Fall Cometh – Let the Countdown Begin!

Ten Ways To Ready

 

Last night I reached for an extra blanket. During my walk this morning the beautiful orange-red leaf at the top of the hill caught my eye.

Yep – Fall is near. 

Pretty soon time will change, so will a few other things. The biggest one for me is always less outside time: I love being in the sun, no matter what I’m doing. I also like late evening walks. No more of those either.

We all know what comes next: more whatever-we-stream time (Netflix, Hulu, Disney) and calories.

What’s a person to do?

Make a plan

There are exactly 63 days until the time changes – plenty of time to plan and practice. Using the notion that it takes 21 days to make a habit, there’s time to make three new habits. That way each new thing gets dedicated time, and overwhelm can be side-stepped.

Here are a few ideas:

• Make a decision 
• Set goals
• Remember what worked in the past (improvise as needed)
• Get an activity/accountability buddy
• Commit to an indoor activity
• Join a group (meetups abound)
• Participate in a library book club (mine offers virtual or real time)
• Volunteer for something
• Take a class
• Offer to teach something(!) 

Proceed with Care

It’s important not to overdo it. Start with a specific thing (small and simple are good too). Now is a great time to review SMART goal-setting

• Specific – (for example: do 10 more sit-ups)
• Measurable – it can be measured
• Achievable/attainable – be sure the goal be done realistically
• Relevant – it will have meaning and applicability to you
• Timebound – deadline attachments help focus and usually answer: 
  • When?  What can I do 6 months from now?- What can I do 6 weeks from now? -What can I do today? 

Get on Your mark!

(In addition to using my own knowledge, SMART info was summarized from numerous google searches.)