Goals are such flimsy things. They can be made easily, and just as easily forgotten. I had a goal when I was a child, to be as tall as my 6ft brother, much to my parents dismay (it would be harder to marry off a very tall daughter!). I spent many days measuring myself and stretching so I could reach my goal.
I’m the type of person that writes down goals. I read somewhere that it helps to make them happen if you write them down (they appear less flimsy that way). So as you walk through our home you will see goal notes on the walls. The one I have in the kitchen reads “10 kgs in 20 weeks, by August 28”. I wrote that goal 18 weeks ago, when, after having baby #4 I felt I was ready to start my weight loss schedule again.
I have been successful before with loosing weight after having babies. After #1 I took my time, was casual about it and didn’t have a definite goal. After baby #2 I was slightly obsessed with losing weight and being fit again, so six weeks after giving birth I began my journey, with the goal to lose it by our son’s christening, six months later. I achieved this and got quite obsessed by it in the last few kilos. By husband actually suggested that “that’s enough weight loss now.”
Come along baby #3 and I was so eager for my six week check up to get the go ahead with getting back to my weight loss and fitness. I didn’t have a goal this time and it took 15 months after the birth to get back to my usual self. To lose those last few kilos again I had to be obsessed. But I managed it, and then got pregnant again!
So now I’m up to post baby #4, which is our last baby. I asked the physio in the hospital (after giving birth) exactly when can I start exercising! Now, I’m two weeks away from my deadline. My weight has been dropping off, I’m on my way, despite a few slip-ups and not finding the time to exercise until recently when I decided to put myself first (as a mother that is so hard to do!). The past week I have been obsessed about it, so I guess that means I’m going to reach my goal.
There is no doubt in my mind what my obsession to be fit, slim and healthy is due to. Besides wanting to live a long active life, I have a fear of being overweight/obese like my mother and sister. At the age of 18 I went to the doctor in full health just to ask her what could I do so I don’t end up overweight. She advised exercise and a healthy diet.
I never did reach my goal to be as tall as my brother, but I think that has more to do with it being out of my control!
