JBA Board of Governors member Giselle Carson
Would you like to live longer, have a better mood, look and feel better, get out of the office and have fun?..........if your answer to one or more of these is yes, read on!
You can achieve these goals and more by committing to and consistently following some simple steps. Since I know that lawyers are competitive and goal driven and that many of our judges and lawyers New Year’s resolutions and wishes include working out regularly, stretching before a kickball game and staying fit….here, is a challenge for you: make 2010 your fittest and healthiest year ever! It is possible! Here are the steps to help you:
Set a goal today and develop a plan to achieve it
Sign up for an event that will help you achieve your goal, outline the benefits of your goal, and review them daily. Consider running or walking your first 5K or 15K. There are a variety of local fun walks, climbs and runs within the next few months, pick one, sign up and energize your training, or what about joining the JBA kickball league?
Develop a passion for the goal or change you want to achieve
This is not easy! Most of us are comfortable with the status quo. You must create and fuel an intense motivation for achieving your goal. Remind yourself, often, what you don’t like about the present situation, and the joy and pride from achieving your goal.
Track your progress
Develop a weekly plan, celebrate your successes and learn from your failures. Refer to your successes, and those of others, often to keep your inspiration alive
Surround yourself with mentors and inspiration.
Yes, even with fitness goals, having a mentor is essential for success. Find someone that has reached similar goals and is willing to help you.
Excuse-proof your environment
Carry what you will need to accomplish your training despite other challenges to your schedule. If possible, exercise before work or before going home from work.
Learn to accept and overcome set backs
When you get knocked down you have two choices: to stay down or get up and try again. Find the strength to get up!
Make a public commitment to your goal
There is a power and pride in telling others our goals.
Join a group with similar goals
We are social creatures. Find others with similar goals and join them. You can help each other with commitment, motivation and tips. There are several attorneys and legal professionals training for “Climb Jacksonville” at the Bank of America Tower. The event is scheduled for Feb. 6. After you sign up, you can start your training to climb 42 flights of stairs! And if you can walk three miles, you can do this. Most people can complete the climb in less than 20 minutes. You will have a great feeling of accomplishment and also develop new friendships and connections.
There are others training for the 26.2 with Donna, the Ortega River Run and the Gate River Run. Join them! Not only will you be improving your health but in some cases you will help raise money and awareness for good causes.
Be positive and think ‘success’
When you think that you can’t keep going, tell yourself “Yes, I can” and push yourself to go a little further, to exercise a few more minutes. Surprisingly, most times, you can keep going.
These steps can be adapted and used for any goal that you want to achieve in 2010. They have helped me successfully achieve many goals, including the Jacksonville marathon in 2009. What are you looking to achieve? Resolve and commit to achieving your goals for 2010….Resolve and commit to be in better health for you, your family and your profession…Jacksonville is a great city to be healthy and to be a lawyer!
Wishing you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!