Body-oriented goals

I’m about 2/3s done ChiRunning, and its an amazing book. Expect many more posts about it in the coming weeks.

This part I am at now about settings goals really speaks to me:

There is definitely something to be said about setting goals, bu be careful they don’t slip into results-oriented. That internal conversation might sound something like, “I want to run faster than my neighbor,” or “I want to win that race.” By contrast, a body-oriented goal would be one that wells up from inside. The goal should also be within your capacity to manifest in a healthy way, given the right conditions and a realistic time frame. There’s nothing wrong with a goal if you’re listening to your body and asking it a reasonable request.

A results-oriented goal might sound like, “I want to run a 6-minute mile.” Translated into a body-oriented goal, it would sound more like “I want to be a faster runner.” The former path holds me to a specific path that will be considered successful only if I run a 6-minute mile. If a 6:23 mile is the fastest I’ll ever run, I’ll never be totally happy, because I never reached my goal.

On the other hand, the goal of being a faster runner automatically puts the emphasis on the process, because being faster is a relative statement.

So, maybe my new years’ resolutions weren’t body-oriented. I think that was part of my reluctance to make them, and it’s why I’m beating myself up about being such a slacker last week.

Ultimately, my goal for the year is to one active thing for 30 minutes every day. I am doing this because I want to feel stronger. I don’t want to miss out on great opportunities for fun because I don’t have the fitness to do it. I want to live a long, active life. When we have kids, I want them to have the best chance they possibly can to have strong, healthy bodies. I want to set a good example.

We weighed in today and I lost another pound, but I have only lost about 3 pounds in 7 weeks. The last few to my goal have been the hardest, for sure. I keep telling myself that it will be easier when I’m going out for a spring morning jog instead of bundling up to face the frozen tundra.

Pattie Reaves

About Pattie Reaves

I'm a new mom and renegade fitness blogger at After the Couch. I live in Brewer with my husband, Tony, our daughter Felicity, and our two pugs, Georgia and Scoop.