I’m a “Go big or go home” goal setter. If it’s not extravagant and impressive, why bother? When I have down time, I end up setting extreme goals for myself… I have high expectations.
Go Big or Go Home… Until You Don’t Have To
My Masters degree? I got done in 15 weeks… I was bored over winter break and decided that a Masters degree was the perfect thing to work on and occupy my time with. While raising five children, teaching full time, attending sports practices for the boys, coaching M’s winter and spring soccer teams, and just being present in all parts of their lives. I was determined to get it done so that’s what I did. My goal was 6 months. I surpassed that.
It was time to move on to my next goal. I’ve been unhappy with my weight for a while. I’m not going to lie, I could eat potatoes all day and I drink my calories. I know that I am my own problem. A coworker lost a bunch of weight running. I figured why not try it. We’ve tried gym memberships and diets. They didn’t work… But, I can’t just run to lose weight, right? I immediately started planning to run a half-marathon in May 2026. Keep in mind, I started my running journey November 2, 2025. Once again, go big or go home. I know I can do it. I’m determined and self-disciplined (mostly).
Pushing Too Hard
A few weeks ago, I pushed too hard and pulled a muscle. It’s not the end of the world and I’m fine, but it set back my “20 week plan”. Which also stressed me out SO much because I’m falling behind. Yesterday, I ran intervals so I wasn’t running the full 3.5 miles, but still being active. During this, I was thinking “Why am I stressing out so much about this? Why am I pushing myself so hard for something I don’t have to do? Do I really need to run 13 miles?” I finished intervals and went home.
Smaller Goals Are Still Goals
I talked to Chris about how overwhelmed I was about being behind and how I was stressed out about something that I don’t HAVE to do. He, lovingly, pointed out that I always set extremely high goals and push myself too much. He reminded me that there are smaller goals I can set to work on my physical health and still feel that sense of accomplishment. That it all doesn’t have to be grand and extravagant…
I sat down and started making smaller goals. I changed my half marathon plan to having a “beach body” by summer break and to meet the recommended measurements for my height. After a couple of weeks of following this plan, I feel relaxed and enjoy working out without the added stress of “I have to do this.” I will say, I’m struggling a little with not having set milestones throughout, so I make my own challenges to keep me progressing. For example, while running I am still trying to lower my mile time. I have markers through the neighborhood that I know I need to pass at certain times to beat my previous.
Attainable Goals Matter
For those of you that are like me, it is okay to take a step back and have smaller, more attainable goals. You are not any less because you don’t push yourself as hard as you can. The important part is that you keep working to better yourself, no matter the step size.