week #6

Consistency.

    This week is the 1st week of the 2nd month and by now you have a) experienced results, b) re-set your goals, c) selected your 100% focus.  Now, it’s 100% consistency. Being consistent is the most challenging aspect of forming successful habits (as you know). There’s the day to day of work, accounting for children and any other little thing life throws your way. A high percentage of the time you will be the first thing that is replaced in your schedule. This is why planning & time management are paramount.  (covered in weeks #2 & 3).

Think about the justifications & rationalizations that come with putting yourself last. “I just want my kids to...” “they need me at work to...” “I just feel so selfish when...”. The harsh reality is;
telling your kids one thing while they watch you do another – ensures they do exactly what you do. Yes, our kids will take our best and worse habits and incorporate them into their lives. 100% proven (not a matt-ism)
 your work will continue beyond your tenure – believe me. There will be someone and someway to replace what you do – pretty quick. This is not to downplay your importance, rather put things into perspective for you
*in both cases you will be a more valuable asset and better contributor when you consistently take care of your own affairs 1st.

In our challenge, people have been on & off – you know it, you know who you are. However, to point out the positive – when each of you have strung together consistency in (eating well, exercising well, reporting well), you have seen the results.

*Side not this week – since I challenged all of you to make priorities, sacrifices and choices this month, I thought it only appropriate to do the same for myself – so I made a wager with my co-workers there would be no sweets, beers (and I like beers) or bread products for 1 month. We weighed in last week and will be following through the end of the month (and the end of your 2nd term).
So... In the spirit of not asking you to do something I am not prepared to do myself (and yes I have kids, a wedding, travel, a gala during that timeframe), however – game on.

I’ll keep you updated and we can celebrate together!
Have a better week.