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| Fitbit Challenge Success! |
Here are some of my rear-view reflections on my healthy lifestyle challenge:
What was the hardest part about the challenge?
Sticking with it. We all have days when we just want to stay in bed longer or retreat in front of the TV. Making myself get up even though I wanted to lounge required thinking beyond the moment to my higher goal and purpose. At the end of the day was almost harder because you are ready after dinner just to be mellow and not think. I learned to just keep moving until my goal was met. I could still turn the TV on but I did my steps on the treadmill or by "prancing" while watching a movie.
What was easier than I thought?
Reaching those 10,000 steps everyday. Before I started this challenge I found it hard to get to 10,000 steps more than three times a week. It is remarkable how easy it became to achieve 10k steps each day just by making it a priority and being mindful about how to create step opportunities throughout the day. In fact, I ended up with over 10k steps each day with some days having several thousand steps more just by building in movement.
What did I learn about myself?
I am very motivated by goals and a challenge. Declaring my Fitbit 31 Day Challenge and what I wanted to accomplish per day and overall helped me keep focused on the plan each and every day. Every day of success was a motivator for the next day to come.
It was also a lesson in mindfulness and being present. I found I was much more productive by being aware of my day and how I was going to "make it happen" given what my day looked like. I got more things done overall because of being in the moment.
Keeping in mind the big picture and greater purpose helped me over come the desires of the moment. Like most of us, I live a very busy life with multiple stressors. It is easy for me to want to cop out and veg out when given the opportunity. Having something to motivate me beyond the moment helped me keep going and I have to admit I was happier for it.
Will the challenge change anything?
I believe it will. I now know I can achieve 10k steps a day regardless of what the world throws at me on any given day. I also felt better and enjoyed being more present. I think I ended up having more capacity to weather the daily stresses because of the added exercise and overall bigger purpose. I may not stay up to midnight again just to get my steps in but I do think I want a standing goal of 10k steps at least 5 days a week going forward. I'll let you know how it goes!
Finally, I am proud to announce I will be giving $3,915.55 to the CU Art Museum for the acquisition of the Sharkive Collection as a result of the total steps I achieved during my Fitbit Challenge (I committed to donate a penny per step). This adds additional satisfaction to my achievement. My effort meant something to me personal while also helping a great cause.
This was all done to help me embrace my reaching another decade in age. It feels great to be 60! You know my favorite phrase "Live Vibrant!"... Living it, loving it, sharing it!
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