2014, Making the Most of a New Year

Two days ago we rang in the new year, 2014, and I tried to stay up I really did but once the proseco was opened around 10:30 pm my body quickly went into sleepy mode. Last year came and went like all the years before, me just letting life happen and enjoying the ride but not this year. So get ready 2014, this lady is motivated and will work, work, work to accomplish a few things this year. Ok you might be thinking, so what Elizabeth? How is that all different from most people's new year resolutions? Well friends, I'd like to share with you an article I read just before the new year turned, Forget Setting Goals. Focus on This Instead. http://m.entrepreneur.com/article/230333

The article goes on to list 3 cons with "goals" and how they work / don't work, and instead introduces a new word "system" as a way to accomplish what you want. Basically, my goal is an Ironman 70.3. My system is the training schedule and the smaller races that will give me experience/practice for it. Now I'm sharing this article because after reading it I felt like somebody gave me a high-five for the way I was doing my training, and thought maybe it would give some of you a little boost in your day or possibly help you see your training in a different way.

For example, I have struggled with swimming, and continue to struggle, and because of which there have been days that I have cut my training sessions short or done them differently than scheduled. The old me would have reprimanded myself for not doing as I was supposed to. My point is that I have never had day where I hated my training or questioned why I'm doing it. I enjoy my training and this road that will lead to an Ironman 70.3 because I know that it's the combination of training, nutrition, and rest that will get me there, and how that combination plays out depends on the day.

Here are some of my systems that I will be putting in place for 2014:

• Train daily for Ironman 70.3 (rest days are a part of training)
• Work on German and Spanish 30 minutes each day
• Spend 10% of this year outdoors with Cheddar (36 days)

So, what are your goals systems for this year?