The concept is fairly silly
So last week I had a blog labeled "30 days of perfection" where I proclaimed how wonderful my diet will be for 30 days. Almost immediately after writing it I realized the entire concept of 30 days is really missing the point. Yes I know I will get significantly closer to my goals in 30 days but I’m just too far away to achieve them in that short amount of time so I started thinking about 60 days of perfection instead. Of course that too also misses the point. The very concept of doing something for 30-60-90-120 days is flawed. Why? Because it’s about achieving goals regardless of the amount of time it takes. I am beyond the point of casual weight gain and fat loss. My efforts must be focused consistently. Sure, I’ll be able to relax a bit once I achieve them but without consistenty doing the right things everyday I will never get there…. Lord knows I’ve tried.
I have also realized just how deeply ingrained an unhealthy lifestyle is in my life as well as society as a whole. I’ll end with this:
If you want something others don’t have then you must do what others won’t do.
November 2, 2009 at 9:27 am
I’ll play Devil’s Advocate. 30 day goals, 60 day goals, or whatever timeframe aren’t silly. They’re just shorter term goals on the way to the long-term goal(s). Some people need a shorter, and more tangible goal, in order to stay focused on doing the right things. A daily or weekly goal can help. That’s why I have a goal for Nov & Dec, but it’s broken down into weekly: Eat clean with a max of 1 cheat meal per week.
November 2, 2009 at 9:31 am
I’m with Al on this one, the shorter term goals I set help put the longer term goals in place and prepare me mentally as well as physically for reaching them. Sometimes I will even do a one week goal on eating clean, just to get back in the groove and prove to myself I can do it.
November 2, 2009 at 9:40 am
I agree with Al and Steve. The choices you make daily build up into short-term goals and a series of short goals build to a long-term direction.
Some people find having an end point motivational to work toward, 30 or 60 days, whatever. Being consistent and adopting a healthy lifestyle isn’t necessarily a goal, it’s an intention. With some intention, you make choices to achieve a goal
That’s a nice summary at the end.
November 2, 2009 at 9:44 am
I definitely acknowledge the psychological benefit; in fact that’s how I came to my realization. What was the benefit of limiting it to just 30 days? Then I got a bit angry at myself. Am I so weak that I will only allow myself 30 days to achieve my dream? Without beating myself up to much I felt pathetic, stupid, and I was a bit embarassed for posting the blog!
Make no mistake about it I admire people with goals and I certainly don’t want to give the impression that 30-60-90-120 day goals are bad… quite the opposite. But for me, at this point in my development, it’s about 6-pack abs not time.
November 2, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I have to agree with Ledford and Al. I’d be proud of myself if I ate great for 30 or 60 days. In fact, if I eat great six days I week I’m really proud of myself and then give myself one cheat meal. Every 30 day accomplishment will end up giving you your 6-pack if you keep making that commitment every 30 days or so. I always appreciate your kind words on my blog so don’t be so hard on yourself!!!