Today’s quote:
“Things do not happen. Things are made to happen.” – John F. Kennedy
Whenever you get stuck, it is due to inaction. Why does this occur? Well, sometimes it occurs because we don’t know where to go from where we are. At other times we are crippled by fear. Sometimes we discover that we’ve lost interest in a particular goal and just stop pursuing it.
This is why I tend to set goals for 13 weeks. One, it aligns with the BestSelf Journal I use. Two, it allows me to dedicate some time toward something and make a decision after 13 weeks whether I want to continue this or move on to something else. This all boils down to “YOUR WHY”.
I am driven to exercise. Why? My Dad is currently suffering from vascular dementia. This is typical of people who smoke. Tobacco does a lot of damage over time. My Dad smoked into his sixties and his dementia was caused by two things, according to his doctor–lack of exercise and a degradation of his circulatory system caused by this lack of exercise combined with his smoking (up to two packs a day by the time he finally quit).
My Dad retired when he was 64-65. What did Dad do? He began watching the news daily for about 12-13 hours a day. Unfortunately, this caused his body to become even worse over time since his dementia kicked in about 4-5 years ago. I do not want to be where my Dad is right now. His short-term memory is gone. If my Mom asks him to go downstairs to put away groceries, by the time he is down the stairs, he can’t remember what she told him to do. This occurs throughout the day and causes her a lot of frustration.
He is also tired all of the time. He gets up around 9 am and is tired. He is falling asleep within an hour and naps throughout the afternoon. He is also a “sugarholic”. He has a full supply of Little Debby cookies, cupcakes, and other junk food in the basement. This is what he eats all night while watching TV.
This is my WHY. I do not want to become like this. I want to be healthy and have a good quality of life, for the rest of my life. Don’t get me wrong. I like the occasional sweet now and then. I enjoy a beer every once in a while. These things are ok as long as they are occasional.
My Dad’s situation is horrible. I retired early to help my Mom out with him. What is so horrible is that all of it could have been avoided, had he taken better care of himself. Vascular dementia is totally preventable with a good diet, plenty of sleep, and a regular exercise routine, regardless of age.
Well. That’s it for today folks. You now know my “why” for exercise. What is yours?
Reply here! I’d like to know what “why” drives you to the goals you have set.
Until next time…
Dave
