Tag: goals

Posted on in Fear/Don't Fake Brave, Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perfectionism, Perseverance, Personality, Pivot, Wisdom

Goals Are Only a Guide

Yesterday, we had our annual goals meeting at work. We do this every year, focusing on national and departmental VA goals. The funny thing is, I never really have any goals that match my manager’s expectations. It’s almost a running joke at this point!

This level of goal setting is above and beyond our normal work duties, which are already immense! So, it’s good to challenge ourselves but it’s not the end of the world. I usually offer to help others with their goals, and that is good enough.

It’s not that I don’t have goals – I have lots! I love learning, but not all of my interests are transferrable at work or a good fit for my patients. For instance, I am interested in plant-based diets and would love to promote them more often. Yet, it’s not for everyone, especially a population that is often rural, mostly male, and meat-loving. These guys tend to rely on microwave meals or let their wives do all the cooking.

Also, focusing on my own mobility exercises has been key for me lately, but that’s a bit out of my current scope of practice. Even if I decide to train in this area (a fitness or pain certification to complement my foodie side), I may not be able to apply it as well as I would like. But it’s something I am considering!

Free goal target success illustration

For me, it’s a good sign I don’t want to set excessive goals. I want to do exactly what God is calling me to do. No more and no less. I don’t have to be perfect or overachieve. My top goals are to stay close to Jesus, listen to the Holy Spirit, and bring my Heavenly Father glory through serving and loving others. Everything else is just a bonus! 

God is good at showing me when I need to make a change, personally or professionally. He leads me and is patient with me until I get where I need to be. Therefore, if God Himself is not telling me anything different, I can be at peace. I don’t need to apologize or explain anything. I trust I am on track!

Goals are good, but they are only a guide. They don’t override God’s plan for me!

I always aim to go above and beyond to meet the needs of my patients, even when it is inconvenient. I don’t see that changing any time soon! But, God has given me a lot to do outside of work, too! As a single mom, I need to use my energy wisely.

Free Road Curve photo and picture

Prayerfully, my long-term work goals are fairly simple and have worked well so far!

  1. Eat a good breakfast since I don’t know when I will get to eat my lunch. I always manage to eat, but it’s not always predictable due to patient care.

  2. Show up. There are gonna be days I just don’t “feel” like going to work. Do it anyway. (As it is, I find I am always happier when I go and see people. I hate to miss something important!)

  3. Have a good attitude. Be a team player. Smile! I can encourage those around me, and not complain or drag them down.

  4. Have patience with my patients. Every day is different, and I work with a wide variety of personalities and problems. There are similarities, but there are still so many nuances. I have to bust myths and break through barriers daily!

  5. Do my best and minimize “late notes.” This is more of a behind-the-scenes billing thing, but I can only do my best!

I am beyond grateful for where God has me right now. This time, this space, this routine. My coworkers and family and responsibilities. I know things will change someday, but I am content going at His pace and walking in His peace.

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Heavenly Father, thanks for taking such good care of me. You are so gracious and kind to provide for me and lead me. Help me stay close to You so I can move when You do! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you like setting goals? What goals are you working toward right now?

Task: When setting goals, pray first, then make them SMART! That stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based.

Posted on in Gratitude, Journey of Grace, Life is Short, Miscellaneous, Perseverance, Wisdom

Un-Resolutions

Do you make New Year’s resolutions? Many people choose to make self-improvements at this time of year. Yet, after a few weeks, they stop following through. Perhaps they lost their motivation or maybe they tried to change too many things at once?

For me, I simply want to do my best and continue working toward good habits all year long. I want to set myself up for success and sustainability. Small changes add up over time, and slow progress is still moving forward.

We are not guaranteed a certain number of days, but we can make the best of each moment God gives us. We can honor Him and redeem the time.

Beach, Rocks In The Sea, Sea, Sun, Light, Vacations

Instead of resolutions, I simply set an intention this year. Instead of resolving to change a bunch of things, I’m focusing on good boundaries, resting in God’s grace, and taking good care of myself. That may look different from day to day. It’s less about willpower or wishful thinking and more about a mindset.

I do have to occasionally remind myself that close enough is good enough… no need for perfectionism here! I am giving myself credit as long as I show up and keep practicing healthy habits!

If I keep putting one step in front of the other and don’t give up, eventually, I will get where I need to be. Or, in the meantime, God will redirect me and it will turn out better than I had planned. I don’t have to worry; I just have to listen to Him and be flexible.

Yes, challenges and distractions will inevitably come, but we were made to do difficult things. We are more than conquerors, and if God is for us, who can be against us?

I’m not saying to slack off or don’t try to make positive changes in areas like sleep, nutrition, fitness, finances, or even Bible study. Give ’em all you’ve got!! Just don’t attach your value to whether or not you succeed.

