Thursday, December 30, 2010

Eleven Keys for Eleven


I've been contemplating a whole bunch of resolution ideas since it is the season for this type of mental exercise. In contrast to what I typically do with setting measurable milestones, I decided to give myself less tangible keys (aka more of guidelines or intentions). Some of these are obvious but the more I do these things, the more successful I will be this year culminating with racing Ironman Florida on November 5, 2011:

  1. Stay healthy. My last two "seasons" ended with a trip to an emergency room. A serious injury always sucks (I know from experience). A nagging injury would make a difficult quest even more difficult. Paying attention to how my body feels and being cautious are paramount. Addressing physical issues early will help keep me on track.

  2. Believe. This means not just assembling the "team" necessary for success (almost done) but actually entrusting them. They are providing me with guidance, knowledge and inspiration. This will only work if I know when to turn off my brain and having faith in the team and faith in the plan.

  3. Do the work. As much as I would want to "wish" myself ready, there is no magic here. There will be times when I don't want to do what I know I need to do. I don't need to want to do it but I do need to do it.

  4. Lose weight. If this list was based on priority, this item might be number one. My body composition is my biggest limiter I'm not going to set a goal but significant change is necessary.

  5. Expect difficulties and failures. I will be tested and not just on race day. Things like life and work will get in the way. I will not meet some of my expectations. I expect to learn something about myself.

  6. Avoid distractions. Focus on what is important not what I think is important (see #2).

  7. Choose to be a better husband, father, and friend. This is what is most important for my life, not just 2011.

  8. Put myself in a position to be lucky.

  9. Celebrate successes more than lamenting shortcomings. Avoid any downward mental spiral. The mental aspect of my quest cannot be underestimated.

  10. Be thankful. I get to do this, I don't have to do it. Remember that. Often.

  11. Make the journey special. Race day will be the victory lap.
Rock on.

10 comments:

Pahla said...

Rock on, indeed! This is a great list (made better because of the 11 items). I particularly like #8 and #11. Best wishes for you in 2011!!

Unknown said...

wonderful list. have a great year!

Carolina John said...

Come on Joe, set some real goals. A number to get that scale down to (pounds or body fat %), a finish time for Ironman, something. You're going to have a great year; a very memorable year. Rock it.

Heather said...

I like number 8.
I will try to mimic you and do the same.

Good luck with all these!

Anonymous said...

Difficulties and failures prepare you for race day!

Caratunk Girl said...

Nice Joe, I predict 2011 is going to be awesome.

Happy New Year

TRI714 said...

Great list for sure. So many resonate through my head as well.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU and your goals

JAllgood said...

Great List! I wish I would have checked out your list before I fumbled through my own.

Happy New Year!

Glaven Q. Heisenberg said...

This sounds reasonable to me.

Good luck with it!

Mark said...

I love this list. It is really thoughtful, insightful, but most of all—doable! I especially like #7 and #5. Being a good dad and husband is what it is all about. I started my bike workout tonight after I tucked my kids in bed and gave them kisses. I was tired and cranky, but the time I get to spend with them at this age will be short.

Incidentally, as someone with a PhD in music, I can tell you that b-minor is unquestionably the saddest of all keys.