Set-backs
Last night I was at a party. It didn’t go well. I knew in advance what the atmosphere was going to be like. It was the sort of party that people remember as having lots of dancing and good food. The invitations also read: bring a dessert to share.
I have plans built for this sort of situation. A massive MetRx protein bar would have kept me satisfied, even in the wake of Traci’s homemade chocolate cake. But I didn’t even bother. Why?
For one, this past week I’ve had to battle hormones. This brings Insomnia (yes, with a capital I), so I had approximately 3 hours of sleep under my belt. I was worried about a personal event that would not be resolved until today. I hadn’t gotten around to grocery shopping yet, so I was out of most of my on-plan reserves. Can you blame me for not feeling motivated?
I could. I could sit here and completely belittle myself for the dessert-sampler plate I wolfed-down last night. I could stare at the mirror and cry about the extra bulges that magically seem to appear after a single brownie. I could; but I won’t.
However, I’m not going to ignore it either. I’m not going to blame my actions on my circumstances. I did not really exercise or eat as well as I wanted to this week, and that was my decision. When I gave myself permission to ease-up during this hectic time, I included a caveat: if I allow myself to go off-plan, I am not allowed to berate myself for it later.
Everyone is going to mess-up. To think that you’re a failure after one slip-up is a very special, and rather masochistic, form of narcissism. What’s more, it’s a sure-fire way to send yourself down an emotional eating spiral. Don’t send yourself down that road.
I felt a little guilty when I woke-up this morning, but I didn’t let it get to me. Instead, I got-up, made myself an on-plan breakfast, and decided that I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s workout. The ability to bounce back so easily wasn’t something I always had. Realizing I can do it feels like an achievement in itself.
So if you messed up this weekend, don’t get down on yourself. Jump right back into your plan and accomplish something today. Turn your minor set-back into a major victory.
October 12, 2008 at 8:17 am
Yep. You can always get right back on track the next meal, workout, whatever is on your plan. Things happen, but we all learn. Hope you can get some good sleep soon, too.
October 12, 2008 at 8:19 am
Well said
That is what is most important you just fall off the horse jump back on. Everyone needs a little bit of a break if it is a cheat meal a cheat day or just taking a week off of working out. Your right have your fun and get right back in the mix. Add an extra 15 min to every cardio session do 3 more reps on all your sets for the week.
October 12, 2008 at 8:45 am
the most successful people always seem to be bigger than their problems and it looks like you are on the right track towards your goals! keep rockn!
October 12, 2008 at 9:22 am
Its chocolate under bridge. It happened. No need to get upset. Think of it as an accidental incentive when training this week to just go a lil’ outta and above your comfort zone.