I can tell it’s January. Everywhere I look I keep seeing the same two words: Diet. Exercise.
I don’t know about you, but I am sick of seeing them and feeling guilty. This is the time of the year when 99 percent of us have both words on our list of New Year’s resolutions. It isn’t even about weight. Everyone needs exercise and a healthy diet. It should go without saying huh.
I usually have an excuse why I can’t stay on an exercise or diet program. That excuse is a “book deadline”. Even a nutritionist told me that I shouldn’t try to diet, exercise and meet my deadlines at the same time — that it puts too much pressure on me.
I can laugh about that now since I am ALWAYS on a deadline. She had handed me “The perfect excuse.” And believe me I’ve used it enough times in the past.
But this is 2013 and I am ready for a change.
It’s funny how sticking to something seems to work. It’s like when I start a book. If it isn’t working, I often think about the next one. That plot always seems like it will be easier to write.
But ultimately, I come back to the book that is going to be due soon, and I write it.
Diet and exercise is no different than writing a book. Both require staying power – especially when it gets hard. All the other times I’ve tried to stay on a diet and exercise plan, I would do it for a while. When it got to the point where I realized it was going to take continued work, I quit. The difference between it and the books I write, I didn’t go back to it.
But I realized something recently. Sticking to anything is tough. Writing books is the hardest work I’ve ever done. Sure there are times in the middle of a book when I’ve painted myself into a corner and don’t know how to get out and I want to quit. But I don’t.
So doesn’t that mean I should be able to stick to a diet and exercise program — even when I’m on a deadline?
One week in, I’m not saying I have this figured out. But if I’ve learned anything after writing sixty-nine books, it is that some times you have to tough it out. I’m tired and sore from working out, my stomach is empty or at least it thinks it is, and I just lived through a book deadline — all in the same week.
All kind of things happened this week that could have made me quit. But I didn’t. I’ve proven I can do it for a week. I can feel my progress. I feel good realizing I’m tougher than I thought I was. I want to keep at it.
I know there will be bumps in the road but I’m tired of saying that one of these days I’m going to get in shape. I’m beginning to sound like people I know who say that one of these days they’re going to write a book.
Are you tired of having the same list of New Year’s resolutions? Do you keep putting off something you really want to do thinking you’ll do it some day in the future?
Why not do it in 2013? It will be one less thing you have to put on your list come Jan. 1, 2014.
So write down that one thing you really want to accomplish this year for the very last time — and then come the end of 2013 stop by one of my blogs and tell us what you did. We’ll celebrate!!! This is our year!!
Making resolutions is like giving up M & Ms: a recipe for disappointment and failure. But, like you BJ, I have things I want to change, things I could be doing better. I do the exercise thing–I’ve found it’s cheaper than a therapist. But, I really want to be more present in life, less attached to outcomes. I know this isn’t an “accomplishment” per se (well, it is for me actually) but it’s definitely something I need to work on.
Deborah, that is an accomplishment.
It’s funny, my husband and I were just talking about that. I get so lost in writing that I’m not present in this life often. We’re trying to figure out how to get me “out” more. 🙂
Let me know what you figure out.
Great post, BJ!!!! I never thought of a book deadline as an analogy for losing weight, albeit, I have lost weight when I’m under the gun with a deadline. I don’t have time to cook, or to eat what The Hub makes me.
When, finally, I turn in the book, I go through a housecleaning catharsis. That can take a few pounds off, LOL!
🙂 Josie
Thanks Josie.
I can’t imagine not eating. I swear it is the only thing keeps me upright during a deadline — that and Coke Zero!
But I get the housecleaning thing. I always feel as if I just resurfaced and I’m finally aware of everything around me.
Hi B.J.,
I’m sick of all the dieting ads, too. I walk into my grocery store, and it’s a huge display of yoga mats and bathroom scales, right across from a wall of Valentine candy.
As for resolutions, this year I am determined to spend more quality time with my family.
Laura,
That is a great resolution! My husband and I just planned a day trip. I need him to get me away from the computer more!
Glad I wasn’t the only one sick of all the January diet stuff!
My diet is going to be to read thinner books. There was a guy called Callimachus who knocked about in 250 BC and he said ‘big book, big mistake’. (I didn’t invent that.) And my exercise will be to try and read faster so I can read more stuff. Maybe I’ll go as far as a few push-ups on the desk top. And a jog round the dog. What do you think – will it be enough?
LOL John, sounds great!
Reading more especially.
But I do love a big thick book once in a while. I like living in a book for a while. But then I read slow enough, it’s not a problem whatever the length. 🙂
I’ve tried to type up my answer three times, but I keep erasing. Apparently I need to come up with some goals for 2013. My writing life still needs structure to make it smoother for my daily life. I’d like to find that balance where I’m not stressing out when the deadline looms.
Boy Kendra — you and me when it comes to finding that balance!
Let me know how when you find it.
Seriously, that’s definitely a great goal.
Ugh, I go through this every January. I stick to that exercise 80% of the year. January rolls around, it’s cold, it’s dark and I can’t run before work, cuz it’s cold (ok I can wear layers) and dark! Who wants to run after work????? I need to.
Thanks for the reminder. Guess I better get the warm running clothes out of the drawer. 🙂
Catherine,
I don’t like getting up in the dark either. But congrats for going for the warm clothing and getting moving.
We’ll inspire each other!
I have a different theory to resolutions to most. Everyone seems to have this concept you have to succeed at it straight away, and if you slip up on January first, you just give up. My theory is you have the year to make the change you want. Last year, my aim was to give up coke. And it took me a few tries to succeed, but by the end of the year I’d been coke-free for 6 months, so I think I achieved that goal.
Instead of saying exercise, why not break it down a bit and say walk three times a week. Or instead of saying diet, start small and reduce the amount of sugar in your coffee, or just make sure you have healthier snacks in the house rather than chocolates or cookies? They’re changes you can make without putting pressure on yourself.
As for me? My goal for 2013 is to finish the first draft of my first manuscript. I’m about 75% there, so surely it’s got to be achievable! 🙂
Tanya,
My hat is off to you for getting off Coke.
I love your moderate approach to reaching our goals. Definitely good advice
And congrats on the first draft of your first manuscript! One word at a time. Definitely achievable!