 pounds, so this is definitely doable.  Besides, I’ve done it before, about 7 years ago.
2. Benchpress and Deadlift 300 pounds - Why does a beancounter need to be able to lift 300 pounds?  Well, just to shut my smartass son up.  He thinks the old geezer is over the hill.  I’ll show him!  Besides, I like lifting weights.
3. Post more frequently - Because I have a full-time job, I struggle to find the time to post these strange thoughts that rattle around in my cranium.  Going to bed early won’t help, as i usually brainstorm after everyone has gone to bed, but hopefully eating all of that healthy food will increase my energy. I’d like to hit 250 posts for 2010.
4. Fund my 401(k) - This is an easy one, as I make it automatic.  It’s good to put a couple of softies on the list;  achieving them keeps you motivated.  I did the same thing last year when the market tanked.  I followed Warren Buffett’s advice and dumped more money into my 401(k) when everyone was panicking.
5. Read a new book each month - I was doing really well with my reading last year until Thanksgiving, and then the wheels seemed to fall off.  I’ll set aside time each day to read.  I’m open to suggestions.  Has anybody read a good book lately?
6. Run 3 miles - Since I’m currently walking 3 miles, this may be the toughest goal to achieve.  I don’t enjoy running, and have never gotten the “buzz” that so many of my running friends gush about.  I’ll start this one slowly, as I’m no fan of shin splints.  Can anyone recommend a good running shoe?

So, there you have it.  Nothing impossible to achieve, but challenging to some degree.  I’ll keep you posted on how I’m doing.  So, what’s your biggest goal for this year?

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