Ultimately, our worth comes from who God is and how He sees us. We are loved and accepted as-is. We don’t have to DO, we already ARE. His grace is more than enough.

So whatever we do, we can find joy every day!

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God, thanks for loving us as-is. We don’t have to earn Your grace, we already have it! Help us honor you in our habits, words, and actions today. May You be first in our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Did you set any resolutions or intentions this year? Or do you just make changes as the year goes on, whenever they are needed?

Tasks: Consider making an UN-resolution. Don’t settle for a quick fix, but be consistent when the going gets tough. Be willing to change habits and put in the effort, but also know you are loved and accepted whether or not you reach your goal!

 

Posted on in Food and Nutrition, Miscellaneous, Perseverance

Building Solid Habits

I heard a report this week saying that most people have already given up on their goals and resolutions for the year. Only three weeks in, old habits are creeping back in. I get it. I have been tempted to give up too!

For me, my only real goal was to get up earlier. And on a couple occasions, even that has been a struggle! 🙂 As such, I’ve also had to make a commitment to go to bed earlier…

One thing is clear: I can’t have a strong commitment without a strong conviction.

A few years ago, I joined a group called HelloMornings. I love the idea of waking up FOR your kids, instead of waking up TO your kids. Of course, even without kids, you can wake up early for other awesome reasons!

This year, I decided to step it up with the HelloMornings ‘3 Minute Morning’ challenge to help me rebuild my morning habit. I used to be good at this, but over time the habit, like many others, has fallen by the wayside.

I have been waking up early to get a few key things done before Lydia wakes up. I typically do light exercise while listening to the One Year Bible (via the YouVersion app on my phone). Then, I stretch or do yoga, followed by coffee with Jesus. I use that time to journal, read, pray, and power up my day.

Pretty simple, yet rewarding!

I enjoy each of these tasks and have done them successfully over the years. But, I haven’t done them in this order…or all in the morning! Still, I am finding my day goes much better when I do those things first.

Basically, I get as far along in that routine as I can before Lydia joins me. Then, I finish up and get her breakfast. It’s a work-in-progress, sure! And, it will have to be flexible enough to survive all the bumps of daily life.

But, I am enjoying the routine so far…and the quiet “thinking time” too! Eventually, I’d like to work on a few other goals as well before the day gets away from me. Though, if I try to start too many things up at once, I won’t be able to maintain any of them.

Yes, even rebuilding habits can be difficult at times. Maybe you have had a couple make-or-break moments, too. Remember, God is your Sustainer. He will help you fulfill all of His plans, if you seek Him first.

Many people set new goals for food or fitness in the new year. These types of goals can be difficult to maintain because it can take awhile to see results.

So, as a Registered Dietitian, I want to encourage you to keep it up!

Here are a few of my favorite websites to help with any nutrition goals you may have.

(FYI: There are no affiliate links…I don’t earn any money off these sites.)

I find it helpful to track the foods you eat on a daily basis. It’s like giving yourself credit for what you are doing right! Or, if you are making changes, it’s good to see the impact of your choices so you can self-correct. Check out MyFitnessPal and Nutrition Data.

For meal planning help, check out Plan to Eat and Eat Real America. (These are paid membership sites…though they do have great free trials).

If you are trying to eat more fruits and veggies, you gotta check out Inspiralized.com  and Fruits and Veggies More Matters (I can’t get enough of these two!)

If you have an Instant Pot, check out Pressure Cooking Today, Hip Pressure Cooking, and This Old Gal. Lots of good recipes!

If you love chocolate and other sweets (like me!!), but want to make healthier desserts, check out Chocolate Covered Katie. She has some main dishes too, as does Angela at Oh She Glows. (These ladies make some very creative vegan options…and I’m not even vegan!) 😉

If you want to get your kids cooking, check out these Kids in the Kitchen sites!

I also love just about anything by these dietitians: Zonya Foco or Dawn Jackson Blatner.

Clearly, I could spend all day perusing nutrition and foodie sites…the bright colors, recipes, and flavor combinations always capture my attention! 🙂 So this is certainly not an exhaustive list. But, hopefully it encourages you and helps you keep at your goals!

Let me know if I can help or pray for you!

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Father God, thank You for being my Sustainer. Thanks for Your strength as I make positive changes. Help me listen as You direct me. Give me courage as I walk this path with You! In Jesus’ Name, Amen

Questions: Do you have a nutrition-related goal? What is it? Do you have an early morning music playlist? (Please share…I could use some ideas!)

Tasks: Pray when tempted to stray off your new habit. Use a journal to record your thoughts and emotions…see if you can detect a pattern in relationship to your new habit. Ask a friend to keep you accountable